Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre has considerable experience of providing a wide range of services within the environmental sector. The following list details these services, together with examples where possible.
If you would like us to undertake any of these services then please contact us for a discussion of what we can provide and any associated costings.
Click on any of the services for a description and more information.
Data Management
BRERC stores several millions paper records and routinely manages
an ever-growing electronic database of nearly a million records,
along with the necessary policies and procedures to ensure that
every record is accurate and traceable. We have experience in
data management in both paper and electronic forms, especially
using Lotus Approach relational databases and Mapinfo
Geogrpahical Information Systems. We can potentially set-up or
take over your existing data management, or alternatively,
provide advice and guidance on setting up or upgrading/modifying your own systems.
NVC, Phase 1 and other field surveys
BRERC have been carrying out ecological surveys since the founding of the organisation in 1974. Recent surveying work includes Phase 1
assessment, NVC surveys, targeted species surveys and boundary
checks for non-statuatory designated sites and surveys to
indicate presence of Great Crested Newts. As such we have
considerable experience of performing many types of field surveys
and would be able to offer these sevices to other groups and
organisations.
Species and Habitat Monitoring
BRERC are well placed to get involved in a variety of species and habitat monitoring projects and developing guidance for monitoring is part of our role as an Environmental Records Centre. We have skilled personnel that are able to carry out a wide range of monitoring schemes and are proficient at processing the data created. This data can be analysed if required and made available in a variety of formats including GIS files.
Data Capture & Data Entry
For efficient data handling in all ecological situations the importance of well-designed data capture mechanisms cannot be overemphasised. This might be simple paper recording forms or sophisticated database forms designed for hand held computers. Careful project planning should include an awareness of how data is collected and entered onto computerised systems in order to maximise the usefulness of the gathered information for users and to reduce costs for project managers. BRERC has considerable experience in this field and welcomes any opportunity to assist clients in designing data capture tools. In addition we have developed strategies of entering data into computerised systems with integrated quality control mechanisms ensuring that data entry is both efficient and accurate. We are happy to offer this service to all our users and invite you to contact us to discuss your requirements.
Website Design and Build;
Web Site Maintenance;
Improvement for Existing Web Sites
As well as maintaining our own website, we have also been
commisioned to design and build websites, examples of which are the Batscapes
project (http://www.batscapes.org.uk/) and Wick Golden
Valley LNR (http://www.golden-valley.info/). Our contract for
the Golden Valley site also dictated that we research and write
the material for the site ourselves, including the Schools
section which had Key Stage requirements relating to the National
Curriculum. All these websites were manually coded to ensure that
they were as efficient as possible and conformed to accessibilty
standards. Our experience in website design is particulalry
strong in the environmental sector and we are well placed to
undertake future work of this kind.
If your website needs maintaining and/or updating (either on a once-off or regular basis), or you would like us to suggest or implement improvements to your site, then we are also keen to undertake such work.
Publish External Articles and Information on the BRERC
Website
For small organisations or groups in the environmental sector who
don't want to set up their own website, we can offer space on our
website to host your material. This can range from a single page
detailing your latest events to a whole sub-section of our
site.
Data Analysis
BRERC have been involved with analysis of regional spatial data to inform both regional and local planning authorities within the South West. This has applications in the monitoring of biodiversity targets both locally and regionally and we are able to assist all users in meeting their reporting obligations in a wide variety of situations.
Research
BRERC is well placed to access a considerable resource of biological information and are keen to work with universities and colleges throughout the region. In addition we are happy to provide the opportunity for students to utilise our resources by offering both short and long term placements within our offices in central Bristol. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
Digital Mapping
Digital mapping using MapInfo Professional Geographical Information System (GIS) is an integral part of what we do at BRERC and there is an increasing demand from users of biological information for data to be presented in GIS format. We can help you to convert your existing spatial data into GIS or give advice and training to enable your organisation to use GIS confidently and effectively. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Aerial Photograph Interpretation
At BRERC we have access to aerial photography of the entire region. If your project has an aerial photograph interpretation element to it we may be able to help. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Provide Talks and Workshops
Members of our staff are happy to make presentations to your group or organisation or lead workshops. These can be on a wide variety of subjects ranging from the work that BRERC carries out to identification of particular species groups. If you are interested in arranging a series of workshops we may be able to assist you in applying for grants to facilitate this.
Species Identification
Our skilled staff and regional experts are happy to assist in the identification of difficult taxa. We are happy to receive photographs and voucher specimens but please do contact us first in order for us to deal with your query effectively.
Provide training courses on:
- Surveying
- Species Identification
- Ecology
- Cursory Impact Assessment
- Habitat Recognition
- Data Management
- Beginners to Advanced MapInfo GIS
- Use of Database and Spreadsheets
BRERC runs many training courses, often as part of a set program
but also when asked by external organisations. We have recently
conducted Basic Mapinfo Training for local government officers.
The flexible approach and variation of the pace of teaching,
along with the relaxed method of training drew particular praise
from those involved. We can offer training for all of the above
and more besides, so please contact us if you would like more
information.
Publishing
BRERC have had great success in publishing and distributing the Flora of the Bristol Region and Butterflies of the Bristol Region books. Our new publication, Moths of the Bristol Region, will be available later in 2006. If you have an idea for a natural history book that you feel should be available get in touch with us and we might be able to help.
Support Services for Community and Recording
Groups
We offer a range of services for these groups, including walks,
talks and attendence at events. Other services include the
provision of the group pages on
this website, which encourage people to take an interest in
recording.
Develop Public Participation Surveys
Two examples of our recent work on this subject have been the
Local Patch Initiative and
One Day One Record. The former is
a long term, low maintenance project which involved targeting the
methodology for recording wildlife whilst identifying the areas
potential recorders would be interested in. The latter targets
the recording of one specific species on one specific day, and
has made use of media involvement to gather as many records as
possible by raising public awareness and interest.
If you are interested in developing similar schemes we can offer guidance and advice.
Provide Guidance on Standards
As a Demonstration Local Records Centre for the National
Biodiversity Network, BRERC has been instrumental in formulating
standards that have been adopted across the South West of England
and the United Kingdom. Our line management through Bristol City
Council also gives us an appreciation of local government
policies. We are therefore well placed to advise others as to the
best standards to adopt and how to go about implementing and
achieving them.