[T]he Colourful Coast Partnership and Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre are launching a new programme of events aimed at getting people out recording the nature the find in their local area.
The Nature Recorders programme will encourage local people to map, identify and record the habitats and species of the Copeland coast. Stuart Colgate, Recoding Officer for the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre says ‘We have good records of some species but there are still gaps in our knowledge. We hope these sessions will encourage people to get out, records what they see and upload their results. This will provide valuable information about the plants and animals of the area that haven’t been well recorded like plants, fungi and most invertebrates.’
To start this process there will be a series of free events, starting next Thursday (24th May) with an ‘Introduction to Biological Recording’ workshop in Whitehaven. This will cover how to turn random sightings of wild plants and animals into valuable biological records. These sessions will help volunteers find out more about the habitats and species we find in the area and learn how to submit their records to the Data Centre which can potentially be used for generations to come.
Sophie Badrick, Colourful Coast Project officer, said: “We really want to get people out spotting, identifying and recording wildlife so whether you’re a complete novice or already know the names of plants and animals you see while you’re out and about there will be an opportunity for you to be involved. If you want to gain some new skills, discover more about your local area or contribute to our knowledge and understanding of this amazing area then we’d love for you to be involved.”
The free training is open to anyone, if you would like to get involved or would like more information please email Sophie.badrick@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone 07342088015.
