NBN Update

We are pleased to report that the VPDB has now been updated on the NBN Gateway. For the gateway, the VPDB is now split into three datasets:

1. The dataset behind the New Atlas. 9.8 million records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datas etInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=G A000091)

2. A dataset of data added since the New Atlas. 1.3 million records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datas etInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=G A000477)

3. A dataset of vascular plant data for Scottish Vice-counties. 240k records. (http://www.searchnbn.net/datas etInfo/taxonDataset.jsp?dsKey=G A000436)

This reflects the requirement for different access levels (#3 with public access, #1 and #2 with public view at 10km only), and to enable more regular updates. With new data added to the VPDB at BRC we intend to update #2 and #3 at the same time. #1 will change less frequently (annually?) as corrections to the New Atlas data are made.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the NBN technical team (Graham French and Andy Brewer) for solving the technical problems of loading the main 9.8 million dataset.

Threatened Plants Project 2008

The Threatened Plants Project is a major new BSBI initiative to learn more about threatened species covered by the new British Red List (http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-335 4). We are focussing on widespread species known to have undergone rapid declines but for which there is little information on distribution and ecology.

The species covered in 2008:-

• Astragalus danicus
• Blysmus compressus
• Campanula patula
• Crepis mollis
• Gentianella campestris
• Monotropa hypopitys (both subspecies)
• Ophrys insectifera
• Pyrola media
• Scleranthus annuus (both subspecies)
• Stellaria palustris

Aims

1. Collate detailed distribution records so that we can produce better maps for each species;

2. Carry out detailed surveys of a sample of populations across Great Britain and Ireland.

What will the results tell us?

For each species the results will provide basic information on population size and extent, habitats, management and threats. The sample survey will also provide a baseline from which future population changes can be assessed and in doing so help us to better understand environmental changes (e.g. habitat loss, eutrophication, climate change). The project is also helping to refine the BSBI’s approach to the recording rare species.

How will the results be used?

Short reports will be produced for each species and made freely available on the BSBI website. We also hope to produce a book of accounts for threatened species in about 5 years time.

How can I get involved?

If you would like to get involved in this fascinating project or further information, please get in touch with your vice-county recorder or Kevin Walker (kevinwalker@bsbi.org.uk).

SNH Conference on Species Management

Scottish Natural Heritage is running a conference on 29th - 31st October 2008. Price £210 - inclusive of coffee, lunch and copy of the proceedings (day rates will be available).

'Species Management: Challenges and Solutions for the 21st Century'

The challenges of species management in the face of conflicting priorities and climate change are rapidly going up the agenda of the government, SNH and other agencies etc. This conference provides an ideal opportunity for members of your organisation to get the most up to date views of the range of issues we are facing. There is also the opportunity for individuals to highlight any relevant work they are undertaking through submitting a poster to the conference.

Please email SPECIES_CONFERENCE@snh.go v.uk or contact John Baxter (0131 3162610) or Amy Campbell (0131 316 2600). Programme available here.

Invasive Aliens

The Plant Unit supplies information to Defra and other government departments on invasive alien species.

Request for information on Water Primrose, Ludwigia grandiflora. Read more...

Japanese Knotweed. HM Treasury recently contacted the BSBI for an assessment of the extent of land in the UK that is occupied by Japanese Knotweed, F. japonica. We calculated that, as it is recorded in some 2,500 10km squares, and if there was up to 1 ha of it per square, that there might be between 1,000 and 3,000 ha in total. It can cost over a thousand pounds per square metre to completely eradicate Japanese Knotweed from development sites.