National research yields Lessons for Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and Meaningful Collaboration.
Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) researchers have drawn important lessons from a national collaborative river health monitoring programme, that could help ensure the success of other citizen science initiatives.
In two recent reports, the researchers examine evidence from the Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative (CaSTCo) programme. They identify what motivates people to take part in citizen science and how project leaders can best work with them to shape projects that are both effective and sustainable.
Why people get involved in citizen science
People volunteer for a mix of environmental, personal, and social reasons, the researchers show in the first report, which explores the motivations of citizen scientists. Many are driven by concern for their local environment, while others are motivated by opportunities to learn, improve wellbeing, or connect with their community.
At the same time, challenges exist. Volunteers may experience frustration if their efforts feel undervalued or distress when confronted with poor environmental conditions. The researchers stress that recognising these varied motivations and providing clear communication and support are essential for sustaining participation.
A role for co-design in citizen science?
Co-design has a clear role in citizen science, the second report shows, but to varying extents depending on the project’s aims and context. Despite its potential, the approach remains underrecognised and underused by scientists and others setting up citizen science projects.
The researchers set out twelve guiding principles for co-design, including inclusivity, transparency, valuing local knowledge, and creating space for ongoing dialogue.
CaSTCo projects show how co-design can operate at different levels. In the Soil SMArt project, farmers and members of the public co-selected soil health tests and trialled a buddy system. In River Guardians, more than 160 volunteers shaped aspects of water quality monitoring while decisions requiring scientific rigour were communicated openly with citizens and other interested groups. These examples show that entire projects do not necessarily need to be co-designed, but that even partial involvement helps make citizen science monitoring more relevant and trusted.
Practical guidance for future projects
The CCRI researchers provide recommendations for ongoing and future citizen science initiatives. These include:
- Involving citizens early in the planning process.
- Being transparent about what can be influenced and what is fixed.
- Investing in facilitation to ensure inclusivity and manage power dynamics.
- Recognising and valuing local expertise alongside scientific knowledge.
- Building continuity through feedback, recognition, and long-term support.
By applying these principles, organisations can develop projects that are scientifically rigorous, socially relevant, and resilient over time.
The co-design principles developed during the project are presented in the infographic below:
Why this matters
Dr Charlotte-Anne Chivers, lead author of both reports, said:
“Citizen science is often valued for the data it generates. These reports highlight its wider potential to build trust, strengthen communities, and support democratic approaches to environmental governance. Together they provide a practical roadmap for organisations seeking to create initiatives that are not only robust but also meaningful to those involved.
On co-design, Charlotte says:
Citizen science is most powerful when people feel their voices and experiences shape the process. These reports show that motivations and co-design principles are not just abstract ideas, but practical tools for making citizen-led monitoring more effective, trusted, and enduring.”
The report has been shared with both Rivers Trust and Southern Water, both of whom have shared positive feedback. For example:
‘I’d like to commend CCRI on producing such a fascinating and insightful report. It really captures the key learnings, and we see it as a valuable output for the national CaSTCo project, offering strong guidance for future citizen-led monitoring initiatives.’ – Beth Fairley, Catchment Management Specialist, Environment and Innovation Directorate
Looking ahead
CaSTCo has brought together more than 24 partners, including CCRI, The Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency, water companies, and local organisations. Its work demonstrates how citizen-led science can combine inclusivity with rigour, producing data that supports both local action and national policy. With environmental pressures intensifying, the need for reliable, community-driven monitoring has never been greater. These new reports provide timely guidance for ongoing and future citizen science projects regardless of their main focus – whether that’s gathering robust data, empowering citizens, or taking part in collaborative monitoring.
You can read the co-design report here.
You can read the motivations report here.
CCRI researchers involved in these reports include Charlotte Chivers, Anne Daykin, Chris Short, and Lucy Barkley. You can explore publications from these and other CCRI researchers on the University of Gloucestershire’s research repository.
*Photographs courtesy of Western Sussex Rivers Trust
