ALERC Forum

I've received the following from Sara Hawkswell:

Alastair Sommerville wrote:

Volunteers in biological recording
Biodiversity Solutions has been commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to look into the current extent of voluntary biological recording in Scotland and its potential value e.g. to both conservation and to personal development.
We are exploring all projects and schemes which encourage, or have encouraged, volunteers to become involved in biological recording.  We are considering their effectiveness not only in collecting biological data but also in the real benefits to individuals and communities.  We will also consider gaps in terms of opportunities for further volunteering and for extending the extent and quality of the coverage of biodiversity data.
For the purposes of this brief study we have defined biological recording as including any form of recording of wildlife, at any level, from beginners to experts, and covering interests in habitats, species and sites.
SNH intends to use this research to help increase the number and range of people and organisations involved in voluntary biological recording and to increase the participants’ skills in, and knowledge of, biological recording.
To make sure that this research is factually sound we would very much like you to help us to gather some data about recorders, what they do and what motivates them.  We are interested in the activities, successes and issues even is you  don't cover/operate in  Scotland as there may be lessons to be learnt.  We have devised a simple web-based questionnaire which we are asking a wide range of organisers of different types of groups, schemes and project that involve volunteer recorders.   The questionnaire should take you about 10-15  minutes to fill in.  If you organise more than one scheme group of project then ideally we would like you to complete a questionnaire for each one.
To complete the survey please follow the link below:
http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=18812hsssv
Thank you for your help
Alastair Sommerville
Biodiversity Solutions
4 Woodbank Crofts
Westfield
Bathgate
EH48 3AT
01501 734 413
07960 953 925
info@biodiversitysolutions.co.uk