What to buy for a wildlife count

A wildlife count needs more than binoculars and printed forms. Plan supplies for the routes, observation points, registration desk and the return to the venue, especially if people will be outside before sunrise or after dark. This list covers shared equipment, warm food and drinks, paperwork, lighting and basic safety gear. Check team numbers before shopping so you can scale mugs, bowls, pens, maps and packed supplies to the final participant list.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 45
Coat rack

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable spoonsqty 50
Reusable knivesqty 50
Reusable forksqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Binocularsqty 20
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 10
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Clipboardsqty 25
Waterproof foldersqty 25
Backpacksqty 20
Digital thermometersqty 2

Lighting

Headlampsqty 45
LED lanternsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4

Safety

Safety vestsqty 45
First aid kitsqty 2
Wire stripper setsqty 10

Registration

Route mapsqty 25
Tally formsqty 75
Pensqty 50
Name badgesqty 50
Clipboardsqty 4

Decorations

Route signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 4

Kitchen

Soup bowlsqty 4
Soup ladlesqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 1.5 kg
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Hot chocolate - 2 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Mints - 1 box
- Still mineral water - 36 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 1 kg
- Young cheese - 1.5 kg
- Hummus - 1 kg
- Vegetable spread - 750 g
- Chicken breast spread - 750 g
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kg
- Bell pepper - 1 kg
- Apples - 5 kg
- Bananas - 4 kg
- Grapes - 3 kg
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Oatmeal cookies - 6 packs
- Spiced biscuits - 3 kg
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Pack one clipboard, waterproof folder, route map and tally form for each counting team, plus spare pens and at least two extra sets for replacements or wet paperwork.
Allow two hot drinks per person for a morning count, and prepare enough soup or another warm meal for everyone returning to the venue. Use thermos flasks so teams do not need to come back early.
Give each route team its own binoculars, walkie-talkie, backpack and headlamp. Charge walkie-talkies, flashlights and power banks the day before, then keep one spare power bank available.
Place one first aid kit at the venue and carry another in the field if teams split across routes. Add safety vests for anyone working near roads or vehicle access points.
Buy name badges, reusable mugs, bowls, spoons, knives and forks only after registrations and dietary requirements are closed. Keep a small reserve of at least 10% for late changes, dropped items or unexpected helpers.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a wildlife count?: Plan food and drinks, route maps, tally forms, pens, name badges, binoculars, walkie-talkies, backpacks, clipboards, waterproof folders, headlamps and safety equipment. You will also need serving items and hot-drink supplies at the venue.
How many wildlife count supplies do I need per team?: Prepare one clipboard, waterproof folder, route map, tally form, binocular set, walkie-talkie, backpack and headlamp for each team. Add at least two spare paper sets and two spare pens for the whole event.
How much food and drink should I buy for a wildlife count?: Allow two hot drinks per participant for the first part of the count, plus one extra drink for every five people. Prepare one bowl of soup or an equivalent warm meal per participant, with additional portions for organisers and late arrivals.
When should I prepare the wildlife count equipment?: Buy food and disposable or reusable serving supplies after registrations and dietary requirements close, usually 3–5 days before the count. Check and charge electronic equipment the day before, and pack route kits after the final team and route assignment.

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