Welcome to the hub for Dynamic Dunescapes' citizen science training resources
There are many different ways that you can get involved with sand dune conservation and restoration as a citizen scientist, as a volunteer and as a sand dune site manager. On this page, you will find information and training modules covering each of the different citizen science activities that we are using to help us better understand our dune sites.
You can take part in our online course, or use our powerpoint presentations and YouTube videos as learning resources for either yourself, your team or your class. Scroll down to find out more about each.
Once you are set up as a volunteer or you have agreed which citizen science activities you're able to complete with a Dynamic Dunescapes Site Manager, you can record all of your data using a record sheet or on the Dynamic Dunescapes mobile app. Click here to download the app.
Citizen Science Manual
This manual has been produced by the Dynamic Dunescapes partnership and UKCEH with support from the European LIFE programme (LIFE17NAT/UK/000570) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HG-16-08643).
Suggested citation:
Dynamic Dunescapes (2020) Citizen Science Manual for monitoring sand dunes. Produced by the Dynamic Dunescapes (DuneLIFE) project: LIFE17 NAT/UK/000570; HG-16-08643
This document is available to download in English and in Welsh.
Introduction to Dune Dynamics E-Learning Online Training Course
Click the link below to work through our interactive, online training sessions designed to boost your skills and strengthen your knowledge of sand dune species, processes and management interventions.
Sand Dune Citizen Science Training Presentations & Videos
Alternatively, we have created powerpoint presentations and YouTube videos to teach you, or help you to teach your team of citizen scientists why and how to undertake each activity - from monitoring water table depth to using quadrats and transects to survey vegetation.
Introduction Module
1. An Introduction to Sand Dune Citizen Science
This introduction leads to a number of learning modules linked to the Dynamic Dunescapes Citizen Science App, as detailed on this page. Each session is accompanied by PDFs of the survey method and survey recording sheets if you are not directly using the App. It is recommended that you download the App and have it available as you work your way through the modules.
Download Introduction to Citizen Science powerpoint presentation
2. An Introduction to Sand Dune Habitat Types
Download An Introduction to Sand Dune Habitat Types powerpoint presentation
3. An Introduction Conservation Management Interventions
Download an Introduction to Conservation Management Interventions powerpoint presentation
Recording Disturbance Module
Disturbance can be considered good or bad depending on what is happening and where. For example, some disturbance can be useful to maintain areas of bare sand, or to allow germination from the seedbank stored in the soil.
The aim of this survey is to monitor and record signs of disturbance, damage or other aspects or points of interest around the site.
Surveying Vegetation Module
Vegetation surveys can help deepen our understanding of sand dunes by addressing a variety of questions to help inform management decisions.
1. Surveying Vegetation
Download Surveying Vegetation powerpoint presentation
Watch the 'How to survey vegetation on sand dunes' video on YouTube
Watch the 'How to record vegetation surveys using the Dynamic Dunescapes app' video on YouTube
2. Surveying Indicator Species
Download Key Indicator Species powerpoint presentation
Watch the 'How to survey indicator species; video on YouTube
Sand Dune Profile Module
This involves mapping the height profile of sand dune features. The aim of this activity is to create a height profile of key areas of interest in the sand dune system.
Fixed Point Photography Module
Fixed-point photography helps us to track changes in sand dune features through developing a photographic record.
Water Depth Module
Zonation Module
Training Modules for Site Managers
As a Site Managers, you will need to get set up to use the Dynamic Dunescapes App and use this site https://dunescapes.brc.ac.uk to establish quadrats and transects at your site. The resources below will help you get set up.
1. Welcome for Site Managers
Download the Welcome for Site Managers powerpoint presentation
2. Site Mangers Set Up
Download the Site Managers Set Up powerpoint presentation
3. Setting up Quadrats and Transects
Download Setting Up Quadrats and Transects powerpoint presentation
Download Setting Up Dipwell Method PDF
Download Setting Up Quadrat Method PDF
Download Transects for Zonation and Sand Dune Profiles Setting Up Method PDF
Explore our video resources
Our 'How To' video playlist on YouTube details how to undertake each citizen science activity when you're out on site.
Our 'Using The App' video playlist on YouTube guides you through using the Dynamic Dunescapes App to record each citizen science activity