AI to power conservation project

Artificial intelligence, often called AI, is being used in a new project to help protect Surrey's natural landscapes. The project, named Space4Nature, is led by the Surrey Wildlife Trust and the University of Surrey. It involves volunteers who visit local habitats, such as acid grasslands, to record the types of plants growing there. This information is very important because it will be used to train an AI model. The AI will learn to identify different habitats by comparing the data collected on the ground with satellite images taken from space. Dan Banks, the citizen science officer for Space4Nature, explained that conservation efforts are increasingly relying on new technologies to find solutions that can be applied on a large scale. However, he emphasized that traditional methods, like physically checking the land, are still necessary. As the AI technology developed by the University of Surrey becomes more advanced, it needs detailed and complex data to continue improving. With the climate crisis and loss of nature becoming more serious, local people who care about the environment can make a real difference by joining projects like this. Over the last two years, Space4Nature has involved more than 200 volunteers who have worked in some of Surrey's most important natural areas, including chalk grasslands, wetlands, and heathlands. These volunteers help by mapping habitats and taking care of the land, which supports the survival of many plant and animal species. The project shows how combining human effort with advanced technology can help protect the environment and fight against the effects of climate change. People interested in joining or learning more can follow updates from BBC Surrey or contact them with their ideas.