For anyone interested in animals or plants on or around the plots, there are some good websites to help identify them and find out more about how they live and how they have evolved.

Get involved:

1. Natural History Museum
2. A collection of links on Citizen Science from the BBC

Webcam links: some work only in the breeding season

1. –RSPB birdtables and nests
2. –Oxford swifts May-Aug

General background information on wildlife

Natural History Museum: this website includes sections on evolution, biodiversity and climate change and is linked to the local natural history museum (Oxford University Natural History Museum, on South Parks Road).

Non-native species to look out for:

1. –New Zealand flatworm  eats our native earthworms
2. –Harlequin ladybird 
3. –Giant hogweed this can give you a nasty skin rash, particularly in combination with bright sunlight
4. –Japanese knotweed do not compost this. See a committee member for advice on disposal

WILDLIFE WEBSITES

Identifying wildlife

RSPB: includes resources for identifying birds, as well as recordings of birdsong and calls. .

Entomological society: otherwise known as the BUG CLUB. This site describes how to use a key to identify your mystery bug.

Mammal fact sheets and much other information can be obtained, free, from the Mammal Society website.

Pond life:  a site that focus on freshwater creatures, with resources to help in identification

Conservation Trusts

BBOWT: our local conservation trust. BBOWT owns lots of nature reserves that are well worth a visit. The website outlines where they are and what to look for.

Bat conservation