BioLinks is an exciting new Heritage Lottery Fund biological recording project that the Field Studies Council (FSC) is hoping to bring to the South East and West Midlands regions of England from 2017 for 5 years. BioLinks will follow on from all of the success of previous FSC biodiversity projects (such as Invertebrate Challenge) and complement the Tomorrow’s Biodiversity project.

In order to ensure that the project has the maximum effect when it is delivered we are asking for biological recorders to input into the planning of the project and help us decide which species groups should be focused on and how the project can deliver training and resources to support the recording of these groups.

How to get involved

There are 2 ways that biological recorders can help:

• Complete our online survey

This survey should take around 15 minutes to complete and asks questions about focus species groups, training courses and the resources and support that benefit biological recorders.

Take part in the online survey

• Attend one of our public consultations

We have organised a series of workshops across the two proposed project areas and we want to hear from as wide a range of biological recorders and biological recording interests as possible. If you would like to attend a workshop, you will be made very welcome.

Workshop locations

Workshops will run from 10 am to no later than 4 pm. Dates and locations are as follows:

• FSC Preston Monford (Shropshire) – 6^th June 2016
• Martineu Gardens (West Midlands) – 17^th June 2016
• Martineu Gardens (West Midlands) -18^th June 2016
• Natural History Museum (London) – 15^th July 2016
• Natural History Museum (London) – 16^th July 2016
• FSC Amersham (Buckinghamshire) – 21^st July 2016
• FSC Juniper Hall (Surrey) – 26^th July 2016

There are 10 places on each workshop. We will provide a buffet lunch and a fixed payment of £50 to volunteers for expenses, though we ask that professionals that are claiming work time for attendance to these consultations do not also claim the £50 expense refund.

At the workshops I will give an overview of the project and the current issues as we see them at the FSC. Then I will lead a structured (but open) discussion about the issues and potential solutions as you see them.

If you would like to attend a workshop, please email me at keiron@field-studies-council.org and let me know the location and date of the workshop on which you want to book a place. Booking is essential as the spaces are limited.

Thank you.

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