Suffolk's Biological Data Centre
We curate and share ecological data to inform better decisions and actions for the benefit Suffolk's wildlife.
Latest news
Call for Contributions: Share Your Biodiversity Insights in the SBIS Newsletter! We are pleased to announce a call for articles for the upcoming issue of the Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS) newsletter! At SBIS, our mission is to collate, curate, and distribute vital species and site information to benefit Suffolk's rich wildlife. Our newsletter serves as a key platform for sharing the latest developments, research, and initiatives in biodiversity conservation across the county. We invite professionals, researchers, ecological consultants, land managers, and passionate naturalists to contribute insightful articles on topics relevant to Suffolk's biodiversity. We are particularly interested in submissions that highlight:
Your contributions will reach a diverse audience of over 450 professionals from the private, corporate, statutory, and charitable sectors, as well as individual subscribers, further enriching the collective knowledge and fostering collaboration for Suffolk's natural environment. Submission Guidelines:
Deadline for Submissions: 27 June To submit your article, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We look forward to showcasing your valuable expertise and contributions to Suffolk's biodiversity. |
Are you interested in taking part in a Suffolk bat survey?The surveys involve installing static/remote detectors at a fixed location in your garden or local space for up to a week. Bats passing in the vicinity of the microphone will be recorded from sunset to sunrise for the duration of the survey. Recorded bat calls are analysed using the BTO acoustic pipeline, followed by manual verification of the species. Vocalisations of any other small mammal species detected (shrews, mice, voles) will also be identified. The results will be sent to you and SBIS. The surveys aim to gather bat data from locations that might otherwise be under-recorded to increase the distribution data for bats in the county. For more information, contact Huma Pearce, [email protected] |
Spot a hog!Spot a Hog is a citizen science study that aims to test the potential of using data obtained from privately owned camera traps for monitoring hedgehogs and estimating their density. It will be using a novel method that requires a calibration step, for the study team to be able to extract the metrics necessary for the population size modeling. The West European Hedgehog is a species of conservation concern in the UK, as its population has been undergoing a historic decline. To identify the reasons for, and the extent of, this decline data from across the country is needed. Camera traps, or trail cameras, are widely applied in wildlife monitoring. Some amazing initiatives, such as the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, uses camera traps to estimate the density of various species. However, camera traps are also increasingly used by private users to observe wildlife in their gardens. This data holds great potential for monitoring urban species, as it can provide information on multiple species in a habitat often not represented in scientific studies. This is also an especially important habitat for hedgehogs, as currently they are more frequently observed in urban than in rural areas. The novel method used in this study requires some additional steps to work out how animals move in front of the camera, and that’s where you come in! The study welcomes anyone who already has a camera trap (or will get one before the start of the survey) in May 2025. You will need to set up your camera according to a protocol available on the website, calibrate the camera following the instructions, and leave it on for a maximum of 1 month. After this, you will need to upload the images to a designated project on MammalWeb. The images will then be available to the public for spotting (i.e. classifying images by species) and the results will be analysed by the project team. Further information can be found on the Spot a Hog website as well as how to sign up. You can also download an information sheet. |
£30,000 Synthesis Grants open nowThe British Ecological Society (BES) has announced its Synthesis Grants programme, offering up to £30,000 over two years for groups of 8-15 participants. This grant aims to support interdisciplinary teams in analysing existing data and generating new insights into ecological research. The programme encourages collaboration across universities, research institutes, NGOs, industry, and government departments, with a focus on fostering diverse groups that include international participation and at least 30% of members from the Global South. The grants are designed to support travel, subsistence, facility hire, and computing costs associated with synthesis group activities. Applicants can apply for the Synthesis Grants through the BES online grants system. The grant is open to BES members as the main applicant, although not all group members need to be BES members. The purpose of the grant is to promote synthesis as a growing scientific research method, where scientists generate new knowledge from existing data using a hypothesis and question-led approach. The grant operates on a biannual cycle, with two funding rounds each year. For 2025, the first-round closes on the 10th March 2025, while the second round opens on the 12th June and closes on the 8th September 2025. https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/synthesis-grants/ |
Time to Celebrate!This week we are celebrating the work of our fantastic search team, who have already delivered over half a million records to ecological consultants this financial year 🎉 |
Call for articles*************************** Newsletter time is coming around again! We welcome articles that showcase local biodiversity projects, or share environment, ecology and wildlife news, training and funding opportunities (with photos where possible). Previous articles have included the work of community groups, charities, statutory bodies, AONB partnerships, businesses, local authorities, and more. To see previous issues, please click here. The newsletter is seen by over 450 people from the private, corporate, statutory, and charitable sectors, as well as individual subscribers, and is widely shared online. *************************** To send us your story use the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page, the deadline for the next issue is 25 October *************************** Emma Aldous, Communications Officer, |
Norfolk & Suffolk Community Online WebinarMon 14 Oct, 19:00 – 20:00 • Wed 16 Oct, 14:00 – 15:00 As we create the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, we aim to enhance the positive effects of nature on community wellbeing, contributing to improved mental and physical health through direct and indirect benefits. Our spatial strategy has the potential to unlock opportunities for communities to deliver key measures and embed nature recovery locally. Therefore, the Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership invite you to attend an online webinar, where we aim to update you on the current progress of the strategy, share our shortlisted priorities and demonstrate the mapping tools developed to identify where action for nature will have the most impact. This will enable you to signpost and highlight potential for your local area to deliver key measures and embed nature recovery in your community. Please follow this link to register your interest. |
Suffolk Naturalists' autumn meeting21 September 2024 Programme – timings are approximate! Directions: What Three Words ///snips.hatter.airbrush. |
Forthcoming events
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wild Families: Brilliant bees
A family session to explore and take action for nature, ages 5+ |
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Mammal Society: Introduction to Large Mustelids: monitoring and project coordination |
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Royal Entomological Society: Insect Week 2025
Insect Week returns for 2025! Insect Week is our annual celebration of the ‘little things that run the world’, dedicated to encouraging people of all ages to learn more about insects. |
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Brecks events: Neighbourhood Planning for Parishes
An introductory lunchtime webinar on neighbourhood planning and biodiversity for parish councils Online (MS Teams) |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Path/Ditch Clearance
Loshes Reserve, Henny |
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Biological Recording Company: Community Voice Method: Engaging Local Communities in Turtle Conservation |
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Biological Recording Company: Beetle Research and Conservation Virtual Symposium |
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Mammal Society: Dormouse Ecology & Conservation - Online |
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Brecks events: Turf Lock Celebration
Following completion of the Turf Lock fish pass, the Environment Agency invite local residents to come and learn about the works, as well as the wider effort to restore the health of the river Lark. Mildenhall Cricket Club, Mildenhall IP28 7JU |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Scoping Surveys for Arborists online - 2 & 9 July 2025
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Biological Recording Company: Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) Counts |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Himalayan Balsam Control
Shelley / Higham |
Suffolk Bird Group: Redgrave And Lopham Fen Meet at the reserve centre car park at 8.30 am. Leader: David Walsh. Tel. 07947 051223. |
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Biological Recording Company: Flower Chafers of the UK |
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Bat Conservation Trust: NBMP Level 1 Workshop (Online)
Would you like to learn how to identify bats and take part in surveys for the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP)? |
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Biological Recording Company: AI-powered Bioacoustics with BirdNET |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Bat Care Mingle
An opportunity to connect with other carers, ask questions, share tips and discuss bat care. Hosted by BCT's Bat Care Network Co-ordinator Charley Bird. |
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Mammal Society: Best Practice Use of Detection Dogs in Conservation |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Meadow Cut & Rake / Himalayan Balsam Pulling
Daws Hall |
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Brecks events: Pond fascination, restoration, conservation and actionable steps
An online talk with Q & A for parish councils, on key considerations and actionable steps in creating or maintaining ponds in their area. Online (MS Teams) |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Introduction to Sound Analysis Workshop (Online)
Are you interested in learning how to understand and analyse bat sounds? |
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London Natural History Society: Urban Orchards
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Bat Conservation Trust: How to run a bat walk (online training)
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Bracken Removal
Tiger Hill, Assington |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Mulching Newly Planted Hedges
Stratford Hall Farm |
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Biological Recording Company: Social Wasps of the UK |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Sedge Cutting
Foxearth Meadows Local Nature Reserve |
Suffolk Bird Group: Minsmere Meet at the reserve centre car park at 8.00 am. Leader: David Walsh. Tel. 07947 051223. |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Advanced Bat Survey Techniques - fully booked!
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Wildflower Patch Cut & Rake
Steeple Bumpstead |
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Brecks events: Dragon and Damselfly Walk
Take a walk with the expert at West Stow Country Park to explore the unexpected world of these fascinating creatures. West Stow Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Brecks events: Wildflower Wander at Thompson Common
Explore with conservationist and author, Nick Acheson and see how many different plants you can find: from Brecks specialists, to pingo pond loving species. Thompson Common Great Eastern Pingo Trail Car Park, Stow Bedon NR17 1DP |
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Mammal Society: Pine Marten: Monitoring and Ecology |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Wet Meadow Management
Rum Bridge Fisheries, Clare |
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Brecks events: Dusk Exploration: Stories and Stars
A late summer evening odyssey of astronomy, wildlife encounters, and sensory adventure. West Stow Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Grassland Management
Long Melford Green Community Wildlife Site |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Meadow Management
Harpers Mill, Nayland |
Suffolk Bird Group: Old Hall Marshes Meet in the paddock opposite the church, Salcott Street at 9.00 am. (Long walk possible). Leader: Ashley Gooding. Tel. 07808 044611. |
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Royal Entomological Society: Ento25: Online
Join us online for Ento25, our flagship conference dedicated to insect science, with opportunities to present your work and hear the latest research from the global entomological community. |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Green Lane Management
Buntry Lane, Kedington |
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London Natural History Society: Out of the Country: Thermophilic Boletes & the British Isles Matteo Gelardi
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Mammal Society: Introduction to Stoats and Weasels: Ecology and Behaviour |
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Mammal Society: Dormouse Ecology & Conservation - Online |
Suffolk Bird Group: Shingle Street And Hollesley Marshes Meet at Coastguard Cottages car park at 8.30 am. Leader: Steve Fryett. Tel. 07593 382082. |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Meadow Management
Coes Meadow, Bulmer |
Suffolk Bird Group: Two short talks: ‘Birding South Africa’ and ‘Barn Owl Support Suffolk’ Katya Bathgate and Sally Nelson & Sarah Glyde Hintlesham Community Centre, Timperleys, Hintlesham IP8 3PS |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Advanced Bat Survey Techniques - fully booked!
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Grassland Management
Polstead Churchyard |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Historical Ecology
Online webinar |
Suffolk Bird Group: Autumn open morning at Landguard Bird Observatory Meet at main car park, View Point Road, Felixstowe at 8.00 am. Leader: Nigel Odin. For details contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. |
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London Natural History Society: Re-wilding a city centre green space: successes and issues - Ted Benton
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Bat Conservation Trust: Scoping Surveys for Arborists online - 9 & 16 Oct 2025
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - On the Verge
Online webinar |
Suffolk Bird Group: ‘Ospreys in Suffolk’ Tim Mackrill, Roy Dennis Foundation Please note venue: Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4AU |
Suffolk Bird Group: Titchwell Meet at the reserve car park at 9.00 am. Leaders: Adam Faiers Tel. 07708 521852 and Anne Wright. Tel. 07767 755965. |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Symbiosis
Online webinar |
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Royal Entomological Society: External – XII International Symposium on Aphids
XII International Symposium on Aphids 13th-17th October 2025, PyeongChang (Alpensia), Korea Organized by Prof. Seunghwan LEE, Laboratory of Insect Biosystematics, Division of Entomology, Seoul National University (SNU), Korea.For more information and details of how to… |
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Bat Conservation Trust: British bats, their ecology and conservation - 6 session course
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Suffolk Bird Group: Orfordness (National Trust) Reserve 8 & 9 November. Some places available to stay overnight on Saturday in self-catering dormitories. Current entrance fees will apply. Limited to 12 spaces in total. For further details and to reserve your place, contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. Leaders: Gi Grieco and Eddie Bathgate. |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Lichens
Online webinar |
Suffolk Bird Group: River Ore Boat Trip For further details and to reserve your place, contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. Leader: Gi Grieco. |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Small mammal ID
Online webinar |
Suffolk Bird Group: ‘Birding Colombia – The World’s Most Diverse Bird Country’ Andrew Raine Hintlesham Community Centre,Timperleys, Hintlesham IP8 3PS |
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Royal Entomological Society: Irish Entomologist’s Meeting 2025
Irish Entomologist\\'s Meeting (save the date!)Join us for a day discussing current entomological research at University college Dublin. Whether you\\'re an entomologist working in Ireland, interested in Irish Entomology, or interested in a trip to… |
Suffolk Bird Group: Felixstowe Ferry Meet in the public parking area in front of the church at 9.00 am. A short riverside walk, then a festive lunchtime snack if desired! Leader: Anne Wright. Tel. 07767 755965. |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Bird Pellets
Online webinar |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Scoping Surveys for Arborists online - Feb 2026
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Royal Entomological Society: Behaviour Special Interest Group (SIG) 2026
Behaviour Special Interest Group (SIG) 2026Emerging themes: Novel techniques in insect behaviour studiesDate: Tuesday 10 February 2026 (9.30am – 5pm)Venue: The Studio, Birmingham and onlineJoin the RES Behaviour SIG on Tuesday 10 February 2026 in… |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wildlife Live Webinar - Biofluorescence
Online webinar |
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Royal Entomological Society: XIII European Congress of Entomology – External
More info TBC. |
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