FOR the fifth year, the Somerset Wildlife Trust is asking people in Somerset to record their wildlife sightings and tell them what they have seen as part of The Big Count 2026.

This can be done either via the iNaturalist app or using the new paper form that can be posted or emailed to Somerset Wildlife Trust.

The Big Count is the flagship citizen science event that asks as many people as possible across Somerset to head outside and record local wildlife in gardens, local parks, and community green spaces.

Over the past four years, nearly 3,000 species records have been successfully collected through The Big Count, providing vital information about 300 different UK species. Returning for its fifth year, anyone in Somerset can sign up and take part between June 18 to 27.

Run in partnership between Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), The Big Count aims to monitor changes in both the diversity and abundance of wildlife throughout Somerset. SERC is the main reference centre for biological and geological information for the county, and it holds over four-million data records, but more records are always needed.

In fact, there are still gaps in records for some of Somerset’s most ‘common’ species, including snails and slow worms, which is why people are being asked to report sightings of: Red fox, hares or rabbits, goldfinch, bullfinch, slow worms, bird’s-foot trefoil (flower), speckled wood (butterfly), small tortoiseshell (butterfly), common blue (butterfly), marbled white (butterfly), dragonflies and damselflies, spiders, snails, fungi.

No specialist knowledge is required to take part in the count, and observations can be submitted from anywhere within Somerset.

This year, Somerset Wildlife Trust is making it even easier for people to share their findings. As well as being able to use the iNaturalist app, participants will receive a free information pack containing a worksheet to record observations, which can then be emailed directly to the organisers.

The event is suitable for all ages, and school groups and families with young children are encouraged to get involved too.

Becky Fisher, head of engagement at Somerset Wildlife Trust, explained: “We have so many incredible species in Somerset – from elusive hares to colourful butterflies – and we can only protect them when we know where they are and how many we have. That’s why we need as many people as possible to join us and become citizen scientists. The Big Count is an amazing opportunity to get outside and learn more about your local wildlife.”

Taking part in The Big Count 2026 is simple. Download the free information pack and ID guides from Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website.

People can get involved by observing or photographing local wildlife. Upload observations to The Big Count 2026 project on iNaturalist or email your paper records to: [email protected] or by post to SERC, 34 Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AW

Sign-ups are already open through the Somerset Wildlife Trust website: www.somersetwildlife.org/big-count-2026