In 2024, Butterfly Conservation and the University of York hosted a workshop to explore how to increase the diversity of people taking part in UK biological recording. Like other citizen science activities, biological recording currently shows strong demographic biases, with most participants being white, well‑educated, older, and more affluent. Increasing inclusivity is therefore essential to ensure that the environmental and social benefits of participation are shared more equitably. However, uncertainty remains about the most effective ways to engage groups that are currently underrepresented.
A report of the workshop, now published in Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, showcases progress made by eight UK organisations that run recording and monitoring schemes. Examples include incorporating equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into policies and practices, collecting baseline demographic data, and carrying out small‑scale but successful engagement initiatives in partnership with community‑focused organisations.
Looking ahead, the workshop identified several priorities: gaining a deeper understanding of motivations and barriers for underrepresented groups; exploring new methods and technologies that could widen participation; and addressing challenges within organisations and the existing recording community, including resistance to change.
Collaboration across the sector will be essential to overcome these barriers and to create a more inclusive and representative biological recording community.