We’re incredible thankful for the amazing volunteers who generously give their time to support our work. Volunteers are at the heart of what we do—helping ensure that local environmental decisions are guided by the highest quality data. From collecting data for us in the field to validating and processing records to be entered into our database, the work of our volunteers is absolutely vital. Thank you all - we couldn’t do it without you!
One of our dedicated volunteers, Katie Jenks, shares her experience and insights as a species data volunteer:
I have volunteered for TVERC for nearly 5 years now and absolutely love it. I am from a nursing background but have always been involved in nature conservation in some way and have an MSc in Biological Recording. I got involved with TVERC after one of their conferences and I am in Ellen’s team dealing with data management.
I work from home for 1 day a week so have flexibility on days and times worked. TVERC’s database holds over 5 million species records and I extract data from ecological reports which are usually written for developers wanting to use land or build/ adapt housing. I also extract data from wildlife surveys, general recorders lists and (my favourite), from surveys carried out on National Trust land. I find it so rewarding discovering what species are present especially in an area I know.
The bulk of my work includes finding the information in the report sent, checking its location and National Grid Reference on a computerised map and ensuring that all of the relevant information is there – who recorded it, when, what it was and where it was. I then transfer this information onto a spreadsheet. This data is critical to see changes in biodiversity and is always being improved; recently we have started extracting more detailed information about bats to improve knowledge on their abundance in any one site and potential links to other factors such as the weather.
The staff at TVERC are very supportive and open to answering queries and I really enjoy being part of their team.