Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre keeps a vital bank of data gathered from specialist Recorder groups and members of the public. In this article, SBIC Data Officer Judith Ballinger reports on this year’s gathering of the Recorder clans…
The annual Surrey Recorders’ Meeting, hosted by Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) took place on Saturday 17th of February. We were incredibly pleased to see many familiar faces and quite a few new ones, with over 90 attendees in total.
Citizen Science Officer Daniel Banks kicked off the event with a Space4Nature project update, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. By developing a revolutionary new tool for identifying and mapping different types of habitat county-wide using Earth Observation (satellite) data, Space4Nature will help to provide a better understanding of our existing habitat resource and as a result, a better understanding of where conservation efforts need to be focused to join up our increasingly fractured landscape.
SBIC Manager Alistair Kirk then gave an update on the work done by the SBIC team over the past 12 months and looked ahead with an overview of Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Old Grassland Inventory project, which will help us better understand what lowland meadow, acid grassland and calcareous grassland habitats remain, relicts of our ancestors’ ancient clearances of original wildwood to create pasture for their grazing animals, man-made and irreplaceable habitats that are ). Iona Cunningham-Eurich from University College London shared her research on social wasps through the Big Wasp Survey, emphasizing the power of citizen science.
Adam Brown of Surrey County Council let us know about his role shaping the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), offering insights into how the LNRS is aiming to support and restore Surrey’s habitats and species. Finally, Dr. Mark Spencer explored the changes in London and Surrey's flora, providing a surprising view of the region's changing floral biodiversity.
It was an excellent networking opportunity, with many connections made and renewed among attendees. Recording groups of all taxa were well-represented, making the event a comprehensive and collaborative exploration of Surrey's rich biodiversity. Several groups brought displays showcasing their recent findings and species highlights from the previous year’s surveys, as well as opportunities to sign up.
SWT Youth Action Committee Member Lucy Smith, gives her thoughts on the conference:
“It was a great opportunity for fellow YAC member Charlotte and I to represent the Youth Action Committee at the 2024 SBIC Recorders’ Meeting. We got to attend fascinating talks about topics from wasps to botany, and network with a whole host of representatives from recording groups across Surrey, including Surrey Dormouse Group and Surrey Botanical Society. Following the many conversations we had, we are looking to organise specialist-led talks and walks for young people interested in nature. We hope that we made a good impression at the conference and hope to attend again in the future, with the aim of encouraging young people to engage with recording groups across Surrey.”
In conclusion, the Surrey Recorders’ Meeting 2024 was a resounding success. Copies of the slides presented on the day can be downloaded via the following links. We extend an invitation for the next edition on February 22nd, 2025, anticipating another day of enriching discussions. We look forward to seeing you there!
In the meantime, as the Local Environmental Records Centre for Surrey, we welcome any and all species records.
Please continue to send us your records to surreybic@surreywt.org.uk.
Copies of the presentation slides from the meeting (where permission has been given) available to download below: