BLS DATABASES OF LICHEN RECORDS

Members are encouraged to keep a record of the lichens they see, both rare and common species. When combined with records from other people and different locations they can provide valuable information on species distribution, ecology and changes over time, so for the last few years we have been compiling records into a central database. This is held in Recorder 6, and includes details of locations, recorders and dates, together with more detailed information for rare species and certain habitats.

Records are organised into datasets which may be analysed separately or together, and when they have been reviewed they are made available on the internet through the NBN Gateway. Datasets so far include:

• Scottish sites (available since April 2007)
• English threatened lichens (restricted access until late 2008)
• Welsh threatened lichens (restricted access until late 2008)
• Mapping scheme (restricted access)
• Northumbrian sites (in progress)
• English and Welsh Churchyards (in progress)
• Other English and Welsh records (in progress)

Contributions to any of these databases will be very welcome. Anyone needing access to records before they are put on the NBN Gateway should contact Janet Simkin.

COMPUTERISING RECORDS

If possible we would like members to computerise their records themselves, so that they can be sent in by email and imported quickly to the database. This ensures that the recorder, or someone else with local knowledge, checks for obvious errors of identification or location details before they find their way into the central database.

Spreadsheets

The simplest way to computerise records is to enter them to an Excel spreadsheet. The minimum information needed is the location name, grid reference (alphanumeric), date, recorder names and species name, and all this information should be included in a single worksheet with a row for each species record.

A standard format is downloadable from this website, and this allows additional information such as substrate, abundance and other notes to be included as well. For rapid input the species may be entered using BLS numbers or abbreviations. Download the [spreadsheet here]. The instructions are clearly laid out within the sheet and further information is available in these [Guidelines].

Recording Software

Members who wish to analyse their own data, or to produce site lists or distribution maps for the local area, should consider setting up their own database. There are several packages available and they are not expensive, but in choosing a package you should check that it is compatible with your PC, able to export data directly to RECORDER 6, and that it includes an up to date copy of the British Lichen Society species dictionary. We are still maintaining the dictionary in BioBase for Lichens but there will be no further updates to this software.

RECORDER 6 gives full compatibility with the central database, including an automatic export of new and amended records to the central database. The software and technical support are available from the RECORDER resellers (Go to www.recordersoftware.org). Version 6.10.4 or above should be used, and we can help users to get started with Recorder 6 by providing lichen recording cards, reports and some initial training. Further information is available in the [Guidelines]. A zip file containing some rucksacks, the general and churchyard recording cards, and the spreadsheet import template can be downloaded - [here for zip file].

Anyone wishing to use another database, such as RECORDER 2002, MapMate or BioBase should contact Dr Janet Simkin (Database Manager) for further information.

MAPPING SCHEME

The British Lichen Society Mapping Scheme has been central to the society’s work for many years and is still the source of the most comprehensive and reliable lichen distribution maps. Records are accumulated at 10km level and do not need the same detail as for the site-based database, but it is important that new records are submitted to both recording schemes. Records for the Mapping Scheme should be sent to Prof. Mark Seaward at Bradford.

NBN GATEWAY

To use our databases on the NBN Gateway use your internet browser to go to www.searchnbn.net .

If you are new to the Gateway, start by typing in a lichen name and looking at the grid and interactive maps. To restrict your view to just the BLS datasets tick off any others in the list below the map and Refresh. In the interactive map try zooming in on an area, showing the land cover map and ordnance survey maps, and increasing the map size. Click on the Question Mark (?)by "New to the NBN Gateway" on the NBN home page for further options.

To use our restricted datasets you will need to register with the Gateway each time you use it. To register click on LOG IN/OUT at the top of the screen, then on Register Online Now to set up a user name, email address and password. You will then be sent an email to which you must respond before you can Login to the Gateway. Each time you use the Gateway you should then login by clicking on LOG IN/OUT at the top of the screen and typing in your user name and password.

Once you are registered you can request more detailed access by clicking on “Datasets on the Gateway”, then “Browse by dataset provider”, then “British Lichen Society”. Select the database from the list and then, on the next screen, “Apply for better Access”. Type a message into the box explaining what level of access you want and why, then click on “Apply for access”. There may be a short delay while the website generates an email to the dataset administrator. Access is normally granted within 24 hours, and you will receive an email to let you know. Once you have detailed access you will be able to select records from the interactive map and query them.

If the dataset is undergoing validation you may also be able to mark records as valid, invalid or dubious and put a comment against them.