Voluntary work on bioindicators: knowing and helping nature

Voluntary work on bioindicators: knowing and helping nature

Visits: 160

Autumn is starting and GOB has much pleasure in continuing to offer activities that enrich the voluntary work for those helping to conserve the environmental values of Menorca. It is now a year since a new scheme was initiated to analyse the impact of measures taken in accordance with the Land Stewardship Scheme by the farms that have signed the agreement.

In order to participate in this voluntary work there is no need to know much about botany or zoology, only to have the enthusiasm to learn how to identify the butterfly species we find in Menorca: the lemon butterfly or the king butterfly amongst others. What are corprophagus and what do they eat; understand the importance of finding poppies in the middle of cultivated land. All these are called bioinidicators and tell us the health of the farmland.

It is necessary to have some mornings free from 19 October to 3 November and to know how to work systematically, applying some constant criteria. The object is to form a relatively consistent group of volunteers who can participate in a follow up twice a year, in May and October.

A simple guide has been prepared and the working instructions are clear and easy. The tracking is done along some paths previously traced in each farm and noting the butterflies you see, certain plants and some arthropods. This is an ideal activity for those who like to go and observe nature and to learn constantly.

The days of 16 and 17 October will be for a training session (it is sufficient to attend only one of these sessions) when the methodology to be followed will be explained. If necessary, there will also be a training session in the country with experts.

All those who are interested in participating and learning more on the values of nature from agricultural farms, should send an email to custodia@gobmenorca.com or telephone 971 35 07 62