How to run coastal biodiversity surveys- with Restoration Forth

What is the event about?
Restoration Forth is working to restore oyster reefs and seagrass meadows to the Firth of Forth. They have so far restored 30,000 oysters at two subtidal sites in the Firth of Forth and two intertidal sites in East Lothian. They are hoping to be able to deploy oysters at two more intertidal sites in Fife. Before They can deploy oysters, it is really useful to collect a bit more information about the site’s suitability and baseline biodiversity information about the location. This will give the oysters the best chance of survival and also show the Restoration Forth team if and how the environment changes if they deploy oysters.

What will you learn?
Fife Climate Hub and Restoration Forth are inviting you to join us in collecting this data. The session will involve 2 activities. One will involve learning how to complete our Oyster Observer Guide survey and a habitat assessment of the site. The second activity is a biodiversity survey. This will involve learning how to identify common intertidal species and record their presence and absence. Both these activities can also be done anywhere else around the Firth of Forth.

We really hope you can join us and Restoration Forth in this exciting stage of the project!

What to bring?
Bring warm, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear as we will be on the beach. It’s also recommended that people bring a drink with them as well as sunscreen and hat, especially if it’s a warm day.