Keeping track of the wildlife in Devon
DBRC’s field team have recently retaken their national FISC accreditation, with Paul Seymour moving from a grade to 4 to grade 5, and Jack Rivers gaining his first grade 4. To operate at this level requires significant investment in self learning, as well as the professional development we can provide, so we are extremely proud of their achievements.
With another year gone by, DBRC manager Ian Egerton looks back at the progress the records centre has made over the last 12 months.
22-23-End-of-Year-Report-The DBRC is proud to announce the launch of our new Japanese Knotweed reporting form. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an invasive species that unfortunately thrives in Britain, to the point of overrunning existing native species. It can regrow from the smallest fragments and is tolerant of very poor conditions. Local Authorities, including those in Devon, are desperate to find ways of eradicating this serious pest.
If you find Japanese Knotweed, you can now submit those records here. This will enable us to help track the spread of this invasive species through the Devon Land scape.
Please note: It is not illegal for Japanese Knotweed to be present on a property, only to allow it to spread. DBRC does not provide any removal or formal reporting services for Japanese Knotweed. Records are for monitoring the state of Devon’s Biodiversity. For further information on Japanese Knotweed, please visit the Devon Local Nature Partnership.
Devon Biodiversity Record Centre is delighted to have had some of our work on the Bradley Bug Project mentioned in the Mid Devon Advertiser. Our botanicals and Projects Officer Phil Sansum carried out a botanicals survey onsite, identifying 52 native flowering plant species. You can read the full article here.
For more information on the habitat survey services DBRC can providem click here or contact a member of our staff to discuss your project further.
With the end of another financial year, DBRC’s manager – Ian Egerton has produced a report on the team’s hard work and achievements over the last 12 months.
DBRC-End-of-Year-Report-2021-2022This week the first iteration of the Devon Nature Recovery Network (NRN) has been launched on the Devon Environment viewer. Over the last 18 months, DBRC has led in the technical development of the NRN, having collated and produced the Habitat suitability mapping and Core Nature Areas/Nature areas datasets.
The NRN will strategically drive conservation efforts in Devon as part of the 25-year Environment Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
Over the next few years, we will continue to lead on key elements, and contribute further to the development, refinement, and publication of additional spatial tools, as the Nature Recovery Network continues to grow and develop.
DBRC, alongside a range of conservation organisations, communities, local companies and planning authorities, and parish councils, have supported the North Devon Biosphere in developing and launching an ambitious new Nature Recovery Plan. Five action plans covering ‘Coast, Grassland and arable, Wetlands and waterbodies, Trees woodlands and hedges, and Towns and villages aim to contribute significantly to tackling the ecological emergency in northern Devon, aligning with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the Prime Minister’s pledge for 30% of the UK land to be protected by 2030. For more information on how you can support the plans and get involved go to – https://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/nature-recovery-plan.html
Devon Biodiversity Records Centres two Survey Officers Phil Sansum and Alex Worsley, recently underwent the nationally recognised Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) test, which is designed to determine your botanical skill level on a scale from 1 to 5, with 6 being awarded in only exceptional cases. This test is now established as the industry standard for assessing botanical survey skills across the private, statutory and conservation sectors.
The aim of the FISC is to measure your skills in real-life situations, testing your long-term botanical ability on a wide range of plants, not your short-term memory. Both were awarded level 5, which is the standard required to deliver professional plant ID courses to other professionals. DBRC runs one of the largest habitat monitoring schemes in the country, and offers survey training to ecological consultants and individuals from other conservation organisations. Considering their role in the county, manager Ian Egerton was pleased to see Alex, one of DBRCs former trainees, be recognised at such a high level. Which is testament to his hard work, dedication and passion for botany, and with Phil missing level 6 by only a few points, DBRC continue to promote high standards of in field survey within Devon.