Wiltshire Council is calling on residents and organisations to participate in the Wiltshire Community Air Network (WCAN) project, aimed at better understanding and monitoring PM2.5 air pollution throughout the county.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter in the air, which poses risks to both human health and the environment. The project seeks to recruit 100 volunteers to host air quality sensors for a year, providing real-time data accessible to the public online.
Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste said: We are seeking assistance from local residents and organisations to better understand PM2.5 air pollution in Wiltshire. We aim to recruit 100 volunteers to host air quality sensors for a year and encourage applications from individuals and groups in Wiltshire who are interested in monitoring PM2.5 pollution in their communities.
The data collected will enable us to gain a greater understanding of this type of dangerous air pollution and put us in a stronger position to determine requirements for long-term monitoring and identify ways to reduce pollution.
To ensure broad representation, sensors will be allocated to each of Wiltshire's 18 community areas, prioritising locations near schools, medical facilities, and supported housing.
Volunteers must be over 18, possess a suitable outdoor location for the sensor, and have a stable internet connection and mains power supply.
The sensors are user-friendly, and support will be provided for setup and maintenance. While the volunteer will need to provide the power, the cost is projected to be less than £3.00 per year.
While existing monitoring shows generally good air quality in Wiltshire, certain locations experience trapped pollutants. Although previous air quality concerns focused on nitrogen dioxide and PM10, recent improvements have shifted the focus to PM2.5 due to growing evidence of its harmful effects.
The WCAN project represents Wiltshire Council's initial step in establishing a baseline understanding of PM2.5 pollution countywide.
The deadline for applications is Monday, 23rd June 2025. Interested individuals can find more information and an application form on the Wiltshire Council website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire-community-air-network. Questions can be directed to
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