You may remember that towards the end of last year, we met with Ben Deed at Merseyside BioBank to discuss what we can all be doing to draw greater attention to the vast array of wildlife to be found on our amazing country park.
We’re re-sharing this article now.
This is because the community events we had planned to coordinate this effort can no longer happen.
BUT, we mustn’t let it stop us!
We’re calling on everyone that is using Rimrose for their 1 hour of exercise each day to take the following, simple steps to help us to record the biodiversity of Rimrose Valley.
Provided you ensure that social distancing rules are observed, there is literally no better time to start doing this.
Spring, sunshine, warmth, the explosion of life… it’s all happening.
This is also a great activity for all the family to do – and a little something to focus on during these testing times.
This effort is incredibly important, for all the reasons contained in the article below.
Please get involved and start using the iNaturalist app today!
We’d love to see your photos and stories. Post these to our campaign page or email them to stu@rimrosevalleyfriends.org and we’ll share. Thank you for your help in this.
Stay safe.
What is biodiversity?
“the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable”
In other words, this can be anything from a small patch of moss to an all-important water vole… and EVERYTHING in between!
Based on what we learned at Highways England’s public information events, these surveys will be carried out just one or two days per month. Furthermore, they began this work this winter!
We believe that there is a serious risk that this level of study will not paint a true picture of the plant and animal life on Rimrose Valley.
We need everyone to play their part in making sure we represent Rimrose Valley and its wildlife properly.
Rimrose is a huge and varied piece of land with wetlands, woodland, grassland and its own nature reserve.
It will be home to countless species of wildlife – we need to make a record of as many as possible!
Why is this so important?
Some of these species, like the water vole, are fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. Their presence can make life extremely difficult for anyone wishing to develop the land.
It is in all of our interests to document all plants and all creatures (great and small…) as there may be other, equally important species who like to call Rimrose ‘home’.
Highways England will rely on its subcontractor’s findings AND the records held by Merseyside BioBank in its environmental reports during a later phase in the planning process.
As it stands, the information held on Rimrose Valley needs some attention.
Sadly, not only are many of the records out of date; those which do exist aren’t anywhere near a true reflection of a piece of land the size of Rimrose Valley.
The good news is that it is incredibly easy for each and every one of us to get out there and build up a true and accurate picture of the flora and fauna to be found on our country park.
This is where YOU come in!
How you can help
It is incredibly easy to capture images of anything and everything which makes up this important ecosystem. This not only gets you out in the fresh air, it’s a way of bringing families together, exploring all that Rimrose has to offer… and learning in the process!
There’s no need to wait. You can get started NOW by following the simple steps below:
Use your smartphone to download the iNaturalist app, or go to their website (see instructions below)
Create an account – you can even login using Facebook
Get snapping! Head out on to Rimrose Valley, click ‘Observe’ and take a photo of a plant, an animal…or any living thing!
Warning! The mobile app (on iPhone and Android) is a great way to share and explore observations. However, it will use your mobile data allowance to do so, so please be aware of this when uploading photos. Alternatively, take your photos, then upload them when you get home, or anywhere else you have access to WiFi.
What about pictures that aren’t on my phone?
We know that lots of you are keen photographers and are sure to have some amazing images of birds, insects and many other things it’s not always possible to capture on a mobile phone. The great news is that you can use the website to sign in on your laptop or PC, upload your pictures and record your sighting from the comfort of your own home.
Result!
So, what are you waiting for?
This can be a great way of getting out and about for some much-needed fresh air and exercise. You can’t “break” this; it’s all about getting out there, taking part and helping us to document every living thing on Rimrose.
To help get you underway, click here for some instructions on how to use the website and the mobile app.
These aren’t 100% exact and will differ from device to device, but we’re sure you’ll get the hang of it.
Good luck!