Bat numbers in the UK have declined dramatically over the last century. You can help to monitor how the UK's bats are currently faring by taking part in the Bat Conservation Trust's National Bat Monitoring Programme surveys which involve observing these fascinating mammals in your local area. Anyone can take part, from beginners to experts. From simple bat spotting surveys to bat detector surveys and counts at roosts, there is something for volunteers of all experience levels to get out and enjoy.
Visit their website for more information on how to take part.
We’re pleased to announce the recent launch of the NBN Atlas Wales, part of the roll out of regional Atlases to replace the NBN Gateway, which closed at the end of March.
As one of the NBN’s Data Partners, Cofnod has shared over 600,000 species records managed by us with the Atlas. Our Profile Page gives you details of the data we have shared. Although the Atlas provides a range of functionality previously unavailable on the Gateway, it is however worth noting the following:
- As much of the data on the NBN Atlas are licensed for non-commercial use, commercial customers are advised to use our Data Request process for fast access to high quality, detailed resolution species, habitats and sites data
- Non-commercial users can access larger quantities of data directly fed from Welsh Local Environmental Records Centres through Aderyn, giving free access to national species distribution maps and species lists for specified locations
Here's the April issue (110). Another spring to celebrate (with the odd glimpse of the winter as well). Your "firsts" are coming in thick and fast - wheatears, chiff-chaffs, violets - with plenty to come we're sure, cuckoos, swallows - the usual April suspects.
And please note and tell your Welsh speaking friends (and learners of course) that they will be more than welcome to our WiciNatur day on 6 May in Plas Tan y Bwlch, a workshop celebrating species recording online in Welsh. Book now, places are filling fast.
A useful website covering this important welsh flora.
The Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum (SBIF) is currently undertaking a Review of the Biological Recording Infrastructure in Scotland.
As part of the information gathering stage of the Review they have just released a questionnaire and would like to hear your views! By completing the questionnaire you will be informing the Review of your requirements for the biological recording infrastructure. Everyone's views matter, whatever your role, whether you are an individual who records and manages your own records, work for a large NGO or government agency, or have another role within the community.
Although their primary remit is for Scotland, they are interested in hearing from people from across the UK as the issues and improvements needed could be common to all. If sufficient responses are received from beyond Scotland, they will summarise findings by country; including a summary in Welsh.
Deadline is 7th April 2017.
Take part in survey here
Several interesting wildlife posts advertised on the TCV website, including:
Mudflat Trainee (World Museum, Liverpool).
Invertebrates and lower plants of mires and heaths (FSC Shropshire).
Hemiptera as indicators of grassland management and quality (National Museum of Wales, Cardiff).
The Fresh Water Habitats Trust would like to know if you've got frogs and toads breeding in a pond near you, including your garden pond.
Please visit their website for more details.