Recording and Monitoring | RCT Action 4 Nature

These actions focus on the kind of things we can do to encourage more people to help record our local wildlife, develop their skills, their knowledge and enjoyment. No one is born a wildlife expert and anyone with an interest can get involved.

Upgrade the RCT Phase 1 Habitat Map

Develop and find funding for an upgraded Phase 1 Habitat map for RCT incorporating new grassland information.

Promote participation in national surveys

For example, BTO Breeding Bird Surveys, BBCT Bee Walks, Garden Dragon Watch or swift surveys. These surveys increase our knowledge and understanding of nature in RCT and help local people to get involved.

Recorders Newsletter

Continue to publish the recorders newsletter for RCT, a celebration of local knowledge that anyone can contribute to.

Promote training for recording of habitats and species

At all levels from entry to expert. Support our partners to facilitate and promote training. Promote practical online resources and practical fieldwork.

Baseline data for habitat management

Encourage baseline surveying to determine the effects of habitat management.

Case Study

Recorders Newsletter

As part of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan delivery, in early 2000s the Recorders Newsletter started. The Newsletter has been produced one or twice a year provided a forum for wildlife records and reporting in RCT.

Its production depended entirely on the information that local people sent in, and as it developed over the years anecdotes, local history and culture, weather reporting, and a raft of new and important biodiversity discoveries all became part of the mix. T

o date over 30 Recorders Newsletters have been produced and much of the substance of the new Local Nature Plan can be traced back to observations or issues first sparked by the Newsletter.

Read back issues of the Recorders Newsletter here.