Local biodiversity data can include a range of different types of data. Species occurrence datasets enable us to map where species are present and can be used to look at population trends and changes in distribution over time. Habitat mapping and details of its condition are vital for producing Local Nature Recovery Strategies and informing Biodiversity Net Gain. The planning system, wildlife site designation, infrastructure planning and conservation projects are all reliant on local biodiversity data if we are to make evidence-based decisions that provide the maximum benefits for people AND nature.
Local Environmental Record Centres (LERCs) are the gateway to local biodiversity data. LERCs bring together habitat, sites (including non-statutory sites of local importance) and species data for the areas they cover, and undertake a considerable amount of work to ensure that the data held is up-to-date, accurate and robust. Some hold natural capital and other relevant environmental data sets to deliver geodiversity and green infrastructure services. This enables LERCs to provide a wide range of biodiversity data services to local authorities, environmental government agencies, businesses and environmental NGOs.
The Local Biodiversity Data Virtual Symposium enabled LERCs and their partners to share their experiences and case studies for using local biodiversity data to support the natural world and promote healthy local ecosystems.
- Networks for Nature: How DBRC data is creating more species-friendly highways with Adam Falconer (Devon Biodiversity Records Centre)
- Better Together: LERCs and Nature Partnerships, An Example From Lincolnshire with Charlotte Phillips (Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership)
- Day To Day Uses of Species Records in the Environment Agency with Marina Flamank (Environment Agency)
- The Importance of BNG Data for Local Planning Authorities with Paul Mellor (Transport For London)
Networks for Nature: How DBRC Data is Creating More Species-friendly Highways
Adam Falconer, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
The Devon Biodiversity Records Centre present their work on the Networks for Nature project, using local biological records and land use data to model species dispersal through a landscape to aid in targeting habitat restoration to improve connectivity (such as culverted underpasses, green bridges, tree planting).
Adam Falconer is a technical officer for Devon Biodiversity Records Centre. He studied Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter and previously worked on revising the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Devon.
Better Together: LERCs and Nature Partnerships, An Example From Lincolnshire
Charlotte Phillips, Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership
Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership works with 49 Partners across Greater Lincolnshire to achieve more for nature. The nature partnership also hosts the Local Environmental Records Centre. This close working relationship has allowed for multiple projects, which are highlighted in this presentation.
Charlotte Phillips is the manager of the Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership, including the Local Environmental Record Centre. Charlotte is also a Director of ALERC and Trustee of The Wallacea Trust. With a background in both National and International conservation Charlotte believes strongly in partnership working across sectors to achieve current environmental goals.
Day To Day Uses of Species Records in the Environment Agency
Marina Flamank, Environment Agency
The Environment Agency (EA) help people and wildlife adapt to climate change and reduce its impacts, including flooding, drought, sea level rise and coastal erosion. Local Biodiversity Data is essential for the EA to undertake its work and this presentation illustrates 10 routine uses of species records in the operational activities of the Environment Agency.
Marina Flamank is National Biodiversity Advisor for the Business and Professional Development Team (Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment) at the Environment Agency with responsibility to pull together information on wildlife sites and protected species for ‘Easimap’ and the National Permit Screening tool.
The Importance of BNG Data for Local Planning Authorities
Paul Mellor, Transport For London
Planning decisions rely on local biodiversity data to ensure that wildlife and habitats are considered during developments. this presentation will take a look at the importance of data for local authorities when applying the requirements of the Environment Act for Biodiversity Net Gain purposes.
Paul Mellor is a Chartered Town Planner and Environment Manager at TfL, responsible for BNG across the organisation. He previously worked as a policy planner at a local authority on biodiversity and green infrastructure.
Event Partners
This event is delivered by the Biological Recording Company and Association of Local Environmental Records Centres.
The Association of Local Environmental Records Centres (ALERC) is a membership organisation representing 49 Local Environmental Record Centres (LERCs) across the United Kingdom. ALERC provides a voice for its Members, facilitates collaboration with them on behalf of regional and national stakeholders, runs an LERC accreditation system to promote common standards across its sector, and delivers professional development to its Members’ employees.
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