Course: Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) Counts

Learn about FIT Counts - a simple pollinator survey that can be rolled out to citizen scientists and volunteer groups. 

Flower-Insect Timed counts (FIT counts) are a citizen science method used to measure pollinator activity as part of the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS). This simple standardised survey method is used to record the number and types of pollinating insects (like bees, flies, butterflies) visiting flowers in a specific area during a 10 minute observation period.

The data gathered through this citizen science survey helps us track pollinator health (through measuring insect diversity and abundance), monitor environmental change (by contributing to a long-term dataset) and engage the public in ecological research (increasing awareness and conservation efforts). FIT counts can be used for local projects as well as contributing to the national PoMS dataset.

In this webinar, we’ll cover:·

• What FIT Counts are and why they matter for pollinator conservation·
• How to identify suitable flowering plants for observation·
• Best practices for observing and recording insect visits·
• How to categorise pollinators into functional groups·
• Using recording tools and submitting your data effectively

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.