Final Signs of Spring sightings wanted across UK

  • The Royal Society of Biology and Field Studies Council are asking members of the public to log sightings of key spring indicator species in Signs of Spring citizen science survey.
  • Sightings of bumblebees, butterflies, bluebells, ladybirds, and dragonflies are being recorded across the UK.
  • The survey closes on 14 June.

Across the UK, members of the public are being encouraged to get outside and track their sightings of insects and flowers as part of the annual Signs of Spring survey run by Field Studies Council in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology.

Now in its third year, the results of the survey will help to log species emergence across the UK, particularly in light of the climate crisis.

Sightings of dragonflies, bumblebees, bluebells, ladybirds, and butterflies are in high demand.

Daniel Asaw, Biodiversity Training Programme Team Leader at Field Studies Council, said: “It’s been amazing to see this year’s records coming in for the Signs of Spring citizen science survey.

“We’ve already passed the 3,000 record mark, and there’s plenty of time for people across the UK to get involved and help us build an even clearer picture of how nature is responding to the seasons.

“As we move closer to summer, bumblebees are out in force alongside an array of ladybird species. Bumblebees have traditionally been the most commonly recorded insect in the survey, but this year, ladybirds could easily give them a run for their money.

“Every record counts, so we’re encouraging everyone to get outside, enjoy nature, and submit their sightings before the survey closes.”

Log your sightings in the survey before 14 June.

Royal Society of Biology gears up for Biology Week 2025

BIOLOGY WEEK 11 – 19 OCTOBER 2025

The Royal Society of Biology prepares to host its annual Biology Week which will run from 11-19 October 2025.

  • Biology Week brings people together from across the bioscience sector, from researchers, teachers, and students, to people working in industry, and anyone with an interest in biology to showcase the biosciences
  • The week will see a range of events take place in person and online
  • This year’s theme is nature and climate

RSB Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Susie Rabin, said: “Biology Week is a pivotal time to bring together people from across the biosciences – both in education and industry – to share their knowledge, inspire others, and hone in on the importance of the biosciences to all.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved in this year’s amazing events and hope we see widespread engagement again this year.”

Innovation in biology will help us support all life on Earth now and in the coming decades. Biology Week celebrates and raises the profile of these achievements, and the important work that bioscientists are doing.

CWP-‘Biology For A Better Tomorrow’ Biology Week Awards at Royal Geographical Society.

Events the RSB will host during Biology Week 2025:

  • Networking and Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons which will see the awarding of prizes for our various competitions (Apprentice of the Year, BioArtAttack, photography, and School Biology Teacher of the Year) in addition to the President’s Medal
  • An exclusive member-only webinar with forensic anthropologist Professor Lady Sue Black Hon FRSB
  • An online conversation with our CEO for RSB Fellows
  • STEM Club online talk for school students focusing on immunology, biotechnology, and deep-sea exploration
  • Plant Health event at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden
  • Spelling Bee competition final

How you can take part:

Funding

We have funding available for those wishing to host a Gopher Science Lab day during Biology Week. This is open to teachers from state-funded secondary schools across the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands.

Event promotion

We have downloadable assets and logos to use for promotion, and we encourage use of the hashtag #BiologyWeek across social media.

Organising an event

More information for running your own event can be found on our website, or email: events@rsb.org.uk

We would love to see every biologist celebrate their work with events and activities that appeal to all audiences. Help us achieve our vision of a world that understands the true value of biology and how it can contribute to improving life for all. 

For any other queries or to be featured in our #IAmABiologist campaign (on a first come, first served basis), contact: parliamentaryandpublicaffairs@rsb.org.uk