I was interested in Andrew's comment that most of SxBRC habitat data comes from professional ecologists and rarely from individual recorders. There are nearly 250 recorders in Sussex submitting weekly records to the BTO Garden Birdwatch (GBW) database (much more than just bird records now). When, in 2013, I queried whether this data found its way into the SxBRC database Helen Hodson advised me that: "We do not receive any BTO Garden Birdwatch data as it contains personal information (addresses) and is from private land. BTO do pass on all their records to the SOS for their own use, but this is not passed on to us. This also applies to the RSPB's garden bird watch data." I understand Sussex Butterfly Conservation also receives GBW data and presumably other specialist groups do as well.
I had noticed, from the SxBRC Report produced for our local parishes' Neighbourhood Planning process, that I had data on some species which were either more recent than in the SxBRC Report, or on species which did not appear at all in the Report. As a one-off, therefore, I went through my garden details on the GBW database, extracted my most recent sighting for each species (130), and sent in the data to the SxBRC. It is probably not reasonable to expect many people to do this. Possibly the data protection issue could be resolved by the Citizen Science database owner asking for permission from recorders to pass the information on. Maybe things have moved on anyway. One reason given for encouraging more recording by individuals is that, once in the database, it will be accessed during the planning application process for new developments, and taken into account. The reports done by the Developers' Ecological Consultants, in fact, report on little but protected and notable species. Whilst the Online Planning Guidance for the NPPF states that: "In considering how development can affect biodiversity, and how biodiversity benefits could be delivered through the planning system, it is useful to consider: (inter-alia) the potential effects of a development on the habitats or species on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 section 41 List", my attempts to get Mid-Sussex District Council planners to take this guidance into account in assessing specific planning applications has so far failed but it is, at least, now included in the draft new District Plan. I don't know whether the planners in other Sussex districts would react similarly. Terry Oliver From: Adastra [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: 16 April 2015 10:29 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Adastra] Recording Habitats Hi All, Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre (SxBRC) is very keen to receive any habitat records: indeed we already hold a variety of GIS layers for specific habitats - particularly BAP priority ones such as Lowland Chalk Grassland, Lowland Heathland, etc., which we periodically share with Natural England such that they can update their national inventories. Additionally we are developing a single habitat database which will supercede the individual GIS layers and contain every parcel of land in the county with an associated habitat and land use code based on the best available information. As such, any incidental records of interesting habitat can be added into this database, and similarly any results of more formal habitat surveys for a specific habitat or area would also be gratefully received by SxBRC for inclusion. Over time we anticipate that this will become the authoritative source for habitat and landuse data within Sussex. Whilst many individuals and groups are involved in species recording, and a framework is well established in terms of data flows, county recorders, online recording tools, verifiers etc., far fewer people record habitats: most of our habitat data comes from professional ecologists working on behalf of ourselves, local authorities, sympathetic landowners, or occasionally local parish groups conducting Phase 1 surveys, but rarely from individual recorders. As such, I would certainly encourage people to consider habitat recording and to contact me directly with details of interesting habitats which you discover. Best Regards Andrew Lawson Andrew Lawson Spatial Projects Lead Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre http://sxbrc.org.uk <http://sxbrc.org.uk/> | 01273 497557 _____ From: Adastra [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richard Price Sent: 15 April 2015 08:36 To: [email protected] Subject: [Adastra] Recording Habitats Is it possible to record a habitat? If so how? One of the best spots in Hastings Country Park is a soft cliff face that decends to a seepage habitat. I think that the seepage might not be noted. _____ Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
