How?
Method
The recording of location
The choice of species
Some decisions about ID
Dealing with the data
Method
The recording of location
The choice of species
Some decisions about ID
Dealing with the data
- Eight figure OS grid references were obtained with an HTC Legend phone with a GPS app. Each of these was used as a record of a species within that 10m square. Most of these were written as numbers in a notebook, a few were marked directly onto squared paper.
- ten figure grid references were recorded for some of the rarer species.
- the numerical values were later entered onto a spreadsheet which was sent to SERC
- the data was entered into Recorder, and MapInfo was used to generate distribution maps
- the original low-tech method of using crosses on squared paper (representing the OS grid) with a transparent overlay of boundaries, roads etc on it was completed for some species to show that complex computer software is not essential to make a distribution map
- approximately one hundred recording visits of up to two hours were made, starting in February 2012. There were always two people in woodland areas, sometimes only one in more open areas
- the choice of species to record was based on idiosyncratic and evolving criteria. These included: easily recognisable; interesting; unusual; locally uncommon or indicative of a particular habitat
- where ID was a problem, as in the case of Violets, Milkworts and Spotted-orchids, a feature was chosen as the critical one so that even if oversimplified it was consistent
- the selection of areas in which to record was equally personal and driven in part by the species chosen. Inevitably recording concentrated on diversity hotspots such as the pony-grazed or annually cut areas. but woodland paths and boundaries were covered, though limited by poor GPS coverage and diffculty of access