Harnessing artificial intelligence to monitor Kent's wildlife
The rise of AI
Around the world, the way we monitor biodiversity is changing fast. In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying species from images, sounds and videos.
However, we remain acutely aware of the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the use of AI. With each case, we weigh up the benefits it can bring in helping us to create a Wilder Kent, against the associated carbon and water use of AI.
Testing the technology
This year, Olivier Wall, a volunteer with a background in machine learning, and Monitoring and Evidence Manager Dr Lawrence Ball have been exploring how AI can help us process the vast amounts of data collected from our camera traps, bioacoustic recorders and mostela boxes (boxes with cameras inside that monitor small mammals). Together, we have been testing a range of open-source AI algorithms to analyse huge amounts of data gathered over recent years. Using carefully curated test datasets compiled by other volunteers, Olivier compared different AI systems to find those that performed best. He then fine-tuned their settings to achieve the highest possible accuracy.
The results have been remarkable. AI can now identify animals in camera trap images more accurately than humans – and in a fraction of the time. It can also recognise bird and bat calls hundreds of times faster than manual analysis. Perhaps most impressively, the team has even custom-trained an AI algorithm to identify species from videos captured inside our mostela boxes, providing valuable new insights into elusive small mammals.
The future of wildlife monitoring?
Although AI has shown that it can perform these tasks well, this progress simply wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our amazing volunteers, and there are so many other areas in our work that require the skill and expertise that only our volunteers can bring. Thanks to their efforts, Kent Wildlife Trust is now ahead of the curve in the use of AI for wildlife monitoring, helping us better understand and protect this county’s incredible and precious biodiversity.
Sevenoaks Visitor Centre and Reserve Update
This time last year, we were closing the doors of our Sevenoaks Visitor Centre in anticipation of its refurbishment.
We’ve managed revised plans, tackled delays with doors and windows and ensured the works didn’t impact the surrounding reserve and its wildlife... all while providing safe access for our education programmes and people visiting the reserve on foot.
However, the end result makes it all worth it. I am truly proud to be responsible for the ongoing operation of what is now the most beautiful Visitor Centre I’ve been to. With sweeping views across West Lake (yes, there’s a lake back there!), the decking offers the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, while the new play park is a work of art.
Huge windows and double-height doors will provide unmatched views across West Lake
Outside, every detail has been considered to make visiting easier and more accessible. We’ve added additional parking bays, an EV charging point (with more coming in the future), increased disabled parking bays and improved accessibility in our newly built toilets.
The project is also giving back to the community with a new team of local people employed and helping to build a vibrant hub for local families, nature enthusiasts and those just looking to enjoy a nice slice of cake surrounded by nature.
Shaping up back in November!
Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to officially open the doors to our new Visitor Centre for you in January.
In addition to the day-to-day function of the café and shop, local (and further afield) businesses will be able to hire the space for corporate events and team-building activities. We’re also working hard to deliver an exciting programme of events, including notable speakers from the conservation sector.
We can't wait to see you all soon.
To stay up to date on the latest information, please do check our website at kwtg.uk/sevenoaks-refurb
