FieldNotes - Resources and Information

This section contains a compendium of companies, organisations and associations that offer information, data, products or services that may be of interest to users. These include, for example, sources of species information and map data, recording associations, equipment suppliers and environmental training organisations, and are loosely categorised according to type.

1. Wildlife recording Organisations and Associations (generalist)
2. Species Information (Organisations and Associations)
3. Map Resources and Information
4. Courses and Training Resources
5. Specialist Equipment Suppliers.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the activities of organisations may change without notice. We advise you to consult with relevant organisations to confirm relevant details. Please contact contact Green Man Software Ltd with corrections or additions.


Please note that the FieldNotes Resource library is not intended to be a referral or endorsement of particular organisation or groups, or their products or services, but is provided for your convenience only. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for communications, products or services provided by the third-parties listed, which are beyond our control.

1. Wildlife recording Organisations and Associations

National Biodiversity Network

The NBN is a collaborative project which involves many of the UK’s wildlife conservation organisations, the government and country agencies, environmental agencies, local records centres and also many voluntary groups. It provides a core data-processing facility where wildlife data from a range of sources are compiled in a standard electronic form, thoroughly checked, and published through a number of channels (in particular the NBN Gateway on the internet) for use by as many people as possible.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

JNCC advises the Government on UK and international nature conservation, working on behalf of English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales. It works to maintain and enrich biological diversity and conserve geological features, and sustain the 'naturalness' of our environment, by providing information and advice to allow informed decision-making on environmental issues.

JNCC also publishes a wide range of information on UK and international nature conservation issues, in particular details of the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

National Forum of Biological Recorders

The NFBR works on behalf of biological recorders across the UK (including individual naturalists, national organisations and recording societies, local records centres and their staff) promoting high standards and best practice in biological recording and data management. Activities are aimed at a number of levels, from emphasising the importance of accurate biodiversity information to encouraging teaching of biological recording. It also provides a forum for knowledge-sharing and discussion of all aspects of recording and record management.

see individual entries
Local Records Centres

Local Records Centres (LRCs) are powerhouses of the recording community, working at many levels in the interests of wildlife and the environment. In addition to collating and curating regional records, they provide information and advice on environmental aspects of developmental issues. LRCs also promote all aspects of wildlife recording, from providing help and advice to individuals to encouraging discussion and exchange of ideas within the local recording community.

Local Records Centres in the UK which are currently active are listed below - in most cases contact details may be found on the internet:

Alderney Records Centre (ARC)
Arran Biological Records Centre
Ayrshire Biological Records Centre
Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Network
Biodiversity Information Centre for Cheshire,Halton,Warrington and Wirral (rECOrd)
Birmingham and Black Country Ecological Database (EcoRecord)
Bolton Museum BRC
Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC)
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes ERC
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biological Records Centre
Carlisle Museum BRC
CARSE (BRC for the Forth Valley)
CEDaR Centre for Environmental Data and Recording
Cofnod - North Wales Environmental Information Service
Coventry Biological Records Centre
Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
Dorset Environmental Records Centre
Dumfries and Galloway Environmental Resources Centre
Dundee Museum Records Centre (Naturebase)
Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS)
Fife Environmental Recording Network (FERN)
Glasgow Museums Biological Records Centre
Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records
Greater Manchester LRC
Greenspace Information for Greater London (GIGL)
Guernsey Biological Records Centre
Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre
Herefordshire Biological Records Centre
Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre
Highland Biodiversity Partnership
Humber Environmental Data Centre
Inverness Museum Biological Records Centre
Islay Natural History Centre
Isle of Man Biological Records Centre
Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre
Kent Biological and Geological Records and Archives Centre
Lancashire County Museum Service
Leicestershire Environmental Resources Centre
Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre
Liverpool Museum Biological Data Bank
Lothian Wildlife Information Centre
Luton Environmental Records Centre
Norfolk Biological Records Centre
North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre
North East Regional Environmental Data Hub
North-east Scotland BRC (NESBReC)
North Lanarkshire Biological Records Centre
Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Record Centre (NBGRC)
Orkney Biodiversity Records Centre
Perth Museum Biological Records Centre
Peterborough Environmental Records Centre
Powys and BBNP Biodiversity Information Service
Renfrewshire Biological Records Centre
Rotherham Biological Records Centre
Sheffield Biological Records Centre
Shetland Biological Records Centre
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Somerset Environmental Records Centre
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC)
South Lanarkshire Biological Records Centre
Staffordshire Ecological Record
Suffolk Biological Records Centre
Surrey Biological Records Centre
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC)
Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC)
West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre
West Yorkshire Ecology
Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre
Worcestershire Biological Records Centre

2. Species Information

2.1. Generalist Organisations

London Natural History Museum

National museum of natural history, and a centre of scientific excellence in taxonomy and biodiversity. The Museum's mission is to maintain and develop its collections and use them to promote the discovery, understanding, responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world.
The NHM hosts manages and hosts a number of useful databases, particularly:

British Ecological Society

BES promotes the science of ecology through research, publications and conferences, using its findings to educate the public and influence policy decisions involving ecological matters.

Naturenet

Naturenet provides practical countryside management and nature conservation information on the Web. It maintains an extensive range of articles and information pages, aswell as reference information about organisations which are involved in this field.

Wild About Britain

Wild About Britain is home to hundreds of thousands of pages about British wildlife, the environment and the great outdoors. It includes articles, news, identification keys and forums offering help and advice across many areas.

Open University Research Projects

Directory of current Open University research projects in Natural Sciences, with detailed information about progress and findings.

The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts

Central co-ordinating body for 47 independent, local Wildlife Trusts, working for the strategic protection of wildlife and the environment across the UK. The RSWT manages and distributes funds to environmental projects and programmes, provides a UK Headquarters and Operations Centre for the Wildlife Trusts and also promotes Earth sciences. The Wildlife Trusts themselves and their junior branch, Wildlife Watch, are some of the leading conservation organisations in the UK, dedicated to protecting wildlife for the future.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing Scotland's natural heritage, particularly its natural, genetic and scenic diversity

The UK Phenology Network

Joint project between The Woodland Trust and The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to monitor and evaluate changes in the timing of nature's events.

International Union for Conservation of Nature - Species Survival Commission

The world's largest species conservation network, comprising 7,000 volunteer members working in almost every country of the world. The commission produces the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, provides technical and scientific advice to governments, international environmental treaties, and conservation organisations, publishes Action Plans, newsletters, policy guidelines, organises workshops, implements conservation projects and raises funds for research.

Arkive

Arkive promotes the conservation of threatened species, gathering together the very best films and photographs into one centralised digital library to create a unique audio-visual record of life on Earth.

2.2. Specialist Organisations - Geology

British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world's oldest national geological survey and the United Kingdom's premier centre for earth science information and expertise, providing expert services and impartial advice in all areas of geoscience.

GeoConservation UK

Association of over 50 Local Geoconservation Groups, GeoConservation UK promotes local "Geo" sites for education and public benefit.

The Geologists' Association

Provides information and support to amateur and professional geologists through publications, lectures and field meetings.

The Geological Society

UK society for geoscience professionals, aimed at improving knowledge and understanding of the history, structure, constitution and dynamics of the Earth and its processes.

Geological Curators' Group

The Geological Curators' Group aims to improve the state and status of geological collections and curation, and is able to provide information on a diverse range of collections.

2.3. Specialist Organisations - Plants

The Botanical Society of the British Isles

The BSBI conducts scientific research into plants in Britain, and is the major source of information on the status and distribution of flowering plants and ferns in Britain.

British Bryological Society

The BBS promotes a wider interest in all aspects of Bryology and offers specialist advice on matters affecting mosses and liverworts.

The British Pteridological Society

Offers a focus for fern enthusiasts, providing a source of specialist information about ferns and their allies.

Plantlife

Dedicated exclusively to conserving all forms of plant life in their natural habitat.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

Focus for world-wide botanical research, horticulture, education, conservation and amenity purposes within Scotland.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew Gardens)

Inspiring and delivering science-based plant conservation worldwide through research ong all aspects of plants and fungi.

Wild Flower Society

Society for amateur botanists and wild flower enthusiasts in the UK.

2.4. Specialist Organisations - Forests and Woods

Woodland Trust

Dedicated to protecting the UK's native woodland heritage by acquiring threatened sites, replacing lost woodlands and creating new native woodland for protection in perpetuity.

European Tropical Forest Research Network

Promotes the European research expertise in the conservation and use of forests and woodlands in tropical and subtropical countries, and provides a European focus for information exchange and debate on tropical forest research activities.

2.5. Specialist Organisations - Invertebrates

The Amateur Entomologists Society

Actively promotes the importance of insects and other invertebrates through publications such as "The Bulletin", bimonthly and "Invertebrate Conservation News" quarterly, aswell as a wide range of pamphlets, leaflets and books

British Entomological and Natural History Society

Amateur and professional entomologists, aimed at the promoting and advancing entomological research, particularly the conservation of UK fauna and flora and protection of wildlife throughout the world.

Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society

National society dedicated to studying and recording bees, wasps and ants (social insects) in Britain and Ireland.

British Arachnological Society

The BAS promotes conservation of British Arachnids (spiders and scorpions) through survey work and researching ecological needs.

BugLife

Dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates, working to protect bugs and their habitats, campaign for bugs and the environment and get people involved in conservation action.

British Dragonfly Society

Promotes and encourages the study and conservation of dragonflies and their natural habitats, especially in the United Kingdom.

Butterfly Conservation

Aims to secure a lasting future for all native butterflies, moths and their habitats in the UK, by halting declining numbers, improving key habitats, encouraging public conservation and disseminating knowledge internationally.

Entomological Livestock Group

Society for entomological enthusiasts, particularly those specialising in rearing and breeding livestock.

National Dragonfly Project

A living Museum of dragonfly habitats: dragonfly facts, live exhibits and expert information.

The Royal Entomological Society

Exists for "the improvement and diffusion of entomological science", through holding meetings, publishing research, maintaining a large entomological library, supporting expeditions, and by generating discourse between entomologists.

Atropos

Publication. Atropos is a tri-annual journal written by professionals and amateurs to provide information on British Lepidoptera and Odonata. Insect migration is a central theme, but features include conservation, identification, biology, field observations and material on relevant Western Palearctic species.

2.6. Specialist Organisations - Mammals

The Mammal Society

Works to protect British mammals, halt the decline of threatened species, and advise on all issues affecting British Mammals.

Bat Conservation Trust

Exists for the conservation of bats and their habitats (both directly and by supporting voluntary Bat Groups), through research and conservation projects, assisting owners of properties with bats, providing educational resources and generally promoting bat welfare.

British Deer Society

Focus for people with a common interest in Deer conservation and biology, welcoming members from all backgrounds.

International Otter Survival Fund

The IOSF exists to conserve otters in their natural habitats throughout the world.

2.7. Specialist Organisations - Birds

British Trust for Ornithology

Independent scientific research trust, investigating the populations, movements and ecology of wild birds in the British Isles.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The RSPB champions the conservation of birds and other wildlife in the UK and worldwide.

Birds of Britain

Free online magazine for British birdwatchers - news, articles and pictures updated monthly, and permanent listings of sites, associations and other relevant information.

British Birds

Publishers. British Birds is a monthly journal produced by BB 2000 Ltd - a trust established for the benefit of British ornithology.

2.8. Specialist Organisations - Reptiles and Amphibians

The British Herpetological Society

Advises on Conservation, Research, Captive Breeding and education issues relating to reptiles and amphibians and collaborates with related organisations.

The Herpetological Conservation Trust

Exists to safeguard Britain’s threatened herpetofauna through managing sites sensitively for threatened species, researching and reporting life and habitat requirements, providing expert advice and raising public awareness.

International Herpetological Society

Society for reptile enthusiasts, dedicated to the rearing and breeding of reptiles, amphibians and chelonians in captivity.

2.9. Specialist Organisations - Freshwater

The Freshwater Biological Association

Promotes freshwater Sciences through innovative research, active membership involvement and by providing sound, independent scientific opinion.

Pond Conservation

Dedicated to protecting the wildlife of our freshwaters: ponds, rivers, streams and lakes.

2.10. Specialist Organisations - Marine

Marine Biological Association

Professional body for marine biologists which aims to promote scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.

British Marine Life Study Society

Voluntary organisation for the study of the marine fauna and flora surrounding the British Isles. The BMLSS collates and publishes information about marine life and the marine environment and promotes conservation ideas and projects by liaising with conservation and fishery organisations and other wildlife groups.

The Marine Conservation Society

National UK charity dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

Sea Watch Foundation

National UK charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) around the UK.

Shark Trust

Focus for people with a common interest in Shark conservation and biology, working to advance the worldwide conservation of sharks.

Marine Life Information Network for Britain and Ireland (MarLIN)

Collation and provider of marine biological data - provide information about marine habitats, communities and species around Britain and Ireland.

3. Map Resources and Information

Ordnance Survey

The authoritative source of maps for Great Britain. In addition to selling paper maps, the Ordnance Survey offers a range of digital products, many of which fall into their 'OpenData' initiative supporting the government’s ‘Making Public Data Public’ policy.

  • OS Explore - search small-scale maps (up to 1:50 000 scale) anywhere in the UK by entering the place name, full postcode or National Grid reference
  • OS Street View - downloadable digital 1:10 000 scale street-level, colour, raster mapping (OpenData)
  • OS VectorMap(TM) District - downloadable digital 1:25 000 scale tiles covering Great Britain in vector and raster formats (OpenData)
  • Land-Form PANORAMA - downloadable dataset of mapped contours and spot heights (OpenData)
  • 1:10 000, 1:25 000, 1:50 000 Scale Colour Raster maps - various licensing options available.

The Ordnance Survey also provide explanatory documents describing the more complex aspects of maps and coordinate systems:

National Biodiversity Network

The National Biodiversity Network develop and maintain a diverse range of resources for use in wildlife recording, including boundary maps.

Natural England

As part of its work in enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes, Natural England collate and maintain an extensive library of map resources relating to National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

  • GIS digital boundary datasets - various environmental datasets for download, including designated site boundaries, ancient woodlands and natural areas.
UK Grid Reference Finder

UK Grid reference lookup - find the GB OS Grid reference for any location by clicking on the map - batch mode coordinate conversion tool (which recognises spreadsheet data) and tools to convert from Postcodes to an OS Grid Reference or Lat/Long. Website includes information about different coordinate systems, FAQ and links to a number of useful map-related and GIS resources.

Nearby

Handy collection of map resources and tools, including:

  • Coordinate Convertor
  • Interactive Feature Map
  • Location Searches · Google Earth and Maps
  • UK Placenames
  • Links to specialist map resources
WIKIPEDIA: Ordnance Survey National Grid

Useful description of Ordnance Survey (OS) national grid reference system - how it relates to latitude / longitude and other grid systems.

Old-Maps

Comprehensive archive of historical UK maps, covering England, Wales and Scotland.

Collins Bartholomew

Cartographic Publishers. Offer a wide range of digital map data and services, including historical maps and bespoke data compilations.

4. Courses and Training Resources

Oxford University
Dept. for Continuing Education

Offer a range of short Ecology and Environment-related courses in the form of day and weekend events, distance-learning courses and Professional development. Subjects include

  • Field Surveying Techniques
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Applied Ecology

and many others - see website for details.

Open University

The Open University offers a wide range of courses and qualifications.

ADH Training and Consulting Ltd

Offer a range of one-day training courses, including:

  • EIA Principles and Practice
  • Environmental Statement: Preparation and Review
  • EIA Project Management
  • Essential skills for the Environmental Consultant
Biocensus Training

Various one day courses on ecological techniques, aimed at professional ecologists, conservation workers and researchers. Courses include:

  • Wildlife and the Law: An Introduction to UK Wildlife Legislation
  • Introduction to Badger Ecology and Management
  • Introduction to Bat Ecology and Management
  • Introduction to Wildlife Population Monitoring
  • Phase One Habitat Survey: The Basics and Beyond
  • The Identification of Common Grassland Plants
  • Bat identification using Bat Detectors
Listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers.
Echoes Ecology Ltd

Echoes Ecology Ltd is an ecological consultancy specialising in protected species. Implement ecological assessments, survey programmes, advice and a range of training events, including seminars, courses and workshops covering:

  • Bat Handling Training Courses
  • Bat survey methods
  • Bat Licence Training Programmes for Professionals
  • and various bespoke training programs.
First Ecology (Somerset Wildlife Trust)

First Ecology, the consultancy arm of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, run a number of courses aimed at improving technical and species skills and aiding graduate employability. Workshop subjects include:

  • Introduction to GIS systems
  • Bat survey methods
  • Introduction to Exmoor Mires - plants and communities
The Wildlife Trusts

Many local Wildlife Trusts offer a range of training courses and programs, from species identification and habitat management to group-leading.

5. Specialist Equipment Suppliers

UK Geologists Equipment (UKGE)

Specialists in Earth Science Equipment, Tools and Books, Geological Maps, Field Equipment, Navigation / Safety Wear, stone tumblers and microscopes. Also publish the 'Deposits' Magazine.

Watkins and Doncaster

Suppliers of high-quality natural history equipment, particularly for entomology (esp. butterfiles/moths), but also for botany, taxidermy, geology and also a range of books.

Worldwide Butterflies

Suppliers of high-quality entomological equipment, books and charts.

Ebay

Ebay often includes items of specialist and generalist equipment and hard-to-find books. Worth trying periodically, or set up a watch for something you're particularly after.

Various Specialist Associations

Second-hand equipment is offered for sale privately through the "For Sale/Wanted" lists maintained by specialist associations. See the Species-information resources (above) and Organisations / Associations listed in your FieldNotes software for contact details.