The Biological Recording Company provides specialist consultancy to support organisations developing, improving and delivering biological recording projects. From designing recording approaches and improving data quality to supporting recorders and volunteers, we help organisations collect, manage and use biodiversity data effectively.
Drawing on extensive experience in biological recording, species identification, data management and engagement, we work with recording schemes, conservation organisations, research projects and environmental initiatives to develop practical approaches that support better understanding of wildlife.
Our biological recording consultancy is led by Keiron Brown, whose experience includes founding and managing the National Earthworm Recording Scheme, leading the FSC BioLinks project, and developing resources to support biological recording skills, participation, and data quality.
Biological Recording Project Design and Delivery
Supporting biological recording projects from design to evaluation
Successful biological recording projects require clear objectives, effective approaches, and appropriate support for participants. They should also integrate into the complex networks, recording systems and data flows that already exist.
We help organisations develop biological recording initiatives that have real impact by drawing on our experience and connections within the biological recording community to ensure projects work for recorders, stakeholders and the organisations that ultimately use biodiversity data.
Our project design and delivery services include:
- Designing recording schemes, methodologies and data workflows
- Consulting with recording networks and project stakeholders
- Delivering biological recording projects and programmes
- Recruiting and engaging biological recorders and naturalists
- Reviewing and evaluating biological recording projects and programmes
Previous examples of Keiron’s biological recording project development and delivery experience
The National Earthworm Recording Scheme was established by Keiron to improve understanding of earthworm distribution and ecology across the UK. The scheme supports the collection, verification and use of earthworm records by engaging recorders, developing guidance,
and providing a national framework for gathering valuable biodiversity data.
While working for the Field Studies Council, Keiron Brown developed and managed the FSC BioLinks Project, a regional programme designed to increase participation in biological recording and develop natural history skills. The project delivered training, supported volunteer networks and created opportunities for people to improve their species identification and recording skills across the West Midlands and London.
Data Quality and Verification
Improving confidence in biological records
Reliable biological records are essential for research, conservation and environmental decision-making. Effective data quality processes help ensure that records are accurate, consistent and fit for purpose, while providing appropriate support for recorders and verifiers.
We help organisations review and improve their approaches to biological data quality, informed by our experience of recording schemes, verification systems and the wider biological recording community.
Our data quality and verification services include:
- Consulting with recording networks, verifiers and other stakeholders
- Developing guidance and resources for recorders and verifiers
- Designing, reviewing and evaluating validation and verification processes
- Advising on data quality workflows and the management of verification backlogs
Previous projects
The Fungus Verification Consultation Project explored how fungal records submitted to the Fungus Records Database (FRDBI) are verified and shared. Working with the British Mycological Society, the project combined surveys, consultation and workshops to identify opportunities for improving verification processes, supporting verifiers and increasing confidence in fungal biodiversity data.
The Record Cleaner Guidance Project supported biological recorders in understanding and using data cleaning tools to improve the quality of submitted records. The project developed guidance and engagement resources to help users identify common issues, improve their data and increase confidence in biological recording workflows.
The Make Your Wildlife Observations Count webinars were delivered on behalf of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Record Centre to provide guidance and support to help naturalists create more accurate and valuable wildlife records. The webinar series explored approaches to improving recording skills, avoiding common errors, and increasing confidence in submitting observations.
Recorder Engagement and Resources
Developing resources that support biological recording communities
Successful biological recording projects need people to participate, but recorders also need the right knowledge, guidance and resources to contribute effectively. We help organisations engage biological recording communities, increase participation, improve recording practice and build confidence.
We can develop educational and engagement resources tailored to your project’s needs and those of its participants. These can include:
- Online courses and digital learning resources
- Webinars, workshops and in-person training
- Educational and instructional videos
- Written guidance, manuals and reference resources
- Recorder engagement and communications
Previous projects
Our Training and Engagement Services support organisations to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence of biological recorders and naturalists. We design and deliver online courses, webinars, workshops, educational resources and engagement programmes tailored to the needs of projects and their participants.
Our iRecord: An Introduction page provides advice and guidance for iRecord users. Some of the content was commissioned by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to support the iRecord user community.
Biodiversity Villages, Towns and Neighbourhoods combined natural history training with biological recording to engage local communities for the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership. The project delivered eight live webinars, attracting over 6,000 bookings and creating a lasting online learning resource.
Need a Biological Recording Project Partner?
The Biological Recording Company provides specialist biological recording consultancy, from initial project design to delivery and evaluation. We work with organisations of all sizes to develop recording projects shaped around their objectives, participants and data needs.
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