What do we do?

BRISC encourages and supports every aspect of recording wildlife and wildlife habitats in Scotland, through local record centres, recording groups and individual recorders.

BRISC promotes the adoption of high standards and good practice in biological recording and encourages the contribution and exchange of data for the purpose of conservation, education, research, planning and general information.

BRISC supports all national recording schemes in Scotland and is committed to working towards a National Biodiversity Network.

The Strategic Plan (download as PDF file - 587K) details the activities of BRISC for the period 2006-2016 and stands as a yardstick by which the organisation can be measured.

How do we do it?

BRISC is run by a Committee of elected Members.

BRISC has helped to establish a network of local record centres, which now covers most of Scotland.

BRISC provides a focus for biological recording in Scotland. For example we have produced Guidance Notes on Getting Started in Recording

BRISC organises a Conference each year to bring the recording community together to discuss current issues.

BRISC represents the interest of the Scottish recording community at the national level.

BRISC arranges a number of training days for recorders and managers of local record centre.

BRISC produces publications relevant and useful to local records centres, recording groups and individual recorders.

BRISC has representation on NFBR, SBG, LINK, and the NBN Local Advisory group.

How to Join

To become a member of BRISC please go to the Membership page.

Explanation of Sub-Groups

The committee was mandated by the 2001 AGM to set up three groups within BRISC, namely:

• A Recording Group
  This will focus on widening the active participation of individuals, target youth groups through Countryside Ranger Services, WATCH; provide feedback to recorders; promote recruitment and training of recorders; share good ideas; bring together LRCs and recorders, etc.
• A Local Records Centres Group
  This will explore and promote ways to develop functioning models that demonstrate best practice; encourage efficient data flow; advise on service level agreements, encouraging NBN accreditation, etc. (Please note that this group will initially be restricted to LRC managers and staff)
• A Computer Skills Group
  This will focus on promoting the effective use of IT for inputting, collating and analysing data; provide access to resources and training; encouraging high standards in the use of IT by recorders, LRCs and other data mangers etc.