National Federation for Biological Recording Newsletter 25

NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING NEWSLETTER 25

CONTENTS

Article Page no.

Honorary Officers and Council Members 2

Developing biological recording: NFBR’s role for the future 3

Recorder 2000 – an update 4

NBN News – Delivering Wildlife Information 4

Dragonflies on the web – linking up local, national and International projects 4

Using GPS as an aid to recording and monitoring 6

MarLIN 8

Developing the Biological Records Centre for the National Biodiversity Network 9

Pseudoscorpion recording 10

The Northern Ireland Ground Beetle Atlas 11

Attention - NFBR Conference/AGM!! 12

Items for the Newsletter 12

Reviews Recent UK Biodiversity Action Plan publications 12 Nature in Ireland 13 Provisional atlas of the longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of Britain 13 Orthoptera: Euro-flavour of 1997 14 Threatened Wasps, Ants and Bees (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in Watsonian Yorkshire 15

LRC & NBN PUBLICATIONS 16

Appendix 1: Income and Expenditure for years ending 31st December 1997 and 1998 (Treasurer’s Report for 1998 as at October 31 1998) 18

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR BIOLOGICAL RECORDING Honorary Officers and Council Members 1999

Chair Secretary Trevor James Nicky Court Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre The County Planning Department c/o Environment Hampshire County Council County Hall, Pegs Lane, The Castle, Winchester Hertford SG5 1RT Hampshire Tel: 01992 555220 Tel: 01962 846741

Membership Secretary Editor Paul T. Harding Damian McFerran 60 Boxwoth Road Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) Elsworth Ulster Museum Cambridge CB3 8JQ Botanic Gardens Tel: 01954 267218 Belfast BT9 5AB Tel: 01232 383154 email:[email protected]

Treasurer: (co-opted member) Anne-Marie Smout (BRISC) Michael Weideli Chester Hill, Shore Rd. 35 Bartlemy Road Anstruther, Fife Newbury KY10 3DZ Berkshire RG14 6LD

Bill Butcher Steve McWilliam Somerset Environmental Records Centre 4 Priory Close Sandhill Park, Bishops Lydeard Halton, Runcorn Taunton, Somerset TA2 8AS Cheshire WA7 2BN

Charles J.T. Copp Dr. Stuart Ball 8 The Paddock Joint Nature Conservation Committee Clevedon Monkstone House Avon BS21 6JU City Road Peterborough PE1 1JY

Bill Ely Dr Roger Key Biological Records Officer English Nature Amenities & Recreation Northminster House Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Peterborough Recreation Offices, Grove Road PE1 1UA Rotherham S60 2ER

Pamela Tompsett Gillie Sargent Awelon, Colborne Avenue Mammal Society Illogan, Redruth 15 Cloisters House Cornwall TR16 4EB 8 Battersea Road London SW8 4BG Patrick Cloughley (Co-opted member) The Wildlife Trusts c/o Powys County Council County Hall, Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5LG

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Developing biological recording: NFBR’s role for the future. It may be early days, even now, to know how a step along the road, because things will the plans for improving the structure of move on rapidly. Certainly, the demands of biological recording under the National the national and, increasingly, local Biodiversity Network pan out, but in all the Biodiversity Action Plans, have led to all discussions it is worth remembering what the manner of new developments which need to NFBR was set up to do – to promote be serviced with accurate data. These biological recording and the use of biological developments mean that, on the one hand information in conservation, education and we urgently need to get the NBN act together planning. The aims of the NBN consortium on things like data exchange standards and are pretty well a mirror image of this, of accreditation of data suppliers, whilst we also course; probably inevitably as the NFBR was need to have a permanent state of review as pivotal in bringing the ideas together which to what is needed to be supplied, by whom underpin it. Getting the infrastructure in place and to whom. This will mean that the NBN to fulfil the aims was always going to be a will have to be flexible. While it is currently slow process, partly because it is a complex being seen as a fairly unified “system”, it may task, but also because it needs to be thought well be that it develops in a more modular through carefully, and built up step-by-step. way, partly because that is the way that The NFBR’s role in this can be described as funding is tending to go, but also because representation. We are not in a position to that may make it more able to respond to fund projects, or even to provide staff time to change. manage them. However, we do aim to focus The practitioner on the ground could get on factors which must be kept in mind. quite seriously squeezed by all this. National Central to all of these is the role of the field recording schemes are already finding it biologist, amateur or professional (or a quite hard to deliver in some areas. The mixture of both!), only who can ultimately Botanical Society of the British Isles, for deliver the data. For this reason, NFBR’s example, is having to work flat out to meet its input to the NBN has tended to concentrate contractual target to deliver the Atlas 2000. on the practicalities of delivering information, While, 12 years ago, we seemed to be quite at local and national levels, and how this happy to amble along with amateur recording work can involve the broadest range of effort at a fairly low key, suddenly the need is individuals and organisations. It is also why not just for broad-scale data, but for detail – NFBR has attempted to ensure that the how many of what, where, when, to the overall interests of the biological recording nearest 8-figure grid ref. Of course, the fraternity are kept to the fore, when there amateur resource cannot be relied on to might be a tendency for any one of the major deliver all of this, even though some bodies, partners in the NBN to view it from merely like the British Trust for Ornithology, have their own perspective. So far, the NBN has performed wonders in getting an army of been a robust partnership which has volunteers focused in a scientifically responded well to the needs of this diversity. meaningful way to deliver information. The The future, with the current proposals for the NBN, therefore, needs to be a mechanism establishment of the NBN Trust, will, for allowing even better delivery. It must not hopefully, be equally responsive to the needs be a burden on the amateur, nor must it be a of the individual naturalist, as well as to leviathan which will rapidly get out-of-date. It those of the larger institutions. must be a means of channelling information Work on the NBN may appear to be slow, effectively and flexibly from producer to user, but another matter which must be and to allow bodies involved to react rapidly remembered is the rapid pace of change, not to potential demand. only in the power of data management Where does the NFBR sit in all of this? I technology, but also in the role and needs for believe we must take an active role in biological survey and monitoring. There is a drawing in all those disparate bodies which danger that various parts of the biological deal in biological information, and, more data infrastructure will get seriously out of importantly, a wide range of individual step. The NBN cannot, therefore, be a once- practitioners themselves, to continually and-for-all “fix” of the problems as perceived review and debate needs and concerns. For even when the NFBR was established. Even this reason, I would suggest that the NFBR the development of the new Recorder 2000 ought to have representation from a very (or whatever it is called) software will only be wide range of its sister organisations, 3

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 because, through its position in the NBN, it is individuals to ensure it remains relevant. The able to focus these concerns. When the NBN NFBR is a channel through which these Trust is set up, it is essential that all such representations can be made. participating bodies should have a say in the Trevor James (Chairperson, NFBR) way the system runs. While the NBN Trust Head of Ecology, Hertfordshire Biological will be autonomous, it will need to have clear Records Centre. links with a wide range of organisations and

Recorder 2000 – an update The first test version of the entry screens and receive the next payment under the terms of dictionaries was delivered on 5th July and the contract. we have spent two hectic weeks testing it Meanwhile, we have another delivery on and collating "incident reports" to go back to Monday (19th July) of a test version covering the suppliers. These describe the bugs and import, export and mapping functionality. things that don't work as they should. I think Charles Copp's comment sums it up nicely: Work has continued on facilities to export "There is much that is good, but what we data from Recorder 3.3. and Biobase. have is not yet at beta test level with too Versions of these routines, written by myself many fixes done in a panic." We eventually for Recorder and Mike Thurner for Biobase, submitted 75 incident reports covering have been produced and transfer to around 300 separate items. The developers, Recorder 2000 will be tested during August. Dorset Software Services Ltd., are due to Stuart Ball, JNCC have fixed these by early August in order to

NBN News – Delivering Wildlife Information Bookings are being taken for a seminar to be Rachel Hackett, held at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham on th The Wildlife Trusts UK National Office, The Tuesday 14 September. The day will Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, involve presentations, workshops and Nottinghamshire NG24 1WT. debates to look at the products and services delivered by LRCs, and the role of the NBN Please state clearly your name, organisation in improving these. and seminar details. Further information If you would like to book a place, send a about this seminar and all future seminars is cheque for £5 (made payable to The Wildlife available on request. Trusts) to:

Dragonflies on the web – linking up local, national and international projects Introduction 1985. In 1992, the data were analysed, and resulted in the publication of a book ‘The The development of the World Wide Web Dragonflies and Damselflies of Cheshire’ and other aspects of the Internet have through Liverpool Museum. brought about tremendous changes in the availability of information to recorders, and Whilst in Cheshire, we have continued to the speed with which it can be accessed and collect data on Odonata, there was a sharp disseminated. decline in recording effort, as some of the recorders submitting information could see My involvement in biological recording came no result or target for their efforts. There was through an interest in Odonata. This led to little chance of publishing new information participation in the Cheshire Recording once the book had been produced, apart Scheme from the 1980's. The recording was from occasional updates in journals. initially paper based, until I was asked to put the scheme onto a computer database using The Cheshire Odonata website the BBC Model B computer. This enabled automatic production of distribution maps With the rapid expansion of the Internet in and diagrammatic display of data. Records the 1990's, it became apparent that a were still held in isolation, although they website could be a way of promoting the were submitted to Monk's Wood on disk from Cheshire recording scheme, and stimulating 4

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 interest and recording. The site (http:// want information on Odonata elsewhere, I www. u-net.com /~brocross / dfly / dfly . can go to a number of sites which also cover htm) was launched in early 1997. It aimed to the subject - and if the information is not present distribution, breeding and flight there, I can e-mail a wide range of people for period information for each species recorded help. in the County, and is attracting around 3,000 The US has the greatest number of sites, hits per year. It is cheap to run, access and and the links are widespread. The use compared with other options for International Odonata Research Institute information distribution. (IORI) site (http://www.afn.org/~iori/) lists The use of the website is two way. It allows 73 links to other sites, whilst the Cape Cod up to date information to be disseminated pages: (http://www.capecod.net/~bnikula/ rapidly, and allows instant feedback from on2.htm) list over 200 links world wide. An anyone accessing the information. example in Europe is based in Sweden at Information on new species recorded is (http://home9.swipnet.se/~w-90582/ available the same day, enabling others to dragonfly/dragonfly.html) with information look elsewhere as soon as possible - which about all species found in the country is important with a mobile and seasonal including distribution data and recent subject. On occasions, it can be a burden sightings. There is a number of recording keeping the site up to date, but the results schemes world wide now available on the are worth it. There is nothing more off-putting web, and this is set to increase. than to visit a site, only to find it has not been Queries can also be put into a wide forum updated for months. through the web. The IORI site offers a Submission of records has increased, and notice board for these. recorders are able to see their contribution The immediacy of these links is very recognised immediately. All attempts to important. Last summer, the influx of a US encourage submission in a standard format dragonfly Anax junius (Green Darner) into have failed, and records tend to arrive via e- the UK, recorded for the first time, suddenly mail in a chatty format. This is, however, a meant that detailed information was needed small price to pay for the greater range of about habitat and behaviour of this species. information. By looking at the web, I was able to download photographs and information Data transfer issues within minutes, and to receive details from The website allows the transfer of data to the several people by e-mail in hours. This is Regional Recorder who just accesses the again a two-way process, and I have annual records and downloads the page, received requests for information and which is set out in an ASCII text format, and assistance from all over the world, including is thus easily transferred to other recording the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Croatia and the packages. This free access to information United States. does cause some dilemmas regarding the use of the data. These are valuable data, Conclusion and there are those who need the records for The Web is a very powerful tool for recorders commercial purposes. The Cheshire data to use. If you can take a broad view of what have been accessed by consultants acting recording is about and the need to interact for clients on a wide range of developments. with other projects and individuals, then This information has been paid for, and the there are significant advantages to be gained money invested in running the recording by us all, and the work we do is made easier scheme. If the data freely available are too and more enjoyable. The significant detailed, then the income will be lost. This is advantage is that it can be used by anyone, addressed by only making the previous and anyone can contribute through creating year's detailed site records available on the a site or by interacting with those that are web. already there.

Linking to others David Kitching It is so easy to move around the world Cheshire Dragonfly Recorder, 84 Broken accessing data via the web, and as a Cross, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 8TZ recorder, I have found this invaluable. Tel: 01625-423249 Location and distance are no longer an Email: [email protected] obstacle to the recorder. For example, if I

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Using GPS as an aid to recording and monitoring We are using Global Positioning Systems or these direct benefits, the effectiveness of GPS to produce maps to use as a subsequent visits can be enhanced, by management tool for wildlife sites. I believe focusing attention, if necessary, to specific this also has applications for biological areas. Now, I am not proposing that you all recording and monitoring. As Stuart said " we go and buy £7000's worth of GPS are convinced you need maps for recording". equipment, nor that you buy anything at all, This involvement came by assisting Ted but that you simply use an accurate map. Green in the recording and tagging of I should explain what we mean by GPS (not veteran trees on a number of sites. Having to be confused with GIS), and simply, I hope, tagged a great number of trees, increasingly how it works. GPS is a navigation system the question was asked " Where are they?" that uses signals transmitted from a network or even "Where is a particular tree?". Picture of satellites (kindly provided for our use by yourself in a randomly distributed array of the American Department of Defence) to trees looking for a particular one to verify a calculate how far away they are. Knowing record. Even if all the tags are still there, and the positions of the satellites enables the they do disappear, it is not always location of the receiver to be computed. straightforward. This is why we turned to There is a snag, and that is that as the finding a quick way to accurately map them. system is primarily for military purposes, the And this led us to GPS. signals are deliberately degraded, with the Here are a few questions that come to mind result that using a stand alone receiver when considering Biological Recording: results in an accuracy of +/- 30 to 50 m. • What sort of positional reference do you These receivers are the type available in the give? High Street. This can be overcome by using two receivers; one remaining stationary for • How do you compute the grid reference? the duration of the survey, the other carried • And how accurate is it? by the mobile receiver. This is called • What accuracy is desired? differential GPS. The two sets of signals can then be processed together to give an • Do you refer to existing records when accuracy of about + 1 m. We don't have two you go on site? And does this receivers, but instead we obtain the information affect your search pattern? information from a stationary base station in As Dominic stated " Environmental records the form of an AM frequency radio signal. have spatial attributes". It seems to me that Our position is then computed every second, the essence of biological recording is the as we go. This is, in other words, a Real bringing together of four things. Though this Time solution. This is quite important for should actually be four, as I need to add the reasons I will give later. For the data "how" that Stuart mentioned. The collection, a position is computed every observation itself (what it is, how many etc.), second. A point feature can be recorded by the time and date of the observation (which collecting data for 5 to 10 seconds and is self-explanatory), and the position. This averaging them. Incidentally, a standard last component is usually the weak link in the deviation is computed allowing a measure of process, purely because hitherto it has been confidence to be given to the average. A line the hardest to work out at anything other feature simply comprises a series of than the largest scales. Again, another quote positions joined together, and an area from Stuart is appropriate "The biggest feature is formed by joining the last position source of error is the grid reference". of a line to the first. Features can be Sometimes only the name of the site is attributed as we go, or a data dictionary can given, or if a grid reference is given, it is be used allowing selection of attributes from estimated from an assumed position on a prepared lists. Thus the data that we relatively large-scale OS map. Of course, produce are essentially a series of attributed standard-surveying techniques can be points each of which has a grid reference. applied when accurate data are specifically Different co-ordinate systems are supported. sought, but they are hardly suitable for Maps can either be printed directly from our everyday use. We believe that by using software or the data, in a number of formats, GPS, the accuracy of biological recording can be exported directly to a GIS. There are can be increased and thus the quality of the two aspects to the issue of accuracy. These information derived is improved. As well as are the degree of accuracy achieved during 6

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 a particular survey, and the constancy over a habitat mapping. Again by plotting tracks at period of time. To evaluate the first, we laid the smallest scale, and also mapping down a 2 x 2 m quadrat and recorded vegetation blocks in an area of the common, positions at 1 m intervals. The result we a series of maps at different scales could be obtained, although not completely square, produced. In these plots, the OSGB grid has differentiated all the points. We are able to been superimposed to demonstrate that use a more sophisticated processing system, even in this environment, maps can be but it is more onerous in terms of the produced that allow those making operating requirements, and only suitable for observations to manually ascribe grid the more open locations. The result from a references to them at a high level of 0.5 x 0.5 m quadrat recording positions at accuracy. 25cm intervals again although not square These were two site-based projects. We are show the points all separated and in the right just becoming involved in a species-based order! To demonstrate fidelity over a period survey to look at recording the occurrence of of time, the values of OS grid references of a rare fungi at Windsor Great Park. This is trig point surveyed by our GPS suppliers and another site famous for veteran trees those I recorded about 18 months later were supporting internationally important compared. A difference of about 3 to 4m populations of fungi. Thus, for example, between them in both easting and northing Phellinus umbrinellus is found at Windsor, was apparent. Burnham Beeches and Rickmansworth, That's the technology of the process, now otherwise only in subtropical rainforest in C & lets look at what it can do for us by S America. Ganoderma adspersum is rare in examining the sorts of maps we have started the UK and almost extinct in Europe. to produce and how biological recording is Phellinus robustus has been found on 6 influenced. The first example is Ashtead trees at Windsor, one in the New Forest and Common; its NNR status derives from a one at Duncombe Park in Yorkshire. Our aim large (over 2300) population of veteran oak is to produce maps of these specific trees to pollards. These are now all numbered, but as enhance their protection by pinpointing their you can imagine the task of locating a location and allowing the site managers to specific tree is not straightforward. It was to flag up the their sensitivity. I have tended to address this problem that we turned to GPS. concentrate on the implications for biological We have been able to map the positions of recording. Clearly the accuracy of our data, the 100 plus trees in Compartment 14; the coupled with our ability to record the position paths and tracks forming the boundary of the of irregular features without reference to compartment and the network of "deer known points, means we can quickly gather tracks" by which one would walk through the data for the purpose of habitat monitoring. area. Plotting the trees together with their tag The constancy of these data permits number produces a map enabling anyone to comparison at a later date allowing change navigate to a particular tree. One can see over a period of time to be quantified. The how, at this site, the accurate mapping of the leading edges of the reedbeds at Frensham pollards has produced a platform upon which Great Pond have been mapped for long term subsequent records can be entered. These monitoring in a situation where there are a records can then be given an accurate grid number of conflicting interests. Fixed point reference without recourse to the use of photography and permanent quadrats are specialised surveying equipment. At tools used in monitoring that require the Ashtead, the assemblage of readily locations of specified points to be known, to identifiable features, the trees themselves, be returned to at a later date. The use of a means that it is relatively easy to produce a real time GPS solution is significant, because detailed large-scale map composed of small- it allows us to navigate to a given point, scale features. albeit at a slightly reduced accuracy of 2 to 4m. Combined with the use of a metal A second example demonstrates that this detector, we have been able to relocate can be done in a very much more open buried markers. In a trial at a meadow we environment. Cleeve Common is a SSSI and timed the process and the markers were at 1000 acres, the largest expanse of found within 5 minutes of arriving. Thus the unimproved limestone grassland in positions of quadrats and fixed-point Gloucestershire. Being open and at times photographs can be relocated. The relatively featureless, the challenge was to technique works best in open and relatively produce maps accurately recording details of uniform environments, exactly the conditions the site, and to investigate the use of GPS in 7

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 that prove the most demanding for other the environmental community accord them. methods. Perhaps I can leave you with an idea / vision for the future. Detailed digital maps of One final point. I described the accuracy chosen wildlife sites with unrestricted access obtained by using a more sophisticated showing accurate but "non-sensitive" processing system. We have evaluated this information could be made available on the at a reserve where a population of Salvia Web. Anyone wishing to visit an area could pratensis (meadow clary) is being monitored. download maps for sites they may visit and The positions of individual plants were make accurate observations with them. The plotted in relation to a transect established records including their positional information across the grazing exclosure. The success of could then be lodged by E-mail with the site the population measured both in terms of managers and county recorders as numbers and distribution of the plants can appropriate, as indicated by links given on now be accurately reassessed in the future. the maps themselves. By the time we get To summarise, people out and about in the around to this, the cost of our technology field are the source of biological records. may have fallen to allow the use of There is always going to be a requirement differential GPS and a map based datalogger for more information. At the moment, the to become the norm. increasing use of GIS is also fuelling the demand for spatially accurate data. I feel that John Smith if the process of obtaining accurate Mosaic Mapping, 5 Bransley, Cirencester, information can be made relatively Gloucestershire GL7 5EE. straightforward, then greater amounts of useable information will be forthcoming. This Tel: 01285-740459 will without doubt strengthen the value and Email: [email protected] therefore the role of the keeping of biological records, and thus the respect those outside

MarLIN Welcome to the start of MarLIN – a new From March 1998 to March 1999, the approach to sharing information on the ‘Development’ phase of the programme has distribution and biology of marine wildlife and been undertaken. During this period, we encouraging the collection of further have been particularly involved in letting information from around Britain and Ireland. potential collaborators and interested parties The concept of a Marine Life Information know about our plans, establishing standards Network for Britain and Ireland has been and encouraging contribution to the cost of developing since the spring of 1997. running the programme. We are still working Originally, the proposal was called UK to ensure that relevant organisations Marine Biology and gained support, understand what we are developing and that, especially from the Marine Biological if they see benefits for their organisation, Association at Plymouth and the Joint Nature contribute to the cost. Since March 1998, we Conservation Committee. have been working with partners through the establishment of a Steering Group and There are three main programme objectives: technical sub-groups. • To provide a structure for linking available data on marine life around Much has already been established through Britain and Ireland. early funding of a project to assess ecosystem and species sensitivity. This work • To improve the access, display and is a contract with the Department of interpretation of information in support of Environment Transport and the Regions, and environmental management, protection has provided a solid start to the programme and education. through staffing a key part of the work and • To be the most comprehensive and enabling the set-up of computer systems. easily used source of information about The work is now being enhanced with funds marine habitats, communities and from English Nature and Scottish Natural species around Britain and Ireland and Heritage. their sensitivity to natural events and human activities. At the beginning of April 1999, we entered the ‘Establishment’ phase – a three year programme of work especially to establish

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 the network of information providers and the establish data standards and is collaborating software to display and interrogate with NBN on this subject. For more information. information on the NBN, visit their web site at: www.nbn.org.uk As a programme, MarLIN intends to utilise the full capabilities of modern information July 19-21st 1999 saw the first MarLIN technology. As such, the internet is an conference, entitled ‘Using Marine Biological important medium for dissemination of Information in the Electronic Age’. For further information, and the MarLIN web site acts as details see the MarLIN web site or write a focal point for those seeking access to the to/phone: Dr Bob Earll, CMS Ltd, Candle information that MarLIN is drawing together. Cottage, Kemply, Gloucestershire GL18 The web site is steadily expanding, with new 2BU, UK 01531 890415. pages and demonstration interfaces coming Please keep up-to-date with what we have on-line as they are developed. Comments done and are planning to do through the web and suggestions are gratefully received and site and contact us if you would like to help in can be directed to the MarLIN team through the development of the programme. the site itself. You can access the MarLIN web site at: www.marlin.ac.uk. MarLIN would like to thank its current funding organisations: Countryside Council for MarLIN is also involved in the development Wales, Crown Estate Commissioners, of the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), Department of Agriculture for Northern providing a focus for marine recording Ireland, Department of Environment, through its role as a national data custodian. Transport and the Regions, English Nature, Through the Local Record Centres, the NBN Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will focus on the use of volunteer/amateur Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, recorders, and as such intends to provide Scottish Natural Heritage, and The Marine opportunities for training recorders. MarLIN Biological Association of the UK. will take an active role in facilitating the training of marine recorders. The MarLIN Alison Hood Team hope that there will be opportunities in Communications and Liaison Officer, the future to take advantage of the wealth of MarLIN, The Marine Biological Association of expertise and taxonomic knowledge held the UK, Citadel Hill, Plymouth Pl1 2PB within organisations such as the NFBR, Tel: 01752 633336; Fax: 01752 633102 particularly when considering the training of Email: [email protected] recorders or developing new recording schemes. MarLIN is also working hard to

Developing the Biological Records Centre for the National Biodiversity Network On 1 January 1999, the Biological Records BRC will become a key component of the Centre (BRC) at Monks Wood entered a new developing National Biodiversity Network phase of its existence in which it is to (NBN). redevelop its own role and its work with BRC Management Advisory Group national biological societies and national species recording schemes. The main To help guide the work of BRC, a new organisations that fund the work of BRC Management Advisory Group (BRCMAG) (Natural Environment Research Council has been established. BRCMAG has (NERC) and Joint Nature Conservation representation from governmental and non- Committee (JNCC)) have entered into a new, governmental organisations that are users of 6-year partnership, not only to maintain BRC, and suppliers to BRC. The group of 10 but also to provide up to about 50% representatives will meet at least twice a additional funding. Both organisations year under the chairmanship of Sir John recognised that BRC has been severely Burnett. NFBR is represented by our under-resourced to carry out the work that it Chairman, Trevor James, and he also has been expected to do. The objective of wears his Hertfordshire BRC hat. I am the new partnership and increased funding is pleased to say that more than half the to make BRC more effective in its long members of BRCMAG are members of established role as the national focal point NFBR. BRCMAG met for the first time on 1 for species recording for many groups of April 1999, on BRC’s 35th birthday! plants and animals. As part of this new role

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Staff changes and a new post at BRC Centres project, developing Recorder 2000, Paul Harding remains as Head of BRC, but the pilot NBN Data Catalogue and now has a NERC-wide role in co-ordinating redeveloping the NBN Web Site. NERC’s involvement on NBN. Paul has relinquished his role as Head of the Working with national societies and Biological Databases Unit at ITE Monks recording schemes Wood in favour of Dorian Moss, who has Societies and schemes are crucially also become more closely involved with important potential sources of expertise and BRC’s work in data management and data for the future of NBN at local and access. Cynthia Davies, who has worked national levels – and let’s not forget it! BRC’s with Dorian on European databases for role in NBN will be to assist societies and many years, now leads BRC’s Database and schemes to have a fully integrated role in Atlas of Freshwater Fishes project. Jon NBN, so that they can benefit from the new Cooper joined BRC on 7 June 1999 in an initiatives, methods and resources that are entirely new Information Scientist post. Jon gradually being developed, and also so that will be working on data management and they can contribute their expertise and data access systems to develop wider access to for wider benefit. BRC has begun a BRC’s databases, and to design new data programme of meetings with societies and products. In particular, he will be working schemes, which will carry on throughout towards providing controlled access to data 1999. Other projects that are related to NBN held at BRC, derived from national recording are involving some national societies and schemes, using WWW technology. Clearly, schemes and BRC is collaborating closely there is a limit to how far we shall be able to with them. BRC will continue to complete take these developments in advance of the work on several other atlas projects over the NBN network becoming operational. next few years, collaborating with the relevant societies and schemes, such as The other BRC staff and their main roles are those for Marine Algae (British Phycological unchanged: Society), Hoverflies (Dipterists Forum), Spiders (British Arachnological Society), • Chris Preston and Jane Croft – Botany Bees, Wasps and Ants (BWARS) and • Mark Telfer, Nick Greatorex-Davies Millipedes (British Myriapod Group). (and Paul Harding) – Zoology • Henry Arnold – Data Manager • Val Burton and Wendy Forrest – Data Communicating in the future input and editing, clerical support In the past, BRC has not had the resources to communicate with the biological recording New work programme community as effectively as we would have liked. We hope to develop a BRC web site A new work programme for BRC has been later this year and we are working on a agreed in which developing easier access to communications strategy for the future. I data and working with national societies and hope that this short piece gives a flavour of recording schemes will take priority. Of what is going on at BRC. If you have any course, we shall be finishing off work on particular queries or comments, please projects such as Atlas 2000, Butterflies for contact me or one of my colleagues. the New Millennium and Database and Atlas of Freshwater Fishes, within their Paul Harding planned schedules, during 2000/2001. A BRC, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks considerable part of the present 15 month Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, PE17 work programme (to March 2000) is working 2LS. towards developing NBN. This includes input Tel: 01 487 773 381 Fax: 01 487 773 467 to projects led by other NBN consortium Email: initial.surname (eg P.harding) partners, such as the Linking Local Records @ite.ac.uk

Pseudoscorpion recording While delving into woodland soil, peering this country. Britain currently has 26 species under bark or looking at the contents of a to its name which live in habitats as diverse Malaise trap, tiny strange lobster- or scorpion as marram grass tussocks on sand dunes to –like arachnids can often be found. These old books in dusty libraries. More commonly, are pseudoscorpions or false-scorpions, one they occur in leaf litter, decaying wood or of the four arachnid groups to be found in compost heaps and bird’s nests. As some of 10

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 them ‘hitch-hike’, they also turn up on of the distribution of species within this group windowsills and in Malaise traps. These is, in many cases, limited to the activities of phoretic species live in temporary habitats the recorders (a provisional Atlas was (rotting trees, compost heaps, nests) and so published some time ago). Currently 5000 or in order to find a new home, they hold onto a so records are stored in a Microsoft Access fly or beetle and get a free lift, dropping off database – but more records are wanted. So again at their new destination. Hand sorting, if there is anyone out there willing to help, sieving and the use of Tullgren funnels are please contact: the commonest way of finding them, but Dr. Gerald Legg identification can be difficult. The Linnean Keeper of Biology, Booth Museum of Natural Society Synopsis No. 40 deals with History, 194 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 5AA. pseudoscorpions in detail (currently being revised), and a simplified key is available Tel: 01273-292781 Fax: 01273 292778 from the National Recorder, who will gladly Email: [email protected] examine material sent to him. Like so many of the less ‘popular’ groups, our knowledge

The Northern Ireland Ground Beetle Atlas The Northern Ireland database for ground (Antrim). The object of the scheme is to beetle mapping was inherited from a scheme provide support for farming and rural begun in Britain by the Institute of Terrestrial communities in disadvantaged areas, and at Ecology, Biological Records Centre, Monks the same time encourage environmentally Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, sensitive farming practice, particularly the Huntingdon in 1971. The British scheme maintenance of traditional practice upon culminated in the publication of an Atlas which a great many wildlife habitats within (Luff, 1998) for the island of Great Britain, Northern Ireland depend. A total of 5000 but Ireland was excluded. species records (36% of the Carabid database) has been contributed from this Mapping in Northern Ireland has proceeded source and without it, knowledge of the slowly but fairly systematically over a period native Carabus species, in particular, would from 1973 to the present, mostly through the be very limited. Other pitfall records have part-time efforts of a few individuals. This become available through the Hedgerow early work was based on hand-searching a Survey undertaken by Dr. Alan Bell (DANI), range of habitats within 10-km squares from the team led by Dr. Keith Day at the across Northern Ireland. However, coverage University of Ulster at Coleraine relating to was patchy in the uplands, in large mires, or Northern Ireland Nature Reserves and the in extensive areas of grassland where pitfall- ground beetle communities of both native trapping would have been a more and planted forests, and from Brian Nelson appropriate technique. In the 1990’s, (National Museums & Galleries of Northern monitoring of the Environmentally Sensitive Ireland: Ulster Museum), who organised a Areas (ESA) Scheme, applied by the pitfall survey of Northern Ireland interdrumlin Department of Agriculture for Northern fens in 1997. There are also the individual Ireland (DANI) to designated areas across contributions of many other recorders. The Northern Ireland, provided an extremely total number of contributors to the scheme is valuable supplement to the database. 27. Monitoring involved systematic surveys of the flora, and the collection of ground The combined database for the ground predators by pitfall-trapping in areas where beetle mapping project now comprises the Scheme operates, which is mostly in the 14,082 records from 1052 sites within type of extensive upland habitat neglected in Northern Ireland. Records are available for the early part of the mapping scheme. all 186 10-km squares. All material within the Approximately 20% of the land area of database has either been seen at first hand Northern Ireland is now designated as ESA, or vetted, and habitat information and comprises the West Fermanagh and standardised on the NCC/RSNC system Erne Lakeland ESA (Fermanagh), the currently used in the Recorder programme. Sperrins ESA (Tyrone and Londonderry), the Dr. Roy Anderson Slieve Gullion ESA (Armagh), the Mournes Department of Agricultural & Environmental and Slieve Croob ESA (Down), and the Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast Antrim Coast, Glens and Rathlin ESA

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Attention – NFBR Conference/AGM The NFBR Conference/AGM will be held at the National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland in Belfast on the 27th-28th November 1998. The theme for the Conference will be: ‘Bugs for the New Millennium’. Items for the Newsletter It is the intention of the Editors to try to publish three NFBR Newsletters per year (January, May & September). In order to succeed with this task, we would be grateful if potential contributors could have their articles with the Editorial staff by the 15th of the preceeding month. Thank you for your assistance. We look forward to receiving your articles.

Reviews Recent UK Biodiversity Action Plan publications The whole BAP process is (or should be) Tel: 01179 878974, heavily dependent on good information about Fax: 01179 878182/8508, species and habitats from biological Email: [email protected] recording. The NFBR Newsletter has or [email protected] included reviews of some previous UK BAP publications, and this is to bring to your Also available from the same source are: attention the availability of several other • Guidance for Local Biodiversity Action publications. Plans – A set of five Guidance Notes; There are several new volumes of species • Biodiversity News – quarterly newsletter; and habitat action plans. These plans are • Local Biodiversity Action Plan Case additional to those in the UK BAP Steering Studies. Group report (1995) (reviewed in NFBR Newsletter 19) and are styled as Tranche 2 My experience with obtaining these Action Plans. publications is that the distribution system is a little idiosyncratic, but with perseverance Four volumes have been published in 1998 they arrive and, after all, they are free. But and 1999. are they useful? • Vol I – Vertebrates and Vascular Plants The Tranche 2 Action Plans are factual – Also contains the revised list of ‘Priority accounts of the priority species and habitats Species’ with comments on current status, factors • Vol II – Terrestrial and Freshwater causing loss or decline, action plan Habitats objectives and targets, proposed action by • Vol III – Plants and Fungi – Includes lead agencies and, in many cases, up-to- fungi, lichens, bryophytes, charophytes date distribution maps. If you need to know and a few more vascular plants what is going on with the pale shining brown or the icy rock-moss, these are the volumes • Vol IV – Invertebrates for you. The costed action plans (especially • Vol V – According to a Biodiversity the habitat plans) made my brain ache. The Secretariat spokesperson, it is ‘due out sums involved are huge, both in terms of soon and will cover coastal and marine current expenditure and planned expenditure species and habitats, plus some other – interesting reading for any conservation bits and pieces’. campaigners looking for future governmental The same spokesperson said that there hostages to fortune. Is there really a current probably will be more volumes in due course. expenditure of £1,802,000/year on lowland meadows and why will it decline to 25% of These Tranche 2 Action Plan volumes are that in the first five years? Why will action on free of charge from: a leaf-rolling weevil require £27,500 over the Biodiversity Secretariat (contact Jane first 5 years, whereas that on the Scottish Mossop), DETR, Room 902D, Tollgate wood ant will require only £6,400 in the same House, Houlton Street, Bristol BS2 9DJ. period? However, my main criticism of these Tranche 2 Action Plans as publications is the 12

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 absence of a detailed index or contents list – embarking on an LBAP. Pity the notes it makes it very difficult to find anything. appeared after many of the LBAPs had been started (and in some cases completed)! I am Biodiversity News is quite useful, when you still waiting to receive a copy of the Local can get a copy. Biodiversity Action Plan Case Studies….. The Guidance Notes for LBAPs should be required reading for all those who are Nature in Ireland, Edited by J. W. Foster, 1997, Dublin: Lilliput Press. 155 mm x 233 mm, 658 pages. ISBN 1-874675-89-9. Available from: Lilliput Press, 62-63 Sitric Road, Arbour Hill, Dublin 7, Ireland. Price: £IR 19.50 incl. p&p. A wonderfully eccentric book - it could only Phillips, a leading amateur field naturalist of have been written by and about Irish (sensu his generation, are mentioned only in passing. lato) natural historians. It ably demonstrates There is a notable comment about species the unparalleled Irish literary tradition and recording, by Donal Synnott in his chapter eclectic approach to life. At 658 pages it is a Botany in Ireland, "The work of the field book to dip into (on suitably wet days), and botanist - the plant records made often as a with 35 chapters it is easy to do this - few recreation, sometimes as a duty, occasionally chapters exceed 20 pages. as an obsession - has now assumed a political It is not a natural history guide. It is a review of importance. Field botany, once regarded as an all aspects of the scientific and cultural history esoteric pursuit, is now viewed as a practical of natural history in Ireland and by Irish-born activity with implications for the kind of naturalists abroad. The contribution of Irish environment being planned for the future." naturalists to the study and understanding of However, Jim O'Connor, in his chapter Insects natural history (including geology), at home and Entomology, sounded a note of alarm and abroad, has been immense. about the future of entomological studies and taxonomy in Ireland, due to an ageing When it comes to reviewing the contribution of population of professional specialists and poor individuals, I have a few quibbles with who recruitment of younger generations of gets a mention. For example: Denis Pack amateurs. Both issues are of crucial Beresford, a largely unrecognised pioneer in importance to the future of biological recording biological recording, is completely overlooked; in Ireland and also in Britain. Augustine Henry, a internationally recognised pioneer of scientific forestry, and Robert Review by Paul T Harding

Provisional atlas of the longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of Britain by P. F. G. Twinn and P. T. Harding. Abbots Ripton: ITE (Biological Records Centre), 1999. 96 pages. ISBN 1 870393 43 0. Slowly we are being treated to snippets of than the beetles! We therefore have to be relatively up-to-date information on Britain’s careful in interpreting the other general map beetle distribution through the publication of on p.28 which shows us the number of provisional atlases, based on data collated by species recorded by 10km square. This is one or other of the national recording where the map of “intensity of recording” on schemes. The publication of this latest p.27 is helpful, because it does make a provisional atlas, covering the conspicuous broad attempt at doing the difficult job of (mostly) longhorn beetles, fills a gap which has deciding just how well-recorded areas are. been evident for some time. Longhorns are However, even here we need to be careful, perhaps the “sexiest” of the beetles after the because the size classes of dots are for 1, 2, stag beetle and the ladybirds - at least they 3-7, and 8-356 records respectively, so the tend to command attention when come across big dots can mean anything from “pretty thin by the casually interested naturalist. So it is a recording” to “massive data set”! little surprising to find that not more is known The maps themselves are fully enough about them. covered, though, to give us a reasonable One thing is obvious at a cursory glance: idea of abundance and overall distribution. In despite the map showing overall coverage, some cases, too, they suggest declines (or, the maps for those almost ubiquitous (in the occasionally, increases). For example, the south at least) of species, the wasp beetle tanner beetle has a large proportion of its and the harlequin beetle, display quite clearly records pre-1970, as does the poplar borer, the distribution of county recorders rather while the dense spread of recent records 13

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 across the fen country and beyond for limitations of the data etc. There is a useful, Agapanthia villosoviridescens shows quite but rather awkwardly laid out table of well its recent increase. synonymy (much needed), although it does not explain one or two usages which do not One aspect which is curious is the odd appear to have surfaced in the general imbalance between the abundance and literature elsewhere (such as the use of distribution of beetles shown on the maps Grammoptera abdominalis for G. variegata), and the national statuses of so many of unless I have missed something! There is a them. For example, Judolia cerambyciformis, good bibliography, and the index is quite apparently widespread in the west country, is good too. My only real quibble is that it would Notable B, while Pogonocherus fasciculatus have been interesting to have had a bit more with only 13 widely spread recent records, is about each species, especially some given the same status. Other species, such (provisional, of course!) notes on distribution, as Dinoptera collaris, appear to have no trends etc., and perhaps slightly smaller recent records at all, but are still only RDB3, maps to compensate. As it is, the black- while Pyrrhidium sanguineum, now known bordered maps perhaps suggest a book of from 12 recent 10km squares in Wales etc. is mourning for so many beasts which are now still RDB1. All this goes to show the difficulty hard to find! Let’s hope it spurs people on to of keeping up with information! take up the chase. Then we can have the All in all, this is a useful start. The pukka last word: a full atlas + colour pics! introductory text is helpful, with brief Reviewed by Trevor James accounts on extinct species, doubtful natives, the overall biology of the group and

Orthoptera: Euro-flavour of 1997 Q. Why are Orthoptera atlases like buses? A. You wait ages for one and then 3 come at once. Yes, no less than 3 Orthoptera atlases have been published in 1997, covering Netherlands, Switzerland and Britain and Ireland. They are all very different in format and content.

1. De sprinkhanen en krekels van Nederland (Orthoptera). R. Kleukers, E. van Nieukerken, B. Odé, L. The 200 pages of individual species Willemse, W. van Wingerden. 1997. accounts (each with a short English Nederlandse Fauna 1. Leiden: Nationaal summary) contain a large line drawing of Natuurhistorisch Museum, KNNV Uitgeverij & each species and sections on description, EIS-Nederland. pp 416 + 16 p of plates. The biology, identification, world distribution, book includes a CD of the songs: De zingende occurrence in Netherlands, protection status, sprinkhanen en krekels van de Benelux. B. how to record the species, description of Odé. song. There are 3 maps for each species Available from: KNNV Uitgeverij, Oudegracht (Netherlands before 1980 and 1980-1993, 237, 3511 NK Utrecht, Netherlands. Price: European range), histograms of season of DFL 82.50 (Dutch Guilders), including the CD, occurrence and main habitats and + DFL 25 p&p (total about £35). oscillograms of the song (for most species). Covering only the Orthoptera of the The final sections cover Nature conservation, Netherlands (but including all the UK Regional Orthoptera fauna, Studying species), it is in Dutch, with colour Orthoptera with an extensive bibliography photographs of most species and maps, (including many references to important works figures and diagrams and has a 4-page published in other European countries) and an English summary with an explanation of the index. The 67 minute CD includes the songs meaning of the main terms used in the of 45 species and has an explanatory leaflet figures and diagrams. The 100 page with some English summaries. introduction covers the group and the recording scheme in the Netherlands, with The book is a compendium of knowledge and, chapters on History of Orthoptera research, at about £35 including the CD, must be the Systematics and nomenclature, Biology, bargain of the decade. There is much that Song, Ecology, The Orthoptera Mapping anyone not able to read Dutch can get from Scheme and Identification (this chapter has the book and CD because it is well structured well illustrated keys to species). and illustrated. 14

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999

2. Atlas de distribution des Orthopteres de Suisse. P. Thorens & A. Nadig. 1997. Documenta Each species is mapped by recorded Faunistica Helvetiae 16. Neuchâtel: Centre presence, pre-or post 1970, in 5 x 5 km suisse de cartographie de la faune. 155 mm x squares, with a species account covering 225 mm, pbk, 236 pp. ISBN 2-88414-010-7. Swiss and general distribution, phenology, Available from: Centre suisse de habitat, altitude and status. There are cartographie de la faune, Terreaux 14, CH- histograms of phenological and altitudinal 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Price SFr 30 occurrence for almost all species. The index to (£13). post 1950 publications on the Swiss fauna is arranged by regions (and cantons) and major A good example of the atlas genre covering topics such as ecology, general biology and the Orthoptera (108 native species) and red lists. Also included are: a bibliography of Mantodea (1 species) of Switzerland. The over 200 titles; a systematic list of species; a main text is in French. It includes all British table of the relative abundance of species. The species except Pseudomogoplistes table of red list and threatened species also squamiger. includes a key to the habitats and threats to The introductory sections (50 pages) are also each species/habitat. in German and cover the group, surveys, methods and how the results are presented.

3. Atlas of grasshoppers, crickets and allied insects in Britain and Ireland. E C M Haes & P T Harding. 1997. London: augmenting what is in Marshall & Haes, and Stationery Office. 210 mm x 295 mm, giving the protection/threat status of species. laminated pbk, 61 pp. ISBN 0-11-702117-2. The atlas nods in the direction of the rest of Available from: The Publications Centre, PO Europe by including a second map for each Box 276, London SW8 5DT; Stationery Office species, at the 50 km square level, using the Bookshops and Accredited Agents; European UTM grid. The Introduction includes booksellers. Price £ 15.50. brief reviews of the history of orthopteroid recording in each part of Britain and Ireland, Despite its inflated price (apparently due to and a list of recent local distribution atlases. Stationery Office policy!), this is the slimmest The full colour cover includes excellent of the three. It is intended as a companion to, photographic portraits of six species, mainly by and is cross-referenced to Marshall & Haes Robert Thompson. (1988) Grasshoppers and allied insets of Great Britain and Ireland. Colchester: Harley, Essential reading if you want to keep up-to- which is still in print. date with British/Irish orthopteroids - pity about the price. And make sure you get the The new atlas gives updated 10 km square corrigenda slip - the captioning of some maps distribution maps of all native species of is misleading. Orthoptera, earwigs and cockroaches. The occurrence of stick-insects is also described. Reviewed by Tom Grant There are useful short species accounts,

Archer, M.E. 1998. Threatened Wasps, Ants and Bees (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in Watsonian Yorkshire. A Red Data Book. PLACE Research Centre, University College of Ripon and York St. John. Obtainable from PLACE, University College of Ripon and York St. John, Lord Mayor’s Walk, YORK YO31 7EX. Price £3.00 (£3.50 with p&p). The current emphasis of conservation in the one the British experts of this group Dr. UK is directed towards the production of Michael Archer to produce it. biodiversity plans at both the local and Of the 321 species of aculeate Hymenoptera national level. Up to date information on the recorded from Yorkshire, 107 are considered status of species, the audits is fundamental threatened either on a national level or within and the first stage in this process. This the county. The book largely comprises publication is an example of one approach. It accounts of these species. These cover the covers the wasp, bees and ants fauna found first and last records, national and local status in the four vice-counties of Yorkshire. The and, for most species, a list of sites from which county is fortunate in having, as a resident, they have been recorded. These accounts are succinct, getting across the information clearly. 15

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Introductory sections cover the sources of appreciate the information, you need to be information, definition of threat categories and familiar with the county, so inevitably it has an analysis of the distribution of the rarities limited usefulness outside Yorkshire. within the county. This was analysed using the However, as an example of how to present natural areas, and shows clearly a the information on the species, there is little concentration of rarities in certain areas of the to fault. The major weakness of this county. The reasons behind this are however publication, I feel, is the linking of rare not discussed. species to habitat which is understated. This publication is essentially a factual Reviewed by Brian Nelson. account of a local fauna. Clearly to fully

LRC & NBN PUBLICATIONS LINKING LRC PROJECT PAPERS/DOCUMENTS Local Authority Briefing Note - Scotland Developing Operational Standards & (February 1999) Good Practice Guidance - Phase 1 (June This provides an introduction to the NBN and 1998) Linking LRCs project, and explains the This report outlines the findings and significance of biodiversity information and recommendations of a study into the LRCs to Local Authorities in Scotland operational standards and practice of six existing Local Record Centres, and the NBN Linking LRCs First Project Report Executive Group's response to these (November 1998) recommendations. This report provides a summary of the progress made with the 'Linking Local Developing a Local Record Centre - The Record Centres Project' between July 1997 development plan approach (April 1999) and October 1998. The next project report This summary paper briefly introduces the will be published in November 1999 to cover development plan approach to establishing the progress made since October 1998. or developing an LRC.

Local Authority Briefing Note - England Developing a Local Record Centre (April and Wales (October 1998) 1999) This provides an introduction to the NBN and This is a handbook, which offers guidance Linking LRCs project and explains the for those seeking to establish or further significance of biodiversity information and develop Local Record Centres as part of the LRCs to Local Authorities in England and National Biodiversity Network. Wales. NEWSLETTERS Linking LRCs - Issue 6 (June 1999) an update on the demonstration project to The sixth edition of Linking LRCs provides look at the relationship between LRCs and an update on the Linking LRCs Project since national schemes and societies; a summary April 1999. Topics covered include progress of the last Local Advisory Group meeting; made with the demonstration project to look and details of past and future seminars. at building partnerships and developing a biological information management system in Linking LRCs - Issue 4 (February 1999) Tayside; an update on the development of The fourth edition of Linking LRCs provides Recorder 2000; and information about an update on the NBN Linking Local Record forthcoming seminars. Centres Project since November 1998. Topics covered include progress made with Linking LRCs - Issue 5 (April 1999) the pilot 'new' LRCs and the demonstration The fifth edition of Linking LRCs provides an LRCs; an update on Recorder 2000, update on the Linking LRCs Project since progress with development plan guidance for February 1999. Topics covered include LRCs; and details of past and future progress made with the development of seminars/open days. Recorder 2000; an introduction to the work on developing access terms and conditions;

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Linking LRCs - Issue 3 (November 1998) phase of demonstration LRCs; a summary of The third edition of Linking LRCs provides an the last Local Advisory Group meeting; and update on the NBN Linking Local Record details of past and future seminars/open Centres Project since September 1998. days. Topics covered include an update on Recorder 2000; a summary of the last Local Linking LRCs - Issue 1 (July 1998) Advisory Group meeting; and details of past This newsletter provides an update on the and future seminars/open days. NBN Linking Local Record Centres Project since October 1997. Topics covered include Linking LRCs - Issue 2 (September 1998) a brief explanation of the NBN and Linking This newsletter provides an update on the LRCs Project; the LRC team; the Pilot LRCs, NBN Linking Local Record Centres Project proposed demonstration LRCs; Collect and since July 1998. Topics covered include Collate software; operational standards; and progress with Recorder 2000 and the second information on new and developing LRCs.

LRC SEMINAR REPORTS Working Through LRCs Seminar Report - Working Through LRCs Seminar Report - London (June 1999) Inverness (November 1998) This report is a summary of the seminar held This report is a summary of the seminar held in London in April 1999, which included in Inverness in October 1998, which included presentations and workshops to look at who presentations and workshops to review the needs biodiversity information; building progress with the NBN and Linking Local partnerships; and meeting biodiversity needs Record Centres project; the pilot 'new' LRC through LRCs. for N E Scotland; the collect/collate project; and local recording issues. Working Through LRCs Seminar Report - Carlisle (April 1999) Biological Recording Open Day Report - This report is a summary of the seminar held Aberdeen (September 1998) in Carlisle in February 1999, which included This report is a summary of the open day presentations and workshops to look at held in Aberdeen in September 1998, which developing partnerships; LRCs and the role included presentations and demonstrations of English Nature; access terms and about the NBN and proposals for a NE conditions; and a range of local recording Scotland LRC; local recording issues issues. including the NE Scotland coast; bird recording; Atlas 2000; and butterflies for the Working Through LRCs Seminar Report - millennium. Cardiff (February 1999) Working Through LRCs Seminar Report - This report is a summary of the seminar held London (June 1998) in Cardiff in December 1998, which included This report is the summary of the first in a presentations and workshops to look at the series of seminars held in London in March progress being made with the pilot LRC in 1998, which reviewed the progress with the Powys and the Brecon Beacons National NBN and Linking LRCs project; the role of Park; policies and procedures; the value of LRCs in Local Biodiversity Action Plans; and biodiversity information to local authorities; the role of recorders in the NBN. and biodiversity data for the public.

GENERAL NBN PAPERS/DOCUMENTS NBN Position statement on the NBN Brochure application to the HLF (February 1999) This brochure introduces the concept of the This is a brief statement on the NBN's NBN - what it is, how it will work, who it will position in January 1999 with regard to the involve and how it will be established. funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

If you would like a copy of any of the publications listed, please contact: Rachel Hackett, UKNO, The Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Mather Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 1WT. Tel: 01636-677711, Fax:01636-670001, Email: [email protected] 17

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999 Income and Expenditure for years ending 31st December 1997 and 1998 (Treasurer’s Report for 1998 as at October 31 1998)

1997 1998 Income Subscriptions £ 1,209.00 £ 769.00 Conference income £ 1,472.00 £ 1,586.70 Bank interest £ 93.38 £ 134.91 ------Total income £ 2,774.38 £ 2,490.61

Expenditure Admin expenses (stationery/postage/tel.) £ 286.58 £ 71.77 Newsletter costs £ 93.48 £ 449.14 Conference expenditure £ 105.17 £ 1,697.14 Council meeting and travel costs £ 63.20 £ 211.85 Special expense towards NBN Secretariat - £ 500.00 ------Total expenditure £ 648.43 £ 2,929.90

Surplus of income over expenditure (expenditure over income) £ 2,125.95 (£ 439.29)

Balance sheet as at 31st December 1997 and 31st December 1998

Assets - on deposit at bank £ 2,149.95 £ 2,240.64 - in current account at bank £ 3,328.48 £ 2,798.50 ------£ 5,478.43 £ 5,039.14

Liabilities - special expense NBN Secretariat £ 500.00 £ - - conference cost £ 1,695.00 £ ------£ 1,695.00 £ -

Total assets £ 3,783.43 £ 5,039.14

Brought forward from previous year £ 3,352.48 £ 5,478.43 Plus surplus (deficit) £ 2,125.95 (£ 439.29) ------Carried forward £ 5,478.43 £ 5,039.14

Note: Expenditure for 1998 includes liabilities for 1997. This explains the deficit of expenditure over income for 1998 and the high surplus for 1997. 1997 accounts have been amended so that the liabilities paid out after the close of year 1997 no longer appear in expenditure for 1997, instead they correctly appear in 1998.

NFBR Newsletter 25 : August 1999