Ladybird Citizen Science workshop

A workshop was held to promote the ladybird citizen science survey in Roscommon on the 21st May 2017. Roscommon was chosen as records of ladybirds obtained from the National Biodiversity Data Centre indicated that there were a lack of records on bogs and in County Roscommon. Information from the Irish Peatland Conservancy Council indicated that there were extensive areas of bogland in the county.

Publicity was far reaching and included a Facebook promotion on the Irish Ladybirds Facebook Page. Emails were sent to radio stations, local papers, local biodiversity officer and the PPN network. Emails were also sent to Roscommon County Library and Strokestown House. A flier was produced (see attached) for the event.

A presentation was given on ladybird ecology and the survey. Discussions were held regarding how the survey would be carried out and an identification sheet handed out. The talk began at 11am and concluded at 1pm. After the presentation there was a walk around the woodland and walled garden looking for ladybirds. The workshop has resulted in three surveyors assisting with the survey. A telephone app “Epicollect” has been set up for the download of results onto an excel spread sheet.

By Gill Weyman, University College Cork