The Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) reviews the management of its reserves through The Reserves Management Committee (RMC) every five years, including survey and monitoring needs. Nick Collinson, the Reserves Manager, is keen to increase the amount of recording and monitoring particularly of invertebrates. Invertebrates are poorly recorded on most SWT reserves. The Trust is aware of the value of invertebrates as environmental indicators and that surveys may be used to monitor the fluctuation of invertebrate populations in response to changes in management regimes. Without these records it is difficult for the Reserves Management Committee to monitor the reserves fully. SWT is particularly keen to record and subsequently monitor key species on reserves, particularly RDB and BAP species.SNS Council has offered to encourage members to carry out priority surveys on appropriate SWT reserves.Nick Collinson, on behalf of SWT's RMC, has readily accepted this offer and I have been asked to provide a link between SNS members, recorders and SWT.
It is recognised that SNS members may be interested in surveys on reserves where the Trust's review process has not yet been carried out and these will be considered by SWT's RMC as and when offers come forward.
I have at my disposal a list of reserves together with habitat/ species information for recorders to choose a suitable site/topic for their ability and interests. This list is continually being updated by SWT and it is through me that recorders will gain access to updated information.
Nick Collinson asks that any application to record on the reserves should be channelled through me so that I can keep track of recorders and their disciplines. This will also allow me to chase submission of records at the years end. It is important that any member given permission to enter a reserve should provide SWT with their records. All records will be made available to the Suffolk Biological Records Centre.
Any member wishing to assist in recording on SWT reserves should contact me at the address below.
Stan Dumican
Anglezarke, Sicklesmere, Bury St Edmunds IP30 OTJ
Tel: 01284 386586