2009

CASE STUDIES

Projects funded: 25

Grant available: £500 – £2000

………………Sussex Butterfly Atlas……………………………………..

Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (DARG)

………………Promoting Awareness of Amphibians and Reptiles……

Dorset Bat Group

………………Bats in the Belfry……………………………………………

Friends of Baddesley Common

……………....Village Pond and Black Path Project…………………….

Friends of Burgess Hill

……………... Stepping up to the Mark……………………....................

Friends of Markeaton Park

………………First Derbyshire BioBlitz…………………………………..

Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society

………………Gloucestershire Bird Atlas………………………………..

Hampshire Fungus Recording Group

……………... Fungus Presentation Stand……………………...............

Hampshire Ornithological Society

………………Increasing the Society’s Reach…………………………..

The Hardy Orchid Society

..................... Enhancing Outreach, Communication, + Conservation..

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………………QMC Video Delivery………………………………………..

Risley Moss Action Group

………………Risley Moss Recording Scheme………………………….

RSPB Gloucestershire Local Group

………………Awakening Eyes to Nature…………………………………

Shropshire Bat Group

……………... Improving Distribution Surveys in Shropshire …………...

Shropshire Botanical Society

……………... Herbaria at Home Website……………………..................

Sorby Natural History Society

………………Identification Workshops Enhancement…………………

Tachinid recording Scheme

………………Re-housing the Reference Collection……………………

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Project: Improving capacity to increase the Society’s membership

‘Uncovering Insects’ was a project established to celebrate 75 years of the Amateur Entomologist Society (AES). Its main aims were to introduce the world of insects to a greater number of people, particularly children, and increase membership of the society.

This was achieved by improving and developing promotional materials, and lead to a more effective presence at events, as well as a more appropriate and engaging means of communicating entomology and the society’s work to prospective members.

The Society also purchased a new laptop, to allow for far better management of their membership.

“We have been able to introduce an enthusiasm for insects to an ever broader group of people.”

Dafydd Lewis

Amateur Entomologist Society Uncovering Insects (Phase 1)

Grant awarded: £800

Key Outputs

The Amateur Entomologists' Society, founded in 1935, is a registered charity run by volunteers for those with an interest in insects.

http://www.amentsoc.org

20% increase in membership Promotional banners for events.New IT equipment acquired.1364 members took part

Group Profile

Photo of Brimstone courtesy of the Amateur EntomologistSociety; Drawing of Shield Bug by AES Bug Club member

Download page as a PDF

Project: Developing a new website for the recording scheme

There has been a noticeable surge of interest in this group of insects over recent years. The aim of the project was to focus on this by developing a website dedicated to recording Auchenorryncha, in the hope of expanding the community of recorders.

The website is an easy to use and comprehensive resource, including: background information about the insect group; distribution maps; group newsletters; identification keys; help with recording; and much more.

It has been a huge success, and as a result, many more records are being submitted to the recording scheme than before, to the point where it is now possible to produce meaningful maps for certain species.

Auchenorryncha Recording SchemeNew Website

Grant awarded: £2000

Key Outputs

The Auchenorrhyncha are 'true bugs' and include leafhoppers, planthoppers, froghoppers, treehoppers and cicadas.

http://www.ledra.co.uk

Group Profile

Recording Scheme website ARS to write an annual ‘wildlife

report’ on Hemiptera for the magazine ‘British Wildlife’.

“This new website will rejuvenate the whole recording scheme. “

Dr Alan J A Stewart

Resources

Recording Schem e Website

Photo of Pondweed leafhopper courtesy of the Auchenorrhyncha Recording Scheme; Photo of Cercopis vulnerata © Tristan Bantock

Download page as a PDF

Project: Recording scheme website for spiders, opiliones and pseudoscorpions

The Spider Recording Scheme (SRS) has run since 1987, and aims to maintain up-to-date data on the distribution of spiders in Britain.

Using the OPAL grant, the BAS have made the SRS available online via their website. The majority of records are made by authorised recorders, but anyone can submit records of more easily recognisable spiders. It has made the SRS accessible to a wider audience, and easier for records to be kept and shared.

The core of the site revolves around species maps, provided on a national and regional basis, and to date nearly one million records have been made.

“Members can now access the Spider Recoding Scheme on-line and utilise the data available.”

William Blumsom

British Arachnological Society Interactive Online Recording Website

Grant awarded: £2000

Key Outputs

The BAS works with amateurs and professionals to educate the public by promoting the study of the Arachnid.

www.britishspiders.org.uk

Interactive recording scheme websiteOver 900 000 records to dateNational distribution maps and data

freely available

Group Profile

Resources

Recording Scheme website

Photo of Wasp Spider © P.R. Harvey

Download page as a PDF

Project: Fern themed Big Saturday museum event

The aim of the event was to interact more with the general public, as well as raise the profile of the society, especially amongst the younger generation.

It was a new venture for the society, and required the development of a range of promotional materials.

The day itself included illustrated talks, live specimens on display, as well as a range of activities for children, all with the aim of encouraging people to recognise, identify and record ferns in the wild, as well as grow them in their own gardens.

British Pteridological Society Ferns and Fossils at Manchester Museum

Grant awarded: £500

Key Outputs

The Society tries to encourage the study of ferns, horsetails, clubmosses, quillworts, and selaginellas as well as their conservation and appreciation.

www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/bps

Over 1000 visitors to the eventNearly 700 children participating Secret Life of Ferns DVD Educational posters and quiz sheetsPromotional Native Ferns posters 1 000 promotional leaflets

Group Profile

“We now have a range of educational and promotional material which we can use at other events.”

Yvonne Golding

Resources

Fern day summary sheet

Tree Ferns information sheet

Photos courtesy of British Pteridological Society

Download page as a PDF

“It was a great catalyst for getting

people involved with the group.”

Butterfly Conservation Leaflet

Conference Programme

Project: Production of display materials and training days

In recent years, DARG has missed out on opportunities to attend public events due to a lack of suitable display materials. This project has allowed the group to create a professional quality information and display stand for events, and help raise the profile of the group, as well as Derbyshire’s native amphibians and reptiles.

The materials have been well used, and the group has received much interest, collected many records from the public, and passed on information about our native species.

The purchase of a computer also enabled more effective storage of records, as well as an improved programme of talks to community and local groups.

“For the first time we had the opportunity to distribute leaflets and recording forms to directly to members of the public”

Jayne L

Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (DARG)

Promoting Awareness of Amphibians and Reptiles

Grant awarded: £1905

Key Outputs

DARG aims to promote the study and conservation of the amphibians and reptiles of Derbyshire and their habitats by collecting and collating records, and providing training courses.

www.derbyshirearg.co.uk

3000+ people at events Laptop and computer software6 panel display standHeavy duty banner and artwork Gazebo and trestle tables

Group Profile

Photo of Toad © Ray Hamblett; Photo of Adder © Graham Ella; Photo of Group © Chris Monk

Download page as a PDF

Project: Survey workshops and information packs for the public

Dorset Bat Group has an active volunteer section, but due to a limited number of active surveyors, it is difficult to survey the whole county. In an attempt to further engage people, support new surveyors, and obtain new records for the county, the group devised the Bats in the Belfry project.

A surveying kit was produced, and new surveying equipment obtained, while letters were sent to churches asking if they would be interested in hosting workshops, and receiving a free bat warden visit. The results were extremely positive, and several high quality workshops were run. New surveyors have been trained and supported, and the group have increased their profile throughout the county.

Dorset Bat GroupBats in The Belfry

Grant awarded: £ 2000

Key Outputs

Dorset bat group are volunteers with a shared passion for bats. They see their role as one of helping record and protect the bats of Dorset.

http://www.amentsoc.org

21 churches involved 4 workshops run10 Magenta bat detectors 20 head torchesSurvey pack illustrations 500 Survey packs

Group Profile

“It is a motivator for us to deliver a project within a timescale.”

Emma Brawn

Resources

Bats in the Belfry leaflet

Survey recording sheet

Bat survey leaflet

Photo of BLE courtesy of Dorset Bat Group

Download page as a PDF

Project: Consultation with local community

With the aim of improving the environment of the common, the group decided it was important to first consult with the local community.

This public consultation consisted of a focus group to establish the history of the common, a household survey, and a public meeting at the Village Hall.

The OPAL Grant helped promote and deliver these activities, and allow the group to report back to the community.

The consultation has provided evidence from which to base future objectives and source funding for projects. It has also increased the awareness of the flora and fauna of the common, and achieved the goodwill of the local community.

Friends of Baddesley CommonVillage Pond and Black Path Project

Grant awarded: £825

Key Outputs

A local group that aims to encourage environmental improvements for the benefit of those who may wish to enjoy the Common.

4 sessions of ground clearing4 educational walks Newsletters - 100 copies per issueDevelopment of FOBC websiteSet up of Ordnance Survey maps60 promotional posters

Group Profile

“In the course of a year we have been able to achieve much more than we ever thought possible.”

Katy Harper

www.friendsofbaddesleycommon.org.uk

Resources

Website Newsletter Leaflet

Photo courtesy of Friends of Baddesley Common

Download page as a PDF

Project: Wildlife survey equipment and display equipment

After taking on more sites in the area, the aim was to 'Step up to the mark' in managing this growth, and continuing to deliver quality indoor and outdoor events for members. With the purchase of new equipment, surveying of sites was organised and encouraged, providing important records and indicators of habitat quality and biodiversity.

Survey results and reported ‘sightings’ on the website are now actively feeding into long- term management plans and protection of sites, and the culmination of all this effort was celebrated and displayed at the ‘Wild About Mid Sussex’ exhibition and activities event organised with Mid Sussex District Council. “The grant has helped us to adopt far

better systems for recording. We now have ‘co-ordinators’ for most taxa.”

Roy Ticehurst

Friends of Burgess Hill Green Circle Network Stepping Up to the Mark

Grant awarded: £1909

Key Outputs

In response to the need around the town, The Friends of Burgess Hill have 13 local wildlife sites within their care.

www.bh-green-circle.org.uk

Group Profile

44 exhibitors and 1000 visitors Moth trap and generator Two bat detectors and bat ID bookSurveying equipmentMapmate recording softwareComputer projector

Resources

Bedelands Farm leaflet

Photos courtesy of Friends of Burgess Hill

Download page as a PDF

Database of species recorded

BioBlitz recording form

Project: Development of local bird atlas, digital maps and display materials

Fieldwork for the atlas has taken place since 2007, with every 2km x 2km square in the county surveyed by volunteers. Newly acquired software was able to transform this data into digitised maps, illustrating the distribution and abundance of bird species in the county. A new projector enabled these ‘live maps’ to be incorporated into events and talks run by the society.

One of these events, specifically aimed at recruiting further fieldwork volunteers, managed to allocate recorders for 70% of the 106 target areas. This was a real boost to the project, and the remaining 30% of areas have since been allocated. The atlas is due to be published in 2013, a first for Gloucestershire.

“The grant has made a real contribution to our ability to publicise and communicate our project” Gordon Kirk

Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society Gloucestershire Bird Atlas

Grant awarded: £1640

Key Outputs

The Society publish a quarterly newsletter, Journal, and annual Bird Report, as well as organising lectures, field meetings, and recording.

www.glosnats.org

Group Profile

Talks delivered at 5 separate events Mapping softwarePresentational display Boards Digital projector

Photo of Blue Tit Creative Commons © Luc Viatour; Photo of Black-tailed Godwit © John Sanders.

Download page as a PDF

Project: Presentation material for lectures, displays and shows

The group wanted to extend their reach beyond their members, so developed promotional material to create a display stand raising awareness of the role fungi play in the natural world and the work of both local and national organisations like the (BMS) and the (ABFG).

The result was a four day exhibition at the Reptile Centre, New Forest, which included nearly 200 freshly collected fungi and a demonstration of stereo and compound microscopes, allowing those without such equipment the opportunity to view fungal structures under high magnification.

As a result of its success, the exhibition has become an annual group venture. “The positive feedback has given the

group more confidence in repeating the

event next year.” Stuart Skeates

Hampshire Fungus Recording Group Fungus Presentation Stand

Grant awarded: £1760

Key Outputs

The group runs an annual programme of fungal forays and workshops, and has made over 40 000 records, covering more than 2000 species.

www.hampshirefungi.org.uk

Group Profile

350 people attended the exhibitionGroup publicity leafletsFungal models Projection screen Pull-up banner displaysTrinocular compound microscope

Photos courtesy of Hampshire Fungus Recording Group

Download page as a PDF

“We have established that leaflets

at reserves provide a very good

return in new member numbers”

Grey Roosevelt Walk leaflet + Map

Promotional Banners

Project: New equipment for events

The Society’s main aim was to improve outreach and attract new members. The first step was to design and produce a professional handout to promote the society and its activities. An improved professional presence was completed by new display boards and publicity posters, which have inspired the group to display at a number of formal events since.

Conservation work has also been enhanced by encouraging an interest in the germination of legal wild orchid seed and the production of orchid plants, through a number of practical workshops and the set up of a sub-group for more experienced members to share expertise.

“The seed sowing group has generated a shared pool of knowledge among our members that we expect to produce practical expertise. “ Prof. Gasson

The Hardy Orchid Society Enhancing Outreach, Communication and Conservation

Grant awarded: £1914

Key Outputs

The Society organises indoor and outdoor activities for members, including meetings, shows, and direct conservation of wild orchids.

www.hardyorchidsociety.org.uk

Group Profile

3000 publicity leaflets 400 copies of the HOS Journal Portable PA system Tools and materials for seed sowing Publicity display panels and posters

Resources

Hardy Orchid Society Leaflet

Sample: The Journal of the Hardy Society

Photo of Orchid courtesy of Hardy Orchid Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Design and printing of leaflets and posters

The society previously relied on the labour intensive distribution of black and white leaflets each month to advertise upcoming events. In order to attract new members, particularly younger, or more active members, a more effective means of publicity was devised.

High quality colour leaflets were created to promote the society in a more engaging way. These directed people towards the Society’s website for details of upcoming events, activities, and trips, removing the need for the production of monthly paper lists.

Attractive laminated posters were also put up in the area, permanently promoting the group in the community.

“By making an attractive, professional-looking leaflet and poster we will be portraying a more modern image of the society”

John McPherson

Horsham Natural History SocietyNew publicity materials

Grant awarded: £620

Key Outputs

The Society is for those with an interest in the wildlife of the area. They hold lively meetings, with an emphasis on sharing knowledge and fun.

www.hnhs.org.uk

Group Profile

6000 publicity leaflets500 promotional posters Co-ordinated distribution of

promotional materials in the community

Resources

Horsham Natural History Society Leaflet

Horsham Natural History Society Poster

Photo courtesy of Horsham Natural History Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Purchase of high quality self-standing banners for indoor use

Like many county naturalist societies, the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union wanted to attract new members, particularly younger members.

The design and production of four large high quality roller banners has created a striking up- to-date-image of the LNU to present to third parties. The banners have been utilised at a number of events, and there has been an immediately noticeable positive affect on membership, with recruitment far higher than in previous years.

As well as attracting new members, an increased visibility has lead to more publications sold at events, thereby increasing funds available to further the aims of the Union.

“A more professional, highly visible "face" at events will increase the effectiveness of such exhibits and encourage us to attend more of them. “

Ian Macalpine-Leny

Lincolnshire Naturalists Union Improving the Union’s Image at Events

Grant awarded: £836

Key Outputs

Union members study, record, hold meetings, supply information, publish books, exhibit, discuss natural history, and encourage continued learning.

www.lnu.org

Group Profile

Design of roller banners from text and photographs supplied by LNU

4 roller banners in full colour with banner stands and carry cases

Resources

Lincolnshire Naturalist Union Banners

Download page as a PDF

Project: New equipment for events

In an attempt to raise the profile of the group within the county, a co-ordinated set of publicity materials was created.

The first initiative was the production of full- colour survey leaflets for the Norfolk Amphibian Survey, launched in collaboration with the Norfolk Amphibian & Reptile Group, to submit records on the common toad and common frog in the county. A brand new membership leaflet was also produced, and a two metre high banner bearing the Society’s logo.

As a direct result, the society’s profile has increased greatly over the last 12 months, attracting new members and revitalising the interest of existing ones.

“We were very pleased with the materials that we were able to produce and are keen to extend the coverage of our Amphibian

Survey…” Dr David Leech

Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society Development of Publicity Materials

Grant awarded: £1520

Key Outputs

The Society was founded in1869, and ever since, its members have been studying and publishing information about the state of Norfolk’s wildlife.

www.nnns.org.uk

Group Profile

Publicity posters + promotional bannerUSB microscope2 500 membership leaflets 2 500 natural history checklists2000 amphibian recording flyers

Resources

Frog Survey Poster

Toad Survey Poster

NNNS Membership Leaflet

Photo of Swallowtail courtesy of Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Display hive and interpretation panels

The club wanted to make use of current interest in beekeeping by constructing an observation hive outdoors; a talking point encouraging people to learn more about honey bees.

The unattended nature of the hive was a potential problem; the public have to be protected from the bees and vice versa. A solution was to create a double enclosure, where the bees are housed within an observation hive with laminated glass side panels, then further enclosed in a second chamber.

The project has shown hive activity to a greater number of people than before, and for those wising to experience beekeeping in more detail there is now protective equipment available to carry out apiary inspections.

“It’s great to be able to show the bees so close, we have been amazed at how popular it has

been! “ Jim Grierson

Orpington Apiary ClubBee Inspired!

Grant awarded: £2000

Key Outputs

The Club have run the Apiary at High Elms for 24 years, and more recently have promoted public participation in beekeeping by setting up public access.

Group Profile

Bee observation hive Hive plaqueShelter and protective casing Virtual nucleus pictures for winter6 Bee SuitsSeveral thousand visitors already

Photos courtesy of Orpington Apiary Club

Download page as a PDF

Project: New equipment for events

The Queckett Microscospial Club have an active and interesting lecture programme. In an effort to make sure all members could benefit, particularly those outside London, it was decided to video lectures, making them available on DVD, streamed, or downloaded online.

To supplement the Club’s video camera, video editing software was purchased and digital media expertise and training acquired. Finally, the purchase of an external microphone ensured that all lecture content was captured.

The continually growing video archive of lectures and instruction material helps capture the knowledge and expertise within the club.

“We now have the right equipment, software and training to record and edit lectures, and deliver them to our members… “

Philip Grieves

Queckett Microscopical ClubQMC Video Delivery

Grant awarded: £1650

Key Outputs

The Club is devoted to all aspects of light microscopy. It holds meetings, lectures and workshops, publishes a journal, bulletin and instructional material.

www.quekett.org

Group Profile

Digital media consultancy and training course

Video production softwareWireless microphoneBatteries and power chargerLecture series DVDs and downloads

Photo of Microscope © Tony Dutton; Photos of equipment © Charles Hussey

Download page as a PDF

Project: Leaflets, field kit, wildlife recording and id training sessions

The group wanted to encourage a new generation of recorders to contribute to both the reserve and local record centre. A series of wildlife training sessions were organised and specialist equipment purchased to offer direct hands on experience.

Although a first for the group, the project was a massive success, with many new people introduced to the diverse wildlife on Ridley Moss through workshops.

A number of those attending grew the confidence to submit records directly to records centres, as well as assist with future surveys both on and off the reserve. Alongside a 30% increase in membership, this has significantly increased the capacity of the local community in surveying and recording wildlife.

“The publicity surrounding the projected workshops brought keen interest in both the reserve and RIMAG” Rob Smith

Risley Moss Action GroupRisley Moss Recording Scheme

Grant awarded: £1400

Key Outputs

Risley Moss is one of the last remnants of the Chat Moss raised bog system. The group was formed in 1990 and manages and promotes the reserve.

www.rimag.org.uk

Group Profile

Tutors: bats, invertebrates, mammals 1000 event leaflets 3 x binoculars 3 x butterfly nets 20 x specimen pots5 x bat detectors 10 x trip traps

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Photo of Risley Moss Nature Reserve Creative Commons © Mike Harris

Download page as a PDF

Project: New equipment for events

The project aimed to bring nature to life for people in Gloucestershire, where although many live rurally, plenty are still unaware of the rich flora and fauna on their doorstep.

By purchasing new digital equipment, and making use of high quality images available, the group were able to present an engaging and inspiring portrait of the local wildlife at a series of organised talks and as part of their stall at events, while also promoting a modern and attractive image of the group.

The success of these events, and the flyers promoting it, has lead to further requests for talks, and the equipment continues to be popular amongst members and external speakers at regular events.

“The use of a laptop and digital projector rather than a carousel slide projector has more resonance with younger audiences.” David Cramp

RSPB Gloucestershire Local Group Awakening Eyes to Nature

Grant awarded: £1600

Key Outputs

The group actively supports the work of the RSPB in the region, and involves members and the wider public in conservation and outreach.

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/gloucestershire

Group Profile

Laptop and associated softwareDigital projector and scanner200 flyers advertising talks

Photos © Gavin Black Barry (Peregrine Falcon, Avocet, Pied flycatcher, Dipper)

Download page as a PDF

“We have carried out 14 trapping

sessions and caught and identified

a total of 109 bats. Most of these

were weighed, sexed, measured

and assessed.“

Austbat harp trap

Harp trap restringing kit

Harp trap training session

Project: Developing a social networking aspect to the website

Herbaria at Home is a ground-breaking new approach to digitising and documenting the archives of the UK's herbaria, providing a web- based method for documenting herbarium sheets.

In an attempt to improve functionality and accessibility of the website, especially with regards to discussions between users, several improvements where made. This also included improving the search capabilities, and allowed handwriting samples to be uploaded and compared.

These changes had an immediate impact on participation, with the highest level of use up to that point recorded following the project, and the resource continues to grow.

“There are many more users than before, and the rate of documentation shows a surge since the project started.“ Alex Lockton

Shropshire Botanical Society Herbaria at Home Website

Grant awarded: £2000

Key Outputs

The Society organises field and indoor meetings throughout the year. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in botany,

www.bsbi.org.uk/shropshire.html

Group Profile

Development of ‘Herbaria at Home’27,000 specimens documented in

2010

Resources

herbaria@home website

Photo of Shrewsbury courtesy of Botanical Society of British Isles

Download page as a PDF

Project: Events + training equipment

The Sorby Natural History Society has been running Identification Workshops for over 10 years, covering a diverse range of subjects.

The use of microscopes is integral to these workshops, and in order to negate the need to share limited equipment, the society purchased two teaching microscopes as well as a microscope with CCTV capability, so that key identification features can be projected on a screen to a larger audience.

These have proved highly successful, and have increased the groups capacity to engage and train more people at the numerous workshops at which they have been used. The hope is that the skills learnt at these workshops will encourage a new generation of recorders in the Sorby area.

“The microscope with CCTV linked to a TV screen has obvious demonstration advantages that were not available to us previously.” Derek Whiteley

Sorby Natural History Society Identification Workshops Enhancement

Grant awarded: £1214

Key Outputs

The Society covers a full range of natural history interests in Sheffield and the surrounding area, for both beginners and specialists.

www.sorby.org.uk

Group Profile

2 x teaching microscopeStereozoom microscope with CCTV11 identification workshops

Photo of Scarlet Elf Cup © Derek Bateson; Photo of microscopes courtesy of Sorby Natural History Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Purchase of museum standard collection cabinets

Since 2000, the Tachinid Recording Scheme’s collection of specimens has steadily grown. These used to be stored in a large number of foam-lined wooden boxes, which although suitable for small collections, become difficult to arrange and manage with more specimens added.

Two new museum grade storage units were purchased with the aim of re-housing the primary reference collection to enable a more efficient, and safer way of working.

The project has been a huge success, and the units continue to be filled, with every species now housed in protective unit-trays.

Tachinid Recording SchemeRe-housing the Reference Collection

Grant awarded: £2000

Key Outputs

The Scheme coordinates the recording effort for the fly family Tachinidae and encourages and supports anyone wanting to study them

www.tachinidae.org.uk

Group Profile

Two steel insect cabinets + plinth40 hardwood, glass-topped cabinet

drawersUnit trays for insect drawers

“The collection is now safely housed in museum-grade storage and the specimens are easily accessible ” Chris Raper

Photos © Chris Raper (Tachinid Recording Scheme)

Download page as a PDF

www.opalexplorenature.org/Societyfunding