Tutors: Paula Lightfoot (NBN Trust) and Tom Hunt (Association of Local Environmental Records Centres) Level: Beginner
Carrying out a desk study can save your client time and money and help you to recommend and conduct appropriate ecological surveys. But what sources should you consult and can you be confident that you have access to the most complete, reliable and up-to-date information available on the distribution of species and habitats? This practical, interactive workshop will give participants a solid understanding of best practice in ecological desk studies.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to biological recording in the UK, explaining the processes involved in gathering, quality controlling, sharing and using species and habitat records, the organisations involved and the influence of emerging technology. The statutory and policy requirements for a biodiversity evidence base will be explained.
This will be followed by a more detailed look at the services provided to ecological consultants and Local Authorities by Local Environmental Records Centres, including how these services are being enhanced by the latest tools and technology provided by the National Biodiversity Network.
The access controls and terms and conditions governing use of data from the NBN Gateway will be explained using examples from real survey reports.
Costs
IEEM Members: £90 (£80 if booked before 28 September 2012)
Non-Members: £180 (£160 if booked before 28 September 2012)
Who should attend this workshop?
Ecological consultants who use biodiversity data in desk studies and for planning surveys.
Local Authority staff who use biodiversity data to support their operations.
Experience of conducting desk studies to collate information on protected and BAP priority species, important habitats and designated sites would be useful but is not essential. This workshop is equally suitable for experienced ecologists and for those who are just beginning a career in ecology.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Participants should set up a user account on the NBN Gateway. This is free and can be done by clicking ‘register’ in the top corner of the NBN Gateway homepage http://data.nbn.org.uk/
What will participants learn from the workshop? (learning outcomes)
- Best practice in ecological scoping and desk studies.
- Legislation, policies and guidance relevant to the requirement for ecological desk studies.
- An understanding of biodiversity data flow processes and the roles of the many organisations involved in biodiversity data management.
- Appreciation of new technologies and their influence on biodiversity data flow and data quality.
- Update on the ALERC accreditation system – what services can consultants expect from accredited LERCs?
- Awareness of the Data Access Controls and Terms and Conditions governing use of data from the NBN Gateway