TVERC species analysis and mapping
How well do you know the key plants and animals in Mend the Gap programme area?
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) has been funded by Mend the Gap for a project to look at key indicator and iconic species in Mend the Gap programme area, and to learn more about those that are observing wildlife. TVERC is a not-for-profit organisation that acts as a comprehensive information hub for wildlife in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
What is being done?
TVERC has analysed and mapped the records that currently exist for some of the key indicator and iconic wildlife species in the Mend the Gap programme area. These include records over a 30-year period for trees, wildflowers, mammals, birds, and insects. This is to help us better understand species monitoring needs in the Mend the Gap area.
Outcomes
The report has a series of recommendations for Mend the Gap to consider, but the main takeaways have been that the trees we are planting do not have records at the County record centre. Also that there are many groups of people in our community who are not taking part in the work carried out by TVERC. The records are mainly located in areas that we have access to on rights of way and this may impact on decision making processes.
Next steps
We are therefore scoping out and delivering projects that will:
- Map and formally record our signature trees that are being planted during the programme
- Strengthen participative science programmes through projects with Cholsey Parish Council, Thames 21, and Goring Gap Environmental group
- Work with landowners and the wider national landscapes to address the lack of rural records for the Mend the Gap area
Full Report