COVID-19 safety guidelines
If you are concerned about whether to take part in surveys during the COVID-19 outbreak, please check the current government guidelines to help you decide if it is appropriate and safe for you to do so. You can find the latest Government Advice at the links below:
Volunteers can participate in wildlife surveys throughout the UK, but guidance may vary according to region. Our surveys are permitted under the ‘voluntary or charitable activities exemption’ with no restriction on distance travelled or group size involved. However, this is not the case in Wales, where the rules of six still applies, therefore surveys must not involve more than six people from two households. We also advise that for surveys throughout the UK, travel distance and group sizes should be minimised where possible to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please note, some of our monitoring programmes (e.g. NDMP) have more specific guidance, please follow the latest updates you have received.
When conducting surveys, efforts should be made to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes adhering to social distancing guidelines with people outside your household or support bubble. Sharing of equipment should be minimised and equipment should be disinfected between uses. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate and should not participate in any survey work until after the isolation period ends. This also applies to anyone self-isolating due to a member of their household or bubble having symptoms, or anyone that has been told to self-isolate through ‘track and trace’ systems.