About this Event
A great opportunity for our biological recording community to come together and share updates and information on what we've all been doing in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Join us at Cholsey Great Hall , for our Spring Recorders' Conference 2026, Nature & Data: Connecting People, Places and Records!
We'll hear from a range of interesting speakers - hope to see you there! Anyone who is interested in wildlife recording and conservation is welcome to attend. Plus, lunch and refreshments are included!
Programme:
We are currently working on the programme, so the following may be subject to change. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.
Talks:
John Lindley,
"Wildlife recording in a small Oxfordshire village"
In 2020 a group of villagers got together to form South Stoke Wildlife and Conservation Group (SSWCG), with the aims of learning more about our local wildlife, recording its diversity, and improving habitats to encourage improved biodiversity. Since then we've recorded over 1,750 species in our local Parish. The presentation will focus on how the group find and record wildlife, including lots of practical information on surveying methods, identification tips, and community involvement. John will cover what they've learned so far, and what they want to do in the future. John Lindley is a keen amateur Entomologist and wildlife photographer, specialising in Lepidoptera, but now also focusing on other invertebrates. He is a founder member of SSWCG, where he regularly organises and leads group sessions to record and photograph Moths, Dragonflies and other insects.
Ruth Staples-Rolfe, Programme Manager
"Role of the recorder in a local community and how the benefit the wider landscape"
Mike Coker,
"An introduction to Binfield Environment Group and engaging the community through surveying"
Mike Coker from Binfield Environment Group will talk about the biodiversity surveying that members of the group have been doing and how this has evolved over the last six years. Mike will explain how BEG have engaged the local community through surveying and the importance of purposeful surveying. During the talk, Mike will share some of the key things that BEG's surveyors have discovered and will touch on the role of recording apps.
Sophie Williams, University of Oxford. Project talk
"Deadwood Invertebrate Species Distribution Analysis: Distribution Across Ancient Woodland, Priority Habitat Inventory, SCA and SPA Land Classification".
Sophie is a current geography student at the University of Oxford and has completed a week-long internship with TVERC looking at the distribution of deadwood invertebrate indicator species as they compare to Ancient Woodland Distribution, Priority Habitat Inventory, Species Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas to better understand the functioning of these key conservation areas.
Workshops:
Butterfly Recordng - Peter Philp, Chairman of the Upper Thames Branch of Butterfly Conservation.
Mammals - Bob Cowley, Track & Sign Trainer for UK Mammal Society
Speed updates:
Got something exciting happening in your local area? Share it with us in a 5-minute talk! Whether it's about specific species, sites, habitats, recording projects, or conservation campaigns, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to give a speed update, please indicate this on your booking form.
Displays:
Explore a variety of display stands from different recording and conservation groups during our refreshment and lunch breaks. If you'd like to bring a display or leaflets, please indicate this on your booking form.
Catering:
Catering will be provided by Waste2Taste. Lunch will include Vegan / Vegetarian sandwiches. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your ticket.
Getting there:
For directions, see: Google Maps
There are also regular trains from Oxford & Reading to Cholsey train station which is a 20min walk to the venue.
Car share: liftshare
About TVERC
TVERC are a not-for-profit organisation hosted by Oxfordshire County Council. We collect, analyse and share geodiversity and biodiversity information in Berkshire and Oxfordshire to help people make sound decisions about how to develop and manage land sustainably, where to direct wildlife conservation work and for scientific education and research.
There are many people collecting information about our natural environment and by collating all this information at TVERC, everyone can get a better picture of the status and distribution of wildlife.
This event is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund's WISH Partnership.
Agenda
TALK: Wildlife recording in a small Oxfordshire village
Host: John Lindley, South Stoke Wildlife & Conservation Group
Info: In 2020 a group of villagers got together to form South Stoke Wildlife and Conservation Group (SSWCG), with the aims of learning more about our local wildlife, recording its diversity, and improving habitats to encourage improved biodiversity. Since then we've recorded over 1,750 species in our local Parish. The presentation will focus on how the group find and record wildlife, including lots of practical information on surveying methods, identification tips, and community involvement. John will cover what they've learned so far, and what they want to do in the future. John Lindley is a keen amateur Entomologist and wildlife photographer, specialising in Lepidoptera, but now also focusing on other invertebrates. He is a founder member of SSWCG, where he regularly organises and leads group sessions to record and photograph Moths, Dragonflies and other insects.
TALK: Role of the recorder in a local community
Host: Ruth Staples-Rolfe, Mend the Gap Programme Manager
Info: Role of the recorder in a local community and how the benefit the wider landscape
Mammals Workshop - Bob Cowley, Track & Sign Trainer for UK Mammal Society
Butterfly Workshop - Peter Philip, Butterfly Conservation
Info: Peter Philp, Chairman of the Upper Thames Branch of Butterfly Conservation
TALK: An introduction to Binfield Environment Group and engaging the community
Host: Mike Coker, Binfield Environment Group
Info: An introduction to Binfield Environment Group and engaging the community through surveying Mike Coker, Binfield Environment Group. Mike Coker from Binfield Environment Group will talk about the biodiversity surveying that members of the group have been doing and how this has evolved over the last six years. Mike will explain how BEG have engaged the local community through surveying and the importance of purposeful surveying. During the talk, Mike will share some of the key things that BEG's surveyors have discovered and will touch on the role of recording apps.
TALK: Deadwood Invertebrate Species Distribution Analysis
Host: Sophie Williams, University of Oxford.TVERC Micro-Intern
Info: Sophie Williams, University of Oxford. TVERC Micro-Internship Project talk
Deadwood Invertebrate Species Distribution Analysis: Distribution Across Ancient Woodland, Priority Habitat Inventory, SCA and SPA Land Classification.
Description: Sophie is a current geography student at the University of Oxford and has completed a week-long internship with TVERC looking at the distribution of deadwood invertebrate indicator species as they compare to Ancient Woodland Distribution, Priority Habitat Inventory, Species Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas to better understand the functioning of these key conservation areas.
SPEED UPDATE: Not Bourne Yesterday Project Update
Host: Martha Glennon
Info: Martha Glennon, Engagement Coordinator for Not Bourne Yesterday, hosted by the Chilterns National Landscape
SPEED UPDATE: Recording in the Cookhams
Host: Brian Clews, Wild Cookham
Info: Brian Clews, Wild Cookham
Recording in the Cookhams
STANDS
Info: Brian Clews - Book Stall
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cholsey Great Hall, Fair Mile, Cholsey, Wallingford, United Kingdom
GBP 6.00 to GBP 15.00
