WILDLIFE RECORDING IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Background
The Society has had County Recorders for a range of subject areas since its foundation (and before!). Some groups like birds and botany, have had unbroken recorderships from the start, while other groups may have been more patchy. Regular reports on subject areas have been published in the "Transactions", while occasional more substantial summaries and reviews have also appeared.
The Society currently (2002) has County Recorders for 25 different taxonomic groups. These Recorders are appointed by the Society on the recommendation of its Records Committee. County Recorders are expected to follow the Society's "Code of Conduct for Recorders", which sets out their role. Principally, they are in post to act as the focus for species recording in the County for their group, collecting and maintaining the Society's records, answering queries on their subject area, publishing regular reports on their subjects, and ensuring that the Society's records are channelled into relevant recording schemes on a national basis.
An important role of the County Recorders is to make sure records are as accurate as they can be. Helping beginners to learn identification is one important way this is done, and also identifying specimens when necessary. For groups like birds, the Herts Bird Club operates a "rare birds panel", which carries out this function. Other groups have similar roles, but may not have panels. However, important records and specimens may be referred to national referees for adjudication. The Society offers this service specifically for members, but also endeavours to help outside organisations, particularly in exchange for records. Voucher collections of identified specimens are maintained by many Recorders, which the Society seeks to ensure will be maintained for future reference.
Making records
Anyone can make a record of at least something! However, it is worthwhile considering what might be relevant before going to the trouble! Check with individual County Recorders what they need to have recorded. There may be lists of species which should always be recorded, recorded in certain circumstances etc., or a specific survey may be on, requiring certain detail.
To be of any real use, a biological record needs a minimum of information:
- Species (properly identified)
- Location (a site name, preferably one used on a 1:25000 map at least. In general surveys, "tetrad" records of commoner species may be all that is needed in some cases).
- Ordnance Survey grid reference (to at least 4, and preferably 6 or even 8 figures. Use of a GPS should be considered).
- Date (at the very minimum a year, preferably the exact date).
- Observer's name.
- Identifier's name (if different)
In addition, a number of optional extras for any group could be considered:
- Habitat (preferably using a standard format, but if not, being as precise as possible. Some subjects need a micro-habitat).
- Detailed site reference (e.g. Wildlife Site reference numbers, available from the Herts Biological Records Centre or the Wildlife Trust, as well as some Recorders).
- Number (a count)
- Sex or life stage (e.g. immature females)
- Behavioural notes (e.g. breeding proof).
- Location of voucher specimen (a must for "difficult" species).
- Associated species.
There may be other categories of information for highly specialised recording, which the Recorder will provide details of. If in doubt , always ask.
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