Wildlife Recorders of Tomorrow

There’s a piece missing...we need your help to build up a picture of The Brecks’ wildlife!

The Brecks is an important area for wildlife both in a UK and international context. However, many of the species records come from a few well recorded designated sites, with recording often done on an ad hoc basis. This means that it is often difficult to detect changes in the biodiversity of the area. There is, therefore, a need for wider recording of the Brecks area and a structured programme of species surveillance and monitoring. Led by the Norfolk Biological Information Service (NBIS), this project will establish a network of volunteers recording wildlife throughout the Breaking New Ground (BNG) Landscape Partnership Scheme area (supported by the Heritage lottery Fund). Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned surveyor, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, with lots of support and training. You could simply tell us what you see whilst out walking, or get involved in a specific species survey. Pop along to an introduction session to find out more about the project. There will also be a variety of species ID courses and photography workshops on offer. Individuals and local conservation or groups are invited to join in to help conserve the distinctive wildlife of The Brecks.

The project will operate at 3 levels: BEGINNER: Training and encouragement provided to those new to recording wildlife. SPECIES SURVEILLANCE: Enabling people to take the next step into more serious recording of sites. This will allow a number of important sites in the Brecks to be monitored and will also help to ensure sustainable long-term monitoring of sites where work is taking place as part of other BNG projects. Data collected will feed into the Norfolk Species Surveillance Network. RIVER CORRIDOR SURVEY – Little Ouse headwaters to Brandon. This is a non-native species survey of the Little Ouse river, from its headwaters at Redgrave and Lopham Fens to Brandon.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

If you are interested in any of the following, please let us know by emailing us at nbis@norfolk.gov.uk:

I am interested in recording wildlife in the Brecks in general and would like to attend a free introductory session

I am interested in recording in a structured way – i.e. monitoring wildlife in my local area or local site/nature reserve on an regular/annual basis

I am in a local conservation group/parish group or know of one that would be interested in being involved –

NBIS can come and talk to your group and tailor a special introduction session to your needs and wildlife interests.

I am interested in wildlife identification or photography training workshops.

I am interested in volunteering and would like to talk through the options in more detail.

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