BRERC Notable Species records within the last 10 years

Quality Control

To ensure the quality of species data held by BRERC, all submitted information undergoes rigorous validation and verification procedures. Taxa new to the region or known to be difficult to determine are automatically highlighted, the following guidelines are followed - https://www.brerc.org.uk/dataquality.htm. If necessary data is referred to other local experts for verification. Records are entered with the correct scientific nomenclature in accordance with the nationally recognised Species Dictionary used by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). The BRERC database is modified and updated to reflect changes in both the current preferred nomenclature of different taxonomic groups, and their conservation status. BRERC data is uploaded to the NBN Atlas; and feedback from external specialists often allows further refinements to be made to our data.

Method steps

1. Records captured from multiple providers using a wide variety of collection and data capture methods. For example: ad hoc records from the public; survey reports from ecological consultancies in relation to planning and development control; data from community groups; educational research; transect data from national schemes and societies; species and habitat management plans, reports and monitoring. Data may be captured directly by BRERC, via BRERC on-line recording facilities, various apps from recording schemes and initiatives, submitted by recorders and organisations directly or indirectly using their own data capture tools, documents, photographs and diaries. Data is managed via various spreadsheets, bespoke relational databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

West of England which includes North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset unitary authority areas.