The State of Nature
22 May 2013 - 2:18pm — Martin Harvey
A new report has been launched today, assessing "The State of Nature" in the UK. Put together by a range of wildlife and conservation organisations, and drawing on a wealth of data including records from the recording schemes that iSpot works with, this new report provides a comprehensive view of what's happening to our wildlife.
Wanted: iSpot Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland
16 May 2013 - 12:59pm — Janice AWe are seeking a Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland who will support groups, organisations, schemes and societies and the public more generally in the use of iSpot so that the largest number of people in Scotland can get the greatest benefit from the website.
100 badges on iSpot!
14 May 2013 - 2:18pm — Martin HarveyThe number of organisations that have been badged on iSpot has now reached 100!
Welcome to these latest additions, and thanks to all who participate on iSpot in this way:
New OPAL survey on tree health
9 May 2013 - 1:11pm — Martin HarveyThe latest in the successful series of OPAL surveys is launched today, focusing on tree health.
The survey aims to find out about a range of pests and diseases associated with Oak, Ash and Horse Chestnut. As with all the OPAL surveys, some great materials have been developed to guide you through the survey and help identify the trees and the pests/diseases that you might find.
All survey materials, and the online form for recording what you find, are at:
http://www.opalexplorenature.org/?q=TreeSurveyThe full range of OPAL surveys is available at:
Sex and bugs and rock'n'roll - celebrating BES
3 May 2013 - 5:00pm — Martin HarveyThis year we are celebrating 100 years of the British Ecological Society! iSpot will be joining in the celebrations during the summer, but things are kicking off with a series of events at festivals around the country.
Interested in geology? Can you help with an OU project?
2 May 2013 - 2:49pm — Martin HarveyThere have been occasional observations relating to geology posted on iSpot, but strictly speaking that's outside iSpot's wildlife remit of course. Now there's a chance to get involved with a new project that will allow you to find out more about rocks and minerals, and ask any questions you may have.
New identification guides from OPAL
15 April 2013 - 1:02pm — Martin HarveySome new OPAL identification guides have been produced as part of the OPAL taxonomy project. The guides are designed to be simple introductions to particular species groups to provide a ‘way in’ for beginners (they are not comprehensive, but are a really useful starting point to become familiar with a group).
The new guides cover Spiders in Your Home, Bats in Flight, Ferns on Walls and Bee Orchids and their relatives.
The new guides (plus the full range of previous ones) can be downloaded from the OPAL website:
http://www.opalexplorenature.org/IdentificationOutdoor Nation campaign: get online to get outdoors
20 March 2013 - 1:11pm — Martin HarveyThe National Trust is coordinating the Outdoor Nation campaign, aimed at getting kids outdoors and exploring their environment.
Evidence has been accumulating that children are losing touch with the natural world, and the Outdoor Nation campaign is gathering ideas and support to turn the tide.
More new badges
5 March 2013 - 11:39pm — Martin HarveyAnd some more organisations have joined iSpot for the first time - thanks as always to the people who have offered to represent them:
Further organisations badged on iSpot
25 February 2013 - 12:48pm — Martin HarveyOver the last few months several more organisations have joined us by having 'badged' representatives on iSpot - a warm welcome to all, and many thanks to the people who have offered to represent them:
- British Myriapod and Isopod Group (centipedes, millipedes and woodlice)
- Butterfly Conservation
- Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
