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.
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 |
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.
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
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.
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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.
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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:
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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. |
Online mapping sites covering Great Britain: |
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
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:
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Biocensus Training
Various one day courses on ecological techniques, aimed at professional ecologists, conservation workers and researchers. Courses include:
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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:
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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:
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The Wildlife Trusts
Many local Wildlife Trusts offer a range of training courses and programs, from species identification and habitat management to group-leading. |
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. |