Making environmental change happen
Earthwatch
Earthwatch is an international environmental charity,
committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of life on
earth to meet the needs of current and future generations. Voted
the number one conservation volunteering
organisation in the world, and noted for its demonstrable achievements, Earthwatch engages
individuals and organisations in hands-on, scientific research
expeditions to stunning locations around the world in order to
promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable
environment. Whilst their UK projects are highlighted on this page,
you can view their international research projects on their
website.
UK Research Projects
Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Amid spectacular scenery, you’ll sail the waters of the west coast of Scotland surveying for whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) and other sea life. From onboard the Silurian, a 21-metre ketch, you’ll monitor cetacean abundance and record acoustic behaviour, while gaining valuable sailing experience. You may also encounter basking sharks, common and grey seals, and otters. Many of the species dwelling in this area are recognised as conservation priorities at national, European and international levels. Your research will assist the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), established in 1994, to identify marine areas of high sensitivity that may be candidates for protected areas.
“The team were outstanding in communicating their knowledge of the Hebridean marine environment and providing an inspirational experience of the islands and waters...I learned so much and hope to spread the message about the importance of marine conservation, particularly in the context of the marine conservation bill. I have already written to my MP about this!” Gil Cleeve, 2009
Expedition scientist blog: Protecting whales and dolphins in the Hebrides
Volunteer report: Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Volunteer blog: Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Whales and Dolphins of Moray Firth
Scotland's scenic northeast coastline provides rich feeding grounds for whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans). Working with the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) you’ll be trained to spot and identify cetaceans, listed as local, national and international conservation concerns, and record data such as the composition of groups, behaviour and geographic positions before using the data back in the lab. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn and apply the theory and practise used in the rescue of small cetaceans, and if the need arises, your team may be called upon to help with live whale or dolphin strandings. You might also be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, basking sharks, swordfish and even walruses.
"It was the most incredible experience in my life - well worth coming thousands of miles to see. The Moray Firth really is quite the most remarkable setting for this Earthwatch project and I can't recommend it enough to other folk!" Debbie Greenberg, 2009
‘Super-pod' sighting suggests dolphins are heading north due to climate change
Research reveals new distance record for British dolphins
Earthwatch scientists declare Moray Firth a critically important habitat for the survival of bottlenose dolphin populations 12/08
2007 report: Rising sea temperatures bring common dolphins to northeast Scotland 07/07
International aid for whales and dolphins in northeast Scotland 04/06
Roman Fort on Tyne
The research site of Arbeia Roman Fort, on the River Tyne in Northeast England, lies within the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. Joining a long-running excavation, you’ll enjoy many tasks, including stratigraphic excavation using a trowel and brush, recording site data, site surveying, and sampling, cleaning, and processing finds, which have included jewellery, armour, game pieces, and ceramics. As well as the historical understanding gained by the excavation, the project aims to provide a more secure basis of knowledge which can inform future plans for the management and conservation of the area, and decisions on destructive building developments in outlying parts of the site not designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This project is also available as a Teen Team and a School Group Expedition.
“Being at the work site was the best. The field staff made it a pleasure to come to work each day. They taught me more than I could ever have imagined - almost felt like a pro myself! Finding the coin and Roman pottery was a high point and standing in the work area sharing information with the school kids was a delight!” John Atkinson, 2009
Prestigious award for Roman Fort on Tyne project in 2009
Earthwatch celebrate a win at the 2004 British Archaeology Awards
Teen facilitator blog
UK Research Projects
Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Amid spectacular scenery, you’ll sail the waters of the west coast of Scotland surveying for whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) and other sea life. From onboard the Silurian, a 21-metre ketch, you’ll monitor cetacean abundance and record acoustic behaviour, while gaining valuable sailing experience. You may also encounter basking sharks, common and grey seals, and otters. Many of the species dwelling in this area are recognised as conservation priorities at national, European and international levels. Your research will assist the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), established in 1994, to identify marine areas of high sensitivity that may be candidates for protected areas.
“The team were outstanding in communicating their knowledge of the Hebridean marine environment and providing an inspirational experience of the islands and waters...I learned so much and hope to spread the message about the importance of marine conservation, particularly in the context of the marine conservation bill. I have already written to my MP about this!” Gil Cleeve, 2009
Expedition scientist blog: Protecting whales and dolphins in the Hebrides
Volunteer report: Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Volunteer blog: Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides
Whales and Dolphins of Moray Firth
Scotland's scenic northeast coastline provides rich feeding grounds for whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans). Working with the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) you’ll be trained to spot and identify cetaceans, listed as local, national and international conservation concerns, and record data such as the composition of groups, behaviour and geographic positions before using the data back in the lab. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn and apply the theory and practise used in the rescue of small cetaceans, and if the need arises, your team may be called upon to help with live whale or dolphin strandings. You might also be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, basking sharks, swordfish and even walruses.
"It was the most incredible experience in my life - well worth coming thousands of miles to see. The Moray Firth really is quite the most remarkable setting for this Earthwatch project and I can't recommend it enough to other folk!" Debbie Greenberg, 2009
‘Super-pod' sighting suggests dolphins are heading north due to climate change
Research reveals new distance record for British dolphins
Earthwatch scientists declare Moray Firth a critically important habitat for the survival of bottlenose dolphin populations 12/08
2007 report: Rising sea temperatures bring common dolphins to northeast Scotland 07/07
International aid for whales and dolphins in northeast Scotland 04/06
Roman Fort on Tyne
The research site of Arbeia Roman Fort, on the River Tyne in Northeast England, lies within the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. Joining a long-running excavation, you’ll enjoy many tasks, including stratigraphic excavation using a trowel and brush, recording site data, site surveying, and sampling, cleaning, and processing finds, which have included jewellery, armour, game pieces, and ceramics. As well as the historical understanding gained by the excavation, the project aims to provide a more secure basis of knowledge which can inform future plans for the management and conservation of the area, and decisions on destructive building developments in outlying parts of the site not designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This project is also available as a Teen Team and a School Group Expedition.
“Being at the work site was the best. The field staff made it a pleasure to come to work each day. They taught me more than I could ever have imagined - almost felt like a pro myself! Finding the coin and Roman pottery was a high point and standing in the work area sharing information with the school kids was a delight!” John Atkinson, 2009
Prestigious award for Roman Fort on Tyne project in 2009
Earthwatch celebrate a win at the 2004 British Archaeology Awards
Teen facilitator blog
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