WildChiswick nature survey offers prizes for recording Chiswick’s wildlife sightings

Chiswick House and Gardens

Residents can log garden and street sightings for a chance to win prizes, in a survey run with Greenspace Information for Greater London until 31 October

WildChiswick has launched a Nature Survey, inviting residents to record the wildlife they spot around Chiswick, whether that’s a fox in the garden, a butterfly on a walk or a hedgehog after dark, with a competition running until 31 October offering prizes to those who take part.

The survey, run by WildChiswick in partnership with Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), collects records of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and other wildlife from across the area.

These records feed into GiGL’s database, which is used by ecologists, local authorities and planners when making decisions about development, habitat protection and nature recovery.

WildChiswick founder Jo Gilbert said the aim was to help people notice the wildlife on their doorstep.

“We’re surrounded by incredible wildlife, but so often we simply don’t notice it”, she said.

“The Nature Survey is about helping people slow down, look a little closer and discover what’s living right on their doorstep. Every single record matters, whether it’s a fox, squirrel, wood louse or a rare beetle. Together we’re building a picture of Chiswick’s wildlife that will help protect it for future generations”.

Stag beetle

Taking part doesn’t require an app. Residents upload a photograph through the online form and answer a few questions about it.

Anyone unsure of the species is asked to enter it anyway, as WildChiswick’s volunteers and GiGL’s experts can help identify it after submission. The form already lists many of Chiswick’s green spaces, and other locations can be added by selecting ‘other’ from the dropdown menu.

Common frog in a garden pond

There are four categories: Biodiversity Champion, for the most species recorded by anyone aged 18 and over; Junior Wildlife Ranger, for the most species recorded by anyone 17 and under; Community Wildlife Heroes, for groups of five to 20 people such as friends, allotment holders, schools or scout groups; and the Hidden Gems Award, for rarely recorded species in Chiswick, among them badgers, voles, house mice, moles, deer, stag beetles, red kites, owls, hedgehogs, toads and slow worms.

Prizes on offer include a trail camera, a bee box and a hedgehog shelter.

Cinnabar moth caterpillar

All that’s needed is a phone or camera. Residents are encouraged to look out for wildlife in gardens, allotments, parks, along the Thames or on the street, photograph what they see, and upload it through the survey form.

Every record adds to the picture of Chiswick’s biodiversity and gives another entry into the competition.

To take part, visit wildchiswick.com/naturesurvey