Biological recording has changed a great deal since the time the Society was founded in 1929, but the need to record wildlife was recognised even then and naturalists made detailed notes of what they found. However, it was not possible in those early days for naturalists to record the exact location of a species using the detailed Ordnance Survey large scale grid reference system that we have available to us today.
Site location was considered important then, as it is today, and some of the present day site records can be compared with what naturalists found in those early years. Then it was common for a team of recorders to visit a site and spend a few days there, where camaraderie, the sharing of observations, notes and experiences all played their part in determining the success of the meeting. Such meetings were open to both experienced and less experienced naturalists, the latter learning from and being encouraged by the former. Many less experienced naturalists benefited in this way and rose to become authorities in their field.
Today there is a greater need than ever to record our natural history and records need to be precise not only in terms of species and species abundance, but also in terms of exact location. Site location, though important, is more useful if accompanied by an accurate grid reference. Using the national grid reference system it is possible to give a location correct to within 1000 metres using a four figure grid reference or correct to within 100 metres using a six figure reference.
It is widely recognised that sound natural history forms the basis for sound conservation strategy, a fact which was strongly emphasised by speakers at the Society's conference 'For the Record' in 1996. Recording the natural history of Suffolk remains the Suffolk Naturalists' Society's primary role. Surveys the Society has carried out have proved to be invaluable conservation tools, while those in progress and future surveys will no doubt continue to provide the essential information for those entrusted with the more practical side of conservation.
The role that the Society's County Recorders play is vital, not only in collecting and collating records, but also in initiating and co-ordinating surveys. They play an invaluable role too in generating interest in a particular group, be it plant or animal, and in helping the less experienced naturalist become more proficient. Experts in their field, they are in a position of great influence with the opportunity to create the climate for recording in the County.
This does not mean that less experienced naturalists have no role to play. On the contrary their support is welcomed. The recording of the more common and easily recognised species is understandably sometimes overlooked and by monitoring these the less experienced naturalist can supplement the work of the specialist recorder. There are numerous examples of 'common' species which have undergone serious population decline where careful recording would have added to the data to provide an early warning. Two recent examples are the Tree Sparrow and Water Vole. On a more positive note, Speckled Wood butterfly is increasing its range and provides an excellent example where general recorders can play their part in monitoring its distribution. Specialist recorders working side-by-side with the less experienced can accomplish much. For example, on a site of natural history interest specialist recorders could search out the more difficult species whilst the less practised could record those that are more readily identifiable. Within this framework the experts could take any aspiring naturalist under their wing.
There are many sites of natural history interest in Suffolk. Some of these remain inaccessible, whilst others, though accessible, have not yet been studied in detail. One wonders what could be achieved for all concerned with natural history and conservation if the Society's team of County Recorders were invited to survey some of these sites.
The Suffolk Naturalists' group of dedicated County Recorders are the life-blood of this society and are the monitors of what is happening in the countryside. Without their dedication, enthusiasm and the interest they generate Suffolk's flora and fauna would be the poorer. They have a valuable and responsible role to play in the future of Suffolk's natural history. We must give them all the support possible if they are to achieve a recognised and lasting impact on nature conservation in Suffolk.