Environmental monitoring device being developed in Keighley

Code For Good, based at Woodville Activity Centre in Keighley, is behind the initiative.

The organisation offers education and training in technical skills to people of all ages.

And one of its current projects is the development of the monitoring equipment.

The small, self-contained device would be deployed outdoors, such as in a field or woodland.

It would measure real-world environmental conditions, including the temperature, humidity, air pressure, sunlight levels and – where possible – soil condition, such as moisture and acidity.

Low-powered radio technology is then used to send processed data updates to a monitoring station, where the information can be viewed and analysed over time – to spot environmental trends, changes or early-warning signs.

The device would run on batteries supported by renewable energy, so wouldn’t need mains power or regular maintenance.

Pawel Kosinski, one of those behind Code For Good, says: “Although we’re currently developing the system for use at Woodville, the technology could be useful much more widely – from helping organisations like woodland and conservation groups monitor forests, to supporting agriculture, research and environmental education.

“Just as importantly, the project’s also a learning tool. It brings together coding, electronics, renewable energy and real-world problem-solving, showing how modern technology can be used in practical, positive ways to better understand and protect the world around us.”

Pawel – a software and electronics engineer, who runs his own research company – launched Code For Good with Billy Addy, a senior software developer specialising in web-based applications, and Doug Clark, who has a background in teaching and technical leadership.

“Our aim is to provide high-quality technical education and give people a way into careers which are fulfilling and well paid,” says Pawel.

“There’s so much noise and confusion around learning programming, particularly with the rapid rise of AI.

“We aim to cut through that and give clarity and purpose to our sessions, based on our many years of working in the industry.”

Code For Good offers two courses – fundamentals of programming, and coding with electronics.

Pawel adds: “We want to hear from adult learners, young people and parent teams and from other ‘geeks’ working in the industry – coders, electronics experts, astronomy enthusiasts and makers of all kinds, to work on more projects. We’d welcome any tech volunteers too.”

For more details, visit facebook.com/people/Code-For-Good/61578705432588