Biological Recording 101

Biological recording is the scientific practice of finding, identifying and recording the presence of living organisms, helping us to understand the distribution, abundance, associations and changes, both in time and space, of wildlife. Biological records are the bedrock of conservation science – essential for a wide range of conservation actions from assessing the impact of planning applications to undertaking conservation status assessments for species.

This course prepares those new to biological recording with an understanding of how biological recording works and how casual species observations can be converted into useful biodiversity datasets. Students will undertake a simple field recording activity and submit their data through the iRecord platform, generating real biological records as they learn.

• An introduction to the science of biological recording and the importance of biodiversity data.
• Practical experience of gathering species records in the field and the core data required for any biological record.
• Using iRecord to submit records, share data with other organisations and maintain a personal records database.
• Demonstrations of how various iRecord features can be used to get the most out of recording local sites and group activities.

Keiron Derek Brown is a dedicated advocate for biological recording and invertebrate education. As the developer and manager of the BioLinks project for the Field Studies Council, Keiron spearheaded the delivery of more than 200 in-person and virtual training sessions, supporting both new and experienced invertebrate recorders. In 2023, he founded the Biological Recording Company to further promote and support biological recording initiatives. Keiron has also led the National Earthworm Recording Scheme since 2014 and sits on the advisory council for the National Forum for Biological Recording.

Non-professional Course Ticket (Free): Select this option if you are a non-professional (e.g. amateur naturalist, local group volunteer, undergraduate student or biological recorder). Tickets subsidised by Harrow Council.

Professional Course Ticket (£50): Select this option if you are a professional (e.g. ecologist, graduate student, researcher or are attending in relation to your vocation).

Ticket fees include an administrative fee of 20% that is non-refundable. This consists of approximately 10% for Eventbrite fees and 10% for time spent by the Biological Recording Company processing the order.

Further cancellation charges will also be incurred for the following:

• 20% admin fee + 10% cancellation fee for cancellations made over 90 days in advance of the date of the course.
• 20% admin fee + 30% cancellation fee for cancellations made between 30 and 90 days of the date of the course.
• 20% admin fee + 80% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 30 days of the date of the course.

This course will take place at Headstone Manor Park, a historic site in Harrow centred around a Grade I listed medieval manor house and its surrounding buildings. The site is mosted famous for its museum, which sits within the attractive grounds of Headstone Manor Park, a large public green space with a mixture of grassland, trees, hedgerows, waterways and other habitats.

This event is being delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with Harrow Council.

Event venue & nearby stays

The Friends of Headstone Manor Park, 151A Pinner View, Harrow, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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