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Would you like to take part in an outdoor activity, in contact with nature, and help monitor biodiversity in Menorca’s countryside? We’re looking for volunteers to help with biodiversity monitoring in farms involved in the Agri-environmental Stewardship Programme.
This is a springtime activity, open to everyone—no prior experience is needed! You’ll learn to observe nature with a new perspective, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
What will we be observing?
Butterflies
Butterflies are excellent bioindicators: they’re sensitive to changes in the landscape, climate and land use, and they’re also easy to spot and identify.
We’ll be using the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS), a well-established European method to monitor butterfly populations in a standardised way. This allows us to detect long-term trends—whether species are increasing or declining—and how habitat changes affect them. This gives us valuable insight into the state of biodiversity and the quality of the environment.
Wild plants among crops
Even in cultivated fields, wild plant species can grow. The presence (or absence) of these plants tells us a lot about land management: whether herbicides are used intensively, if crops are rotated, or if a certain level of diversity is allowed.
Fields with more spontaneous vegetation tend to have healthier soils, more microorganisms, and can provide shelter and food for other species like insects and birds.
Nitrogen-indicator plants
We’ll also look at plants growing in grazed areas. Some species – like nettles or sow thistles – can indicate excess nitrogen in the soil, often due to high livestock density. On the other hand, bare soil with no vegetation may point to low regenerative capacity.
Don’t know much about plants or animals?
No worries! We provide training before you start, as well as support during your first outings. You’ll receive a guide and clear instructions. You don’t need any prior knowledge—just a willingness to learn and take part.
When and how?
Initial training
- Thursday 24 April – Theoretical session, 6:00–7:30 PM at Molí del Rei (Camí des Castell, 53, Maó)
- Friday 25 April – Field practice, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM (location to be confirmed, central island)
Monitoring campaigns
- 5–18 May
- 2–15 June
Outings take place in pairs or small groups, always in the morning. You don’t need to be available every day – one or two mornings per campaign is enough. Weekday or weekend options available.
How to sign up?
By phone: 971 350 762
In person: GOB Menorca office (Camí des Castell, 53, Maó – 9 AM to 2 PM)
By email: custodia@gobmenorca.com
If you’re passionate about nature and want to contribute to a volunteer project that promotes respect for the land, we’d love to have you on board!