Keeping track of the wildlife in Devon
Thanks to our survey team holding level 5 Field Identification Skills certificates (FISC), DBRC has hosted two FISC assessments as examiners for the first time.
This year we assessed 23 participants plant ID skills across two examinations, with potentially more exams in the future. We are very proud of our field team, whose hard work and botanical expertise enabled both exams to run smoothly despite the unusually hot weather and the challenge of running the examination for the first time.
This week sees the launch of the Devon County Wildlife Site Report, which focuses on their vital role in safeguarding and enhancing the counties most important habitats. It summarises over a decade of monitoring surveys carried out by DBRC, and our partners, and sets out the many challenges our beautiful landscapes are facing.
CWS-12-Year-Report-FINAL-VERSION-May-24As the 2023/24 financial year has come to a close, DBRC Manager Ian Egerton looks over the highlights and challenges of the last 12 months.
23-24-End-of-Year-ReportDBRC’s field team have recently retaken their national FISC accreditation, with Paul Seymour moving from a grade to 4 to grade 5, and Jack Rivers gaining his first grade 4. To operate at this level requires significant investment in self learning, as well as the professional development we can provide, so we are extremely proud of their achievements.
With another year gone by, DBRC manager Ian Egerton looks back at the progress the records centre has made over the last 12 months.
22-23-End-of-Year-Report-The DBRC is proud to announce the launch of our new Japanese Knotweed reporting form. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an invasive species that unfortunately thrives in Britain, to the point of overrunning existing native species. It can regrow from the smallest fragments and is tolerant of very poor conditions. Local Authorities, including those in Devon, are desperate to find ways of eradicating this serious pest.
If you find Japanese Knotweed, you can now submit those records here. This will enable us to help track the spread of this invasive species through the Devon Land scape.
Please note: It is not illegal for Japanese Knotweed to be present on a property, only to allow it to spread. DBRC does not provide any removal or formal reporting services for Japanese Knotweed. Records are for monitoring the state of Devon’s Biodiversity. For further information on Japanese Knotweed, please visit the Devon Local Nature Partnership.
Devon Biodiversity Record Centre is delighted to have had some of our work on the Bradley Bug Project mentioned in the Mid Devon Advertiser. Our botanicals and Projects Officer Phil Sansum carried out a botanicals survey onsite, identifying 52 native flowering plant species. You can read the full article here.
For more information on the habitat survey services DBRC can providem click here or contact a member of our staff to discuss your project further.
With the end of another financial year, DBRC’s manager – Ian Egerton has produced a report on the team’s hard work and achievements over the last 12 months.
DBRC-End-of-Year-Report-2021-2022