NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING NEWSLETTER 28 CONTENTS

Article Page no.

Honorary Officers and Council Members 2

Annual General Meeting 3

Income and Expenditure for year ending 31 December 2000 4

Outgoing Chairman’s thoughts 5

Incoming Chairman's thoughts 6

Wales: a LRC update 8

The Naturalists’ Union (YNU) 9

Report from South West Region 10

Spring 2001 report from BRISC 11

North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre 12

NFBR on the Web 13

The Flora of Northern Ireland web site 14

DragonflyIreland - an update 14

DMAP Version 7.1 16

The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey - the story so far 17

A Handbook for Biological Recorders 19 A manual for recording plants, animals and their habitats in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

NBN - Information Day 20

Charity Commission news 20

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING Honorary Officers and Council Members 2001

Chair: Bill Butcher Secretary: Sarah Myles Somerset Environmental Records Centre, Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall & Isles Sandhill Park, Bishops Lydeard, of Scilly, , Five Acres, Allet, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8AS. Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ. Tel: 01823 433889 Tel: 01872 240777 ext. 205 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Membership Secretary: John Newbould Newsletter Editor: Damian McFerran Stonecroft, 3 Brookmead Close, Centre for Environmental Data and Recording Sutton Poyntz, Weymouth DT3 6RS. (CEDaR), Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Tel: 01305 837384 Belfast BT9 5AB. Tel: 028 9038 3154 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Michael Weideli, Paul T. Harding, 60 Boxworth Road, Elsworth, 35 Bartlemy Road, Newbury, Cambridge CB3 8JQ Berkshire RG14 6LD. Tel: 01954 555220. Tel: 01635 42190. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Charles J.T. Copp, 8 The Paddock, Clevedon, Dr Roger Key, English Nature, Northminster House, Avon BS21 6JU. Tel: 01275 874128 Peterborough PE1 1UA. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Craig Slawson, Staffordshire Ecological Record, Steve McWilliam, rECOrd Manager, 4 Priory Close, Coutts House, Sandon, Stafford ST18 0DN. Halton, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 2BN. Tel: 01889 509800 Tel: 01928 573697 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Lisa Kerslake, North & East Yorkshire Ecological Data Nicky Court, Hampshire Biological Record, Centre, St William’s Foundation, 5 College Street, , Hampshire County Council, The Castle, YO1 7JF, Tel. 01904 557235 Winchester SO23 8UE. Tel:01962846741 Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Darwyn Sumner, Leicestershire Biological Bill Ely (co-opted), Biological Records Officer, Culture, Records Centre, 216 Birstall Road, Birstall, Leisure & Lifelong Learning, Rotherham Metropolitan Leicestershire, LE4 4DG Borough Council, 3rd Floor, Norfolk House, Walker Place, Tel. 0116 267 1950 Rotherham S65 1AS. Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected] Adam Rowe (co-opted), The Biodiversity Dr. Stuart Ball (co-opted), Joint Nature Conservation Information Service for Powys & Brecon Beacons Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough National Park, First Floor Offices, 4B Lion Yard, PE1 1JY. Tel: 01733 562626 Brecon, Powys LD3 7BA. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01874 610881 Email: [email protected]

Anne-Marie Smout (BRISC) (co-opted), Webmaster (co-opted), Nick Moyes, Derbyshire BRC, Chester Hill, Shore Rd., Anstruther, Fife KY10 Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 3DZ. 1BS. Tel: 01333 310330. Fax: 01333 311193 Tel: 01332 716655 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Trevor James (co-opted), Hertfordshire Sarah Hawkswell (Co-opted Member) Biological Records Centre, c/o Environment, , The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertfordshire SG5 1RT. Newark, NG4 1WT. Tel. 01636 677711 Tel: 01992 555220 Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING

Annual General Meeting Minutes of the 14th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 8 March 2001 in the John Lees Lecture Theatre at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute at 1.30pm. Present: The Chairman: Trevor James; Secretary: John Newbould; Treasurer: Mike Weideli; Membership Secretary: Paul Harding and thirty members. Apologies: The Secretary reported apologies from Damian McFerran, Bill Ely, Sarah Hawkswell and Roger Key.

(i) The Chairman read the minutes of the EGM held at Peterborough on the 24th March 2000. These were approved.

(ii) A written report by the Chairman was circulated. Highlights included work with the National Biodiversity Network Trust (NBNT), the establishment of the NFBR website by Nick Moyes, and the work of Charles Copp in designing a protocol for accrediting local record centres. The meeting approved the report.

(iii) The Treasurer's Report was circulated. Mr. Weideli commented that the 2000 conference had made a small profit, and that increased subscriptions had resulted in an increase of income. Expenditure was in line with the previous year. He reported that we had contributed £200 to the NBN Trust. It was proposed by Craig Slawson and seconded by Bill Butcher that this report be approved. The meeting gave approval nem. con.

(iv) Election of Council: Chairman: Bill Butcher - proposed Trevor James, seconded John Newbould. Secretary: Sarah Myles - proposed Tim Corner, seconded Nick Moyes. Membership Secretary: John Newbould – prop. Paul Harding, sec. S. McWilliam. New Members of Council: Lisa Kerslake, Darwyn Sumner and Nicky Court - proposed Trevor James, seconded John Newbould. The following were re-elected : Mike Weideli(Treasurer), Damien McFerran(Newsletter Editor), Charles Copp, Paul Harding, Dr Roger Key, Steve McWilliam, & Craig Slawson. On a composite motion: proposed by Bill Butcher and seconded by Steve McWilliam that the above officers are elected to Council. This was approved by the meeting nem. con. Seven members were co-opted : Dr Stuart Ball, Bill Ely, Trevor James, Anne-Marie Smout(BRISC), Sara Hawswell(TWTs), Adam Rowe & Nick Moyes (Webmaster)

(v) Election of the Independent Examiner: It was proposed by Trevor James and seconded by Mike Weideli that Mrs. Shirley Bell be appointed examiner. This was agreed by the meeting nem. con.

Bill Butcher thanked Trevor James for his five-year period of office as Chairman, during which time many important changes in the practice of biological recording had taken place. The meeting greeted this with acclaim.

Meeting closed at 1.55pm.

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING Income and Expenditure for year ending 31 December 2000

2000 1999 Income £ £ Subscriptions 1,157.00 970.00 Conference income (AGM) 320.00 592.00 Bank interest 84.76 67.80 Sundry income 0.00 1.50 Total Income 1,561.76 1,631.80

Expenditure Conference Expenditure 295.29 132.18 Administration Expenses 35.10 68.41 Newsletter Costs 318.43 528.81 Council Meeting & Travel Costs 456.43 205.39 Contribution to NBN Secretariat 200.00 500.00 Total Expenditure 1,305.25 1,434.79

Surplus of Income over Expenditure 256.51 197.01

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2000 Assets High Interest Bank Account 2,373.91 2,296.49 Current Account 2,802.24 1,996.49 Debtors 0.00 592.50 5,176.15 4,885.48

Liabilities Creditors 166.34 132.18

Net Assets 5,009.81 4,753.30

Represented by Capital brought forward 4,753.30 4,556.29 Surplus for year 256.51 197.01

5,009.81 4,753.30

Notes: Liabilities Hampshire County Council (Newsletter) 135.37 N.Court (Newsletter) 8.97 Royal Bank Scotland 22.00

166.34

M.D. Weideli S.A. Bell Hon. Treasurer Independent Examiner

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 Outgoing Chairman’s thoughts The Birmingham Conference and AGM was important because it focussed on for me summed up NFBR's activities data quality, the back up of records by over the five years since I became voucher specimens and the linkage Chairman: busy, with important between local amateurs and a hidden developments, and with me/NFBR just network of museum and similar about keeping up with events! I must taxonomic specialists. Hardly any of this apologise for my finely timed arrival at work was officially recognised, let alone the start of the Conference, for those specifically budgeted for. who were there. We also had some last Many Local Records Centres have minute quick changes to the programme developed out of this background, but that turned out very well in the end. I there has been a parallel loss of many hope everyone enjoyed the end product of the museum-type posts because their as much as I did. work has been seen as of low priority in One point came out of the Conference in the Museum profession, and especially particular which interested me - Patrick by many local authorities. At the same Cloughley's assurance on behalf of time, the LRC's have raised their English Nature that EN were considering profiles, but often lack both the expert a systematic use of Local Records links and the scientific resources to Centres for the management of their ensure that their data are as data, and that there was (some) money scientifically valid as they could be. A available to do so. It may not have way forward has often been to rely on looked to be much money, but the idea local "experts" - sometimes the local is there. Over the five years of gestation representatives of national recording of the National Biodiversity Network, schemes. This is all very well, but the perhaps the greatest hurdle has been, institutional support available from some and still is, the crystallisation of where Local Records Centres is not of the LRC's fit into the picture and how. The same calibre as that which was quietly Wildlife Trusts have led on this, and provided by the museum natural history done great things in developing a more unit. Large reference collections, systematic consideration of what ought taxonomically trained staff, access to to be at the heart of LRC development. scientific libraries, links with national But there is much to do. institutions, facilities for properly managed archives of historic An important part of this, though, is the manuscripts etc. were the norm. general understanding of just how the local networks of specialists, natural The Local Authorities that sponsor history societies, recording groups etc. LRC's also want their pound of flesh work, and how this picture is changing, much more clearly delivered. There are partly in response to NBN business plans, performance targets, developments. and, now, Best Value. Delivery of data may not be enough to secure LRCs' Twenty years ago, a lot of the energy futures in the bleak world of "Community and enthusiasm behind biological Benefit", no matter how LRC's re- recording, especially of difficult species package their roles in relation to the groups, was focussed around the latest political concepts. So, for EN to activities of local museum biology units, flag up the potential role of LRC's as many of which became the "local data managers could be a significant records centre". This "professional" change of emphasis. It would represent input was often carried out as a side-line an official recognition of the role of to more orthodox museum work, but 5

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 LRC's beyond their merely local remit, This all shows the delicacy of the and their answerability to local sponsors' system that the NFBR has been trying to needs. We will need to see what EN uphold since its inception. In developing might expect for its contribution. There officially recognised infrastructures, we would be a limit to how much could be must always be careful that we don't expected of already over-stretched units throw out the baby with the bath water, to deliver "high quality data" on demand so to speak. So, when the NBN without a substantial increase in produces its "accreditation" scheme, resources. and when EN sorts out its recommended Service Level More importantly, though, we need to be Agreements with LRC's, we must aware of the potential impact of such ensure that volunteer support, data official recognition on the local networks quality, links with taxonomic resources, that ultimately underpin much of the real etc. are written in there too. It may not biological recording across the country. appear to be very relevant to local If the demands on an "officially authority sponsors, but without these recognised" LRC have the effect of things, there will be very little worthwhile undermining the LRC's remaining data to record! As they say, garbage in capacity to link with all those amateur equals garbage out. groups which form the bedrock of real recording, then the victory would be Good luck to Bill Butcher for his sojourn pyrrhic. National Recording Schemes, in the hot seat. May all his conferences that other major constituent of the NBN's be relevant! expectations, would probably be one of Trevor James, the first to suffer, as the material, local support for their data gathering withers Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre away.

Incoming Chairman's thoughts I take over the chairmanship of NFBR trends together, Council has agreed to from Trevor James with some receive regional reports, covering both trepidation, but a great sense of honour. LRC and general recording activity at its Under Trevor’s leadership, the meetings, and to include short regional organisation has consolidated its reports in the Newsletter. We hope that position as the independent voice of you will find these useful new means of biological recording in the UK, and has communication. extended its influence at the heart of the The new team would like to spend a emerging National Biodiversity Network short while reflecting on the role of (NBN). NFBR and its potential for increasing I am fortunate to be elected at a time of effectiveness. NFBR's strengths include considerable strengthening of NFBR our independence, our historical Council through the recruitment of a contribution to the development of number of enthusiastic new members. biological recording, our conferences, Council is also now very evenly our inexpensive membership, our distributed geographically, and has the connections to the wider biological potential to effectively tap into grass recording community of both roots feeling in the recording community. professionals and volunteers, the Local Record Centre Managers are also strength and geographical breadth of beginning to meet regularly on a Council and the extent of our influence regional basis. Taking these two new within the NBN. The principal constraint 6

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 is the lack of time of officers and reasons, and also because most of the members to take action on behalf of records were collected through locally NFBR, distracted as we all are by more organised groups and schemes, the than full-time jobs. We need to find the data can be applied to local most effective ways of applying NFBR’s conservation action measures and the limited resources to achieve our planning system as effectively as objectives. I would be very pleased to providing the national overview. hear members’ views on the strengths The comprehensiveness and quality of and weaknesses of NFBR, and the data allows in depth scientific especially any positive ideas on new analysis and hard conclusions to be initiatives ([email protected]). drawn about the state of butterflies, Council has discussed some ideas, and changes and reasons for change. While has set up a working group to initiate a some positive messages emerge, the special project. I will feed all comments overall picture seems fairly grim, a received into that group. reminder, if any were needed, of the 2001 is already proving to be an urgency and importance of the work that interesting year for biological recording. we are all engaged in. If anyone needs Within the NBN, we have various convincing of the value of biological significant developments. These include recording, just show them a copy of this the development of the electronic magnificent work! Gateway, new DETR funding, the end of This has now been achieved for the Linking LRCs Project, the start of the butterflies; birds are well covered and National Schemes and Societies the plants atlas will be published in Project, the start of the South-West Pilot 2002. Can we achieve similar and, perhaps, at long last, the start of excellence for all other taxonomic Heritage Lottery funding of LRC groups over the next few decades? projects. In mid summer, we anticipate the consultation draft of the revised Biological recording is also, of course, Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 9 on critically about habitats. I was not Nature Conservation, which could have surprised to see that it is now officially very significant effects on our work. recognised that the greatest needs for NFBR will, of course, be seeking to effective BAP implementation, apart influence the outcome. from extra resources, are more research and survey, and better access to The publication of the Millennium Atlas information. The review of progress for of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland by implementing Action Plans (“Sustaining Butterfly Conservation, launched at the the variety of life: 5 years of the UK Linnean Society on 24th April, seems to Biodiversity Action Plan”; Report of the me to be a new landmark for biological UK Biodiversity Group to the UK recording of great significance. The Government, March 2001) found that atlas and the dataset behind it biological status was still unknown for demonstrate what can be achieved over 70% of habitats. The generation of when professionals and volunteers work dynamic inventories for all priority BAP together for a common purpose. The habitats is a major focus for the NBN project draws on fourteen times as many South-West Pilot led by English Nature, records from 1995-1999 as were 2001-2004, but there needs to be urgent collected for the previous atlas covering action in this area across the UK. This the period 1970-82. Furthermore, the report should strengthen arguments for records are of far higher quality, in terms resourcing this work. of geographical precision, date precision and measures of abundance. For these 7

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 As most of us contemplate the dreadful outcome of the promised Great Debate prospect of a whole spring without on the future of the countryside. A silver exploring a woodland, or even a whole lining of the crisis could well be the summer without walking in the clarity with which the access ban has countryside, the long term effects of the shown up the enormous value of an Foot and Mouth Crisis on biological attractive countryside, including its recording merit some consideration. biodiversity, to local economies. Future data analyses will need to take Whatever the outcome, we should account of the paucity of records from ensure that critical decisions on the 2001. Late 2001 and 2002 could be a future of our countryside are made with very busy period as funding the benefit of reliable information on our programmes and projects with deadlines wildlife. readjust. Will landowners’ attitudes towards access for field survey change? Bill Butcher, Chairman Much depends, of course, on the Somerset Environmental Records Centre

Wales: a LRC UPDATE The first LRC in Wales, The Biodiversity LRC in West Wales, covering the Information Service for Powys and former county of Dyfed (now Brecon Beacons National Park (BIS), is Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and now more than halfway through its Pembrokeshire). establishment phase. Good progress ƒ Discussions are underway on the has been made in establishing IT possibility of establishing an LRC to systems, building relationships with key cover the Glamorgan and Gwent organisations and individuals, and areas of South Wales. Local BAPs in obtaining data sets. The establishment the twelve Unitary Authorities phase ends in November 2001, so covering the area have provided the efforts are now being focused on impetus and focus for LRC establishing Service Level Agreements discussions through the Glamorgan with existing funders, and in meeting and Greater Gwent Biodiversity other potential users to promote the Action Groups. services that BIS will be offering. Additional funding from external sources If you have any news on progress is also being sought. towards establishment of LRCs in Wales please contact: Elsewhere work is underway to establish LRCs in other parts of Wales: Adam Rowe ƒ Steve Lucas of The Wildlife Trust Manager, The Biodiversity Information West Wales has produced a draft Service for Powys and Brecon development plan for a potential

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (YNU) The Yorkshire Naturalists' Union (YNU) Field meetings is one of many county natural history Each year the Union organises five field societies, located across Great Britain, th meetings in different parts of Yorkshire. often founded in the 19 Century, which These are especially beneficial to an have concentrated on the scientific individual with a basic grounding in study of natural history and in some fieldwork and wishing to learn more. By case archaeology. Many of these working in the field with fellow societies have been involved with the naturalists, skills can be developed and formation of museums throughout the identifications can be checked. country, although it is now rare for a Experience is gained of species and society to operate a public museum as habitats not found nearer home. In well. The Dorset County Museum, in addition, each section holds field Dorchester, is one example of a meetings at places of particular interest museum which is still operated by, in to its own members, which assist this instance, The Dorset Natural History landowners in conservation and land and Archaeological Society. management by identifying important The County Conservation Trusts were species. Following fieldwork, there is formed in the 20th Century as a result of often an indoor meeting for verbal needing a charitable company reports and records. organisation to hold land. The YNU is both a Federation of natural history Principal indoor meetings societies of the historic county of There are two important meetings held Yorkshire, and a society of individual for members and guests. Each year, on members who have an interest in the the first Saturday in December, the geology, plants and animals of the area. Union holds its Annual General Meeting. It holds both indoor and field meetings This is the one formal business meeting throughout the county. The Union is of the year, when members are able to organised into sections, in the style of receive the Union’s Annual Report and the British Association, to cater for vote for officers. The sections nominate naturalists with special interests that the President. Following the meeting, include: Mammals, Birds, Molluscs, the retiring President gives an address Insects, Plants, Mosses, Fungi and on a significant aspect of Yorkshire’s Freshwater Ecology. A new section is wildlife. The choice of topics is varied presently being formed to deal with the and wide ranging. historical aspects. In recent years it has been the Union’s Whilst many members of the YNU are practice to hold a Spring Conference. amateur naturalists, a number of This usually concerns an aspect of members work professionally for natural history of topical importance. At statutory bodies, universities, museums the turn of the millennium, conferences or in consultancy. This mixture of were held on themes relevant to interests and knowledge encourages all recording biodiversity and natural areas. involved to develop skills in their chosen The conferences are usually organised field. Members undertake individual on the basis of four key speakers, studies on many aspects of natural followed by syndicate sessions or history, and are encouraged to publish Poster Exhibitions and Conversazione. their results in the Union’s publications. The Conference is usually held at the Swallow St George Hotel, Harrogate, on

the last Saturday in February. The 9

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 theme on February 23rd 2002 will be staff. The method of data collection is Monitoring Biodiversity at Mineral the responsibility of the individual. There Extraction Sites. The cost will be around is no formal organisation to the keeping £14. It is attended by many of the of records. Some recorders use a amateur and professional naturalists computer database, whilst others use a working through the county and usually card index. Yet others rely on their field attracts an attendance of over 100. notebooks. We do, however, have a code of conduct for our recorders and Using the records gathered members, which reflects the charitable The YNU through its recorders, status of the Union. Union members members and publications supplies have gathered a large amount of information and reports, to English information, since 1861, but many of Nature, other statutory bodies and to these records are only available to the landowners and voluntary organisations public domain via our principal journals involved in nature conservation, such as and books. For further information on the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Our the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, please members support a number of local and contact: national schemes, which record the county’s rich and varied flora and fauna. The Treasurer, Mr J.A. Newbould The Union records on the Watsonian Stonecroft, 3 Brookmead Close, Sutton Vice County system and by 10km Poyntz, WEYMOUTH, DT3 6RS squares. Many of our members work Tel: 01305 837384 (a call minder service is closely with local record centres, available). especially in the south of the county. Email: newbould @aol.com. The Union employs no professional

Report from South West Region The seven South West local records using geographical information systems centres (covering Gloucestershire, the (GIS) to map the extent of each habitat Bristol Region, Wiltshire, Dorset, and related species. This information Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and the can then be linked and exchanged, as Isles of Scilly) have been meeting proposed by the NBN. Other regularly for a number of years now. organisations, such as the Environment These quarterly meetings allow us to Agency, are also getting involved. The share ideas and experience regarding project is due to start in May 2001 and all aspects of running a local record run for three years. We are also in the centre (LRC). process of setting up an information technology group, to discuss the use of Our last meeting in February 2001 databases including Recorder 2000, focussed on the proposed South West GIS etc within LRCs. The first meeting Pilot Project. This project is being led by of this group will be in May 2001. English Nature, with the purpose of trialing the ideas of the National Sarah Myles Biodiversity Network (NBN) on a smaller, regional scale. The seven Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall LRCS will be working together to obtain & Isles of Scilly complete coverage of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats in the South West Spring 2001 Report from BRISC

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 "The collection and use of biodiversity for all decision making, and key players data" was the subject of a conference therefore needed to provide adequate held by BRISC (Biological Recording in financial support for a system that could Scotland) at Inverness Museum on deliver high quality data. The perennial Saturday 17 March. Various aspects of under staffing and financial plight of the topic were addressed, including many Local Records Centres figured presentations on the verification of largely in the discussion. A good LRC, records, how data can be accessed which had the support of the local through the National Biodiversity community, was considered by most of Network, community involvement in data those present to be the best way to collection, recording bumblebees in deliver high quality data. Partnership Highland, and doing research on with business needed to be sought, but stranded cetaceans. how? The idea that Government should shoulder some of the responsibility for There was a lengthy discussion of "The costs was generally applauded, as needs for biodiversity data: the Government ultimately requires data to economics of collection and use". This fulfil its commitment to sustainable took place as a question and answer development and the UK Biodiversity session, with a panel consisting of Ross Action Plan, though that too could have Andrew (Orkney Biological Records drawbacks. These include having Centre), Duncan Bryden (Scottish controls imposed over what data to Wildlife Trust), Andy Dorin (Highland collect and how. It was also held that Council), Hugh Morison (Scotch Whisky local authorities and national Association and Scottish Biodiversity conservation agencies both have a Group), and Jeff Watson (Scottish serious responsibility here, because Natural Heritage), and expertly chaired they need data to carry out their by Michael Scott (Plantlife) statutory duties. Pump-priming by SNH Questions ranged from whether it is had been used with some success but, reasonable to expect volunteer as pointed out, a period of ten years recorders to hand over all their data to would be more realistic than the present others for free, to the responsibilities of three years, because partnerships take Government, national as well as local, in a long time to build. There is little helping to fund biodiversity data commercial value in biodiversity data - collection and management. It was at least so far. suggested as desirable to at least pay It was acknowledged that an LRC is a expenses to volunteer recorders, valuable local resource and as such especially if they were expected to needs the support of key partners. record away from home, and also However, a good business plan for the provide other payoffs in kind, such as LRC would be required. Towards this assistance or jointly produced products. end, it was important for all interested It was generally thought that access to parties, including the recording biodiversity data should be free for all, community, to come together and albeit at different levels of detail. discuss possibilities. A fuller report has However, raw data are often of little use, appeared in the BRISC Recorder News and the analysis required for making No 41 (April 2001). them useful needed professional expertise that should be paid for by the Annual conferences also provide the users. occasion for our AGM, and this year a strategic document to guide activities The need for good biodiversity over the next three years was the main information was agreed to be essential item for discussion. The document had 11

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 been posted out with a previous mailing in conjunction with BWARS, who will inviting members' comments, and the receive all the data in due course. amended version was presented for Initially, all data collected should be approval. The main proposals are to set submitted to the Local Record Centre. up three sub-groups of BRISC, namely a Only where there is no such Centre, Recording Group, a Computer Skills should the data be sent to Murdo Group, and a LRC Group. It is Macdonald, who is the Scottish anticipated that email or fora via organiser, or to BRISC who will forward BRISC's website will play a central role all data to Murdo. An annual report will in communication and activities. be produced and posted on the BRISC website at www.brisc.org.uk A date has already been fixed for the launch of the LRC group, which will meet on 17 May at Fife House. The Anne-Marie Smout, Recording Group will kick off with a Chair of BRISC Scotland wide survey on bumblebees -

North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre Readers may be aware that work has Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union and begun to establish a local record centre Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. for North and East Yorkshire, after many I was appointed in March 2000 to set up years of hard work by English Nature, the Centre, and have spent much of my Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, North Yorkshire first year meeting clients and users County Council and others. The idea across the region, raising funds and had been around for a while, but the producing a development plan using story began seriously in 1995, when both the information from this process SERC were commissioned to produce a and the NBN guidance. The feasibility study. The North and East development plan is complete, so now Yorkshire Ecological Data Trust, under comes the hard bit! As yet we have very whose auspices the record centre will little data, have only just acquired operate, was eventually established as Recorder 2000 and are intending to a registered charity in 1999. purchase a GIS over the next few The Centre will be known as the North weeks. Consequently, over the next few and East Yorkshire Ecological Data months I will need to focus carefully on Centre (NEYEDC). The centre aims to our main priorities of acquiring and improve the quality and quantity of incorporating data, so that we can begin information relating to wildlife and to offer services to our partners and countryside in the region (the securing serious funding. At present administrative areas of North Yorkshire, there is enough money to employ me , Kingston- until the end of the year, which tends to upon-Hull and York), to make such sharpen the mind somewhat! information more accessible and to We have managed to raise a small provide interpretation of the data. amount of money to purchase a second Funding for the initial establishment of computer, and have taken on a the centre has been provided by English volunteer to compile a metadata Nature, North Yorkshire County Council, database, so we can gain some idea of York City Council, East Riding Council, what’s out there before we start trying to Harrogate Borough Council, Ryedale take in data on a large scale. We have District Council, North York Moors also been supplying copies of R2000 to National Park, Yorkshire Forward, 12

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 many naturalists in the region. If anyone Lisa Kerslake, would like a copy of our development Director, NEYEDC plan or our newsletters (four to date), or St William’s Foundation, 5 College St, York, any other information, please contact YO1 7JF me at the address below. I’m particularly Tel: 01904 557235 keen to hear from any recorders in our region with whom I’ve not yet managed Email: [email protected] to make contact.

NFBR on the Web The NFBR is now on-line on the world creating and updating a basic website a wild web with a site of its own at relatively simple task. NFBR.ORG.UK. The issue of the NFBR Committee members should be Federation lacking a web presence was warned - I will be asking them to dig out raised at the last AGM, and in the a suitable photograph of themselves resulting silence, I foolishly offered to (recent and recognisable, please) which help. A preliminary version of our site was prepared and tested last summer, and uploaded to our new domain last autumn. I intend that the NFBR site will eventually contain a number of pages, including membership and committee details, news of forthcoming events and seminars, together with an on-line version of the current newsletter, and past issues too. By the time you read can be included with the committee this, much of that work will have been details. It's all too easy to assume that done. Other exciting material which you everyone knows who’s who at AGMs might eventually see includes annual and conferences, but this is rarely the reports and committee minutes - but this case. I hope no one will be embarrassed will come later, as it’s possible to have to do this, and will see it as a way of too much of a good thing all at once! being more approachable to our Whilst I'm no great webmaster, I do membership. I also aim to include a list hope NFBR members will visit the new of institutional members and links to site and that you like what you see. Of their web sites. Contact details for course, I welcome all practical personal members will obviously only be suggestions for improvements or included if you specifically authorise me additions, and to receive reports of any to publish them, clearly specifying what problems in viewing the pages. Our site details you are prepared for me to has been prepared using NetObjects reveal. So, if you would like a link to Fusion Ver2.02. This has also been your organisation, or for personal used for a work website at contact details to be included on a www.dbrc.freeserve.co.uk. It is quite members page, please email me at simple and intuitive to use, and makes 13

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 under the subject header “NFBR Link” to website, or personal interests relating to [email protected]. biological recording. Please include some or all of the Remember that personal phone following: numbers and addresses become Organisation Name or Personal Name; available for all to see on the Web, so Organisation Address (or Personal consider carefully what information you Address); Tel/Fax want made available. Email; Website URL; Contact Name: 40- Nick Moyes 60 word summary of your organisation; Derbyshire BRC, Derby Museum & Art Gallery

The Flora of Northern Ireland web site The Flora of Northern Ireland web site web site to cover the majority of wild has been developed within the Ulster plants in Northern Ireland, provide an Museum, under contract from the identification key and to make the site Environment and Heritage Service, to searchable by keywords. The URL is provide a way for the public to access http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/flor some of the vascular plant data held at a the Centre for Environmental Data and Fiona Maitland Recording (CEDaR). Flora of Northern Ireland Web Site Co- The Flora of Northern Ireland web site is ordinator online with just over 300 species Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast represented, providing species BT9 5AB accounts, 10km distribution maps and, Tel: 028 9038 3118 in most cases, images of the plants. Email: [email protected] Work is now underway to increase the number of species represented on the

DragonflyIreland - an update We expect that the News page will be relevant Government Departments up and running in the next few weeks. (north and south) should be heeded. As spring advances, dragonfly activity Over the winter, a steady stream of will resume, commencing with the cards have been received. The data larvae, which will move into shallow from these have now been entered on water prior to emergence. Last year saw our database, and we have updated our some very early emergence dates, but maps on all the species pages. We are that was after a mild winter. This winter aware that some records have not been has been the hardest for many years, forwarded to us on cards and with many lakes and ponds remaining consequently cannot be shown. If you frozen for several weeks, so early have any outstanding records can you emergence dates are unlikely to be please send them in before the start of repeated. Whether any fieldwork will be the next field season. We would also be possible will entirely depend on the Foot pleased to receive any records from and Mouth situation. The advice of the earlier years. Should you require any

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 cards then please get in touch with one and north Kerry together was one of the of us. biggest gaps, but this has been one of the best-covered areas so far. Some The following is a summary of highlights parts of the midlands still have from the records. In total, records were surprisingly large gaps. The counties received from 270 10km squares. This from Laois north to Monaghan should has been a magnificent start to the have many good dragonfly sites, and we mapping project, and we wish to are keen to get coverage extended express our sincere thanks to all our through this area. recorders for their hard work. To set the first year in context, the land area of As well as increasing the general Ireland is covered by approximately coverage, we need to address some key 1000 10km squares, so coverage has species. Last year the news was been 27%. The previous Atlas (Merritt et dominated by the finding of three new al. 1992) received records from 676 species. Now that the maps have been 10km squares, which is a target we updated, we can see that there were would like to exceed. The cards interesting records for many of our contained 1,574 individual species established species. These are records. These have been added to the highlighted at the DragonflyIreland 11,287 previous records. website: www.ulstermuseum/org.uk/cedar

Pre 1970 and click on the DragonflyIreland icon. 1970-1999 2000 If you would like to participate in the 4 scheme contact the DragonflyIreland co- ordinator:

Robert Thompson 3 8 Weaver's Court, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 4RP Email: [email protected] If you want to discuss specific issues 2 about species and habitats contact:

Brian Nelson Department of Zoology, Ulster Museum, 1 Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB Email: [email protected] If you have comments or corrections for this website contact: 0 0 1 2 3 Relatively even spread of coverage is Christine Morrow noticeable, but one of the most Email: [email protected] encouraging aspects of the first year has been the extension of coverage into previously unrecorded areas. Limerick DMAP Version 7.1 Version 7.1 of the DMAP for Wndows released. The new features added since software package for distribution and the release of V7.0 include: coincidence mapping has recently been 15

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 • Frequency Mapping. This new Recorder 2000 provides two ways of facility displays a distribution map producing distribution maps: which show the number of records • An in-built mapping tool, MapServer, per Grid Reference or Grid Square. which has some basic distribution These frequencies are coded as mapping functionality. Quantity Symbols, and a Key is automatically generated which • DMAP support via a DMAP Data relates these Symbols to the actual Export Module. This gives access to frequencies. DMAP to provide some more advanced features for species and • User-defined Symbol Priorities. In biotope mapping, including earlier versions of DMAP, the Distribution Mapping, Quantity Symbol Priorities for duplicate Mapping, Frequency Mapping, records were fixed. In V7.1, users Coincidence Mapping, Multispecies can, if they wish, modify these Mapping, Biodiversity Mapping, and priorities. a variety of ways of getting • Maps can be saved as GIF Image publication quality maps into files for displaying on Internet Web documents, reports, and biological Sites. In earlier versions of DMAP, atlas publications. The DMAP Export maps for Web sites needed to be Module is able to export data to converted from BMP or WMF files to DMAP for a single species, a group GIF or JPG format. V7.1 allows the of species, or all species in the saving of DMAP maps directly as database. GIF files, removing the need for any conversion. DMAP itself is not supplied with Recorder 2000, but the DMAP Export • UK PostCode interpretation. Module is supplied as part of the Within the UK, the location of Recorder 2000 package. Recorder species records can be given as users who already have DMAP can PostCodes as an alternative to (or in continue to use their version of addition to) Grid References. The DMAP or can, if they wish, upgrade to Postcodes are automatically the latest version of DMAP. Recorder converted to Grid References by users who do not have DMAP can DMAP. This facility is available in all obtain it via the contact information copies of V7.1, but it requires an given at the end of this article. additional database and associated linking software available from AFD A Web page specifically for people who Software Ltd. Further details about are interested in using DMAP with this are available on request. Recorder 2000 has now been set up on the DMAP Web site, and can be • For the British Isles maps supplied accessed by following the links: How with DMAP, the co-ordinate display to... Use DMAP with Recorder 2000, or, in the DMAP Status Bar can now be http://www.dmap.co.uk/rec2000.htm. in alphanumeric format, displayed as British, Irish, or Channel Islands This page will be updated periodically Grid References when the mouse is and it contains useful information over these areas. Further details including any DMAP-related add-ons about implementing this are available from Recorder 2000 resellers, available on request. like the one already described there for advanced distribution mapping from DMAP and Recorder 2000 Thurner Automation.

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 Dr Alan Morton, Email: [email protected] Blackthorn Cottage, Chawridge Lane, For further information about DMAP, visit the Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4QR. Web Site: http://www.dmap.co.uk/ Tel: 01344 883929.

The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey - the story so far Since 1994, a vast army of voluntary As each new year is added to the fieldworkers have been setting their dataset, the more we are able to do with alarm clocks for dawn in order to get up the data collected. Since all the data are and out into the countryside counting coded by county, species and habitat birds. The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) type, it is relatively easy to analyse is organised by the British Trust for results from different geographical areas Ornithology (BTO) and joint funded by or habitats. The most recent BBS BTO, Joint Nature Conservation Annual Report details the results from Committee (JNCC) and the Royal 1994 to 1999, and includes breakdowns Society for the Protection of Birds of the data for the UK and all constituent (RSPB). It was set up to monitor the countries. We have also published population trends of common and regional results for . widespread breeding birds. The quick and simple methodology has enabled The survey has proved popular, and over 2300 people to take part. Now, there are now around 2300 1km squares following seven years of fieldwork, we covered annually. With this level of are starting to see some interesting coverage, we are able to monitor around trends developing. With a successful 100 species of bird with a sufficient survey framework in place, a simple degree of accuracy. mammal-recording sheet was added in 1995. With 85% of all fieldworkers Results - birds completing the form, some useful The results from the BBS backed up the mammal data has been collected. findings of the long-running Common Birds Census (CBC), with the biggest How the survey works declines occurring in farmland All survey plots (1x1km squares) are specialists. Birds such as Grey chosen at random by computer to Partridge, Skylark and Corn Bunting ensure that there is no bias in the areas continue to do badly with significant and habitats surveyed. Each surveyor declines in the UK. There are also then has to visit the plot on three worrying signs that even familiar species occasions, once to work out two 1km such as Starling and House Sparrow are routes across the square and record the declining. Results from other parts of the habitat, then two further visits between country show that, almost without April to June to count the birds and exception, these declines are mammals. Coverage of squares is widespread. There are interesting organised by the BTO Regional Network exceptions, however, such as House who liase with local fieldworkers and Sparrow - actually increasing organise the distribution and collection significantly in Wales. Our regional of forms. Each completed set of survey analyses of England show Starling to be forms is then sent away to be input decreasing in all regions except the East ready for analysis the following spring. Midlands, where it is increasing The resulting annual report is then sent significantly! Identifying declines in out to all participants. common birds is very important in order 17

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 to prioritise conservation action. Common Dormouse and Leisler’s Bat. It Geographical variations in results are will come as no great surprise to see also very interesting, and may provide that Rabbit was by far the commonest vital clues to some of the problems that mammal recorded in 71% of surveyed our breeding birds are facing. squares. The next four commonest mammals were Grey Squirrel (36%), Mammals Red Fox (34%), Brown Hare (34%) and The mammal recording within the BBS Mole (25%). was very much an add-on to the bird Although mammal monitoring in the UK survey. It has, however, proved to be isn’t undertaken at the same scale as very popular with our fieldworkers. In bird monitoring, there have been recent fact, mammal recording was introduced efforts to co-ordinate mammal surveys following fieldworker suggestions. In by a partnership of interested 1995, with advice from the Mammal conservation organisations. This Society, we introduced a mammal- partnership is setting out to identify recording sheet. Since the main focus of priority species for monitoring, and the BBS is birds, we were keen not to assess species coverage using different add in any element, which would detract methodologies. The BBS mammal from the bird monitoring. We also survey was identified as a good source realised that the habits of most of data for easily seen mammals. Good mammals would mean that they are news indeed! unlikely to be seen at all. There are however, several species (mainly the Taking part larger mammals) which can be seen A project such as the BTO/JNCC/RSPB easily. In addition, we ask observers to Breeding Bird Survey is only possible note signs of mammals (e.g. Moles and because of the large number of Badgers are unlikely to be seen but their volunteer fieldworkers able to take part. signs are often very obvious). Observers The success of the scheme depends on may also have knowledge of a high-level survey coverage. Currently mammal’s presence from previous there are over 2300 1x1km squares sightings or from other observers. In covered, but it is vital that we maintain order to keep the mammal element this level of coverage. In most areas of simple, observers are just asked for the the UK, we have reached optimum total number of each species for the coverage but there are still some areas early and late visit. where we need more volunteers. In

Northern Ireland we have around 100 Results Mammals squares covered, but 25-30 of these are Around 85% of all BBS participants covered by a professional fieldworker completed a mammal survey. So far funded by the Environment and Heritage only a limited amount of analysis has Service. We are very keen to find been carried out on these data, but volunteers for these squares since the some work has been carried out to see funding for this fieldwork cannot be what sort of results we can expect in the guaranteed indefinitely. If you have a future. short amount of time to spare each year Looking at the most recent set of results and would like to take part in this for 1999, only 9% of surveys recorded important survey or would like some no mammals but in the remaining 91%, more information, please contact the forty species were recorded. These BBS National Organiser: range from common species like Rabbit Richard Bashford and Grey Squirrel to rarer species like BBS National Organiser 18

NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Tel: 01842-750050. Fax 01842-750030 Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Email: [email protected]

A Handbook for Biological Recorders A manual for recording plants, animals and their habitats in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Edited by Mary Atkinson, Ian Bennallick, David Holyoak, Derek Lord & Paul McCartney bryophytes, fish, birds and mammals, The Handbook for Biological Recorders together with a wide range of is a new publication resulting from a invertebrates. The last seven sections collaboration between the Cornwall and deal with various aspects of marine Isles of Scilly Federation of Biological recording covering such groups as Recorders (CISFBR) and the sponges, molluscs, marine fish, Environmental Records Centre for cetaceans and seals. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS). The aim of this Handbook is It has been designed as a loose-leaf to promote and assist biological format held within an A4 folder, to allow recording in Cornwall and the Isles of for the possibility of inserting section Scilly - by stimulating recording; passing updates or new sections. on existing experience of surveying The Handbook is available from the techniques; and to encourage Environmental Records Centre for standardised record gathering for the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at various taxonomic groups. It begins with £12.00 each (plus £4.70 postage and some introductory sections about packing) or £10.00 to CISFBR members recording, introducing the reader to the (again plus postage and packing). general standards that are expected in recording. For example, there are Sarah Myles sections on what and how to record, and what you should do with records once ERCCIS Manager you have collected them. Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Wildlife The majority of the Handbook deals with Trust, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall TR4 individual plant and animal groups, with 9DJ. each section having been written by a Tel: 01872 240777 relevant expert. The species groups covered include vascular plants, lichens,

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001 NBN - Information Day The NBN Trust was invited to give a www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/cedar/). In presentation of its work to a the afternoon, the NBN Trust gave distinguished audience at Stormont, demonstrations on the Gateway, the Belfast on 21 March 2001. The Minister Species Dictionary and Recorder 2000. for the Environment in Northern Ireland, Our thanks go to the Environment Mr. Sam Foster MLA, found half a day Heritage Service (DoE (NI)) and Ulster within his busy schedule to host the Museum staff who organised the venue, presentation, and was very supportive of agenda and domestic arrangements, as the NBN's development within the well as to those who gave talks. The Province. Trust's thanks also go to Stuart Ball (JNCC), Steve Wilkinson (JNCC), Following the address to the meeting by Dorian Moss (NERC) and Neil the Minister, and our Chairman's Caithness (NHM) who supported Sir resume of the NBN today, the audience John Burnett and James Munford in received presentations on the presenting the NBN Trust to Northern developing NBN, the Centre for Ireland. Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) run by the Ulster Museum, and NBN Trust Secretariat Dragonfly Ireland (visit:

Charity Commission News Conservation of the Environment be encountered and careful reading of The Charity Commission has formally the article is essential. recognised conservation of the Charities carrying out, funding or environment as a charitable purpose in commissioning research its own right. In the past this recognition In December 2000, the Charity has only been via informal advice. The Commission published a draft paper on news will clarify the position as many the above subject. It can be downloaded charities supporting environmental aims from the Charity Commission web site have used other aims such as education charity-commission.gov.uk. The paper and/ or publication of research to gives some useful guidance on achieve this status. For those record principles that are to be adopted to centres and societies who have ensure value for charitable status, could I draw your money. For those organisations that sell attention to an article in NGO Finance the results of research as a trade, (February 2001) which states that guidance is given on forming a trading trustees are not doing their job properly company. There is also a definition of if they don’t recognise and protect their private gain. The notes are useful for charity’s intellectual property rights. any organisation collecting biological These intellectual property rights are records in the public domain whether a intangible assets, but databases of charity or not. biological records can have an economical value. Trustees and staff John Newbould are cautioned to ensure that such Stonecroft, 3 Brookmead Close, Sutton assets are used appropriately and Poyntz, Weymouth DT3 6RS protected. This summary only covers a small section of the problems that may

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NFBR Newsletter 28: May 2001