They EYE project aims to get everyone involved in safeguarding the environment.

The EYE (Exploring Your Environment) Project website, www.eyeproject.org.uk , enables people to record their sightings of birds and other wildlife directly onto aerial and satellite maps, allowing the public to help gather valuable information on the range of species in the region.

Naomi Hewitt of the EYE Project explained: “The project aims to get everyone actively involved in learning about and safeguarding the environment. We hope that people will use the new website to learn more about their environment and take an active part in conserving it by recording their sightings.”

The site hopes to provide a quick and easy way of logging sightings without the need to look up grid references. Users can record the birds that visit their bird table, or anywhere else. People can also get involved with EYE Project events and wildlife identification training sessions and find out more about places where they can encounter wildlife.

The website uses new ‘wikitoid’ technology developed by Newcastle University, which enables people to zoom into detailed maps of their area in order to view and log their sightings.

Hewitt added: “The data that is recorded provides environmental organisations with information about the distribution of species, especially those that are considered to be widespread but may in the future be under threat. The site is also a great way for people to find out which species they can see in their local area.”

The three-year scheme is a Newcastle University project, and is being managed by Tyne & Wear Museums and sponsored by Northumbrian Water.