the online meeting place for all who love our amphibians and reptiles
Home Page Live Forums Archived Forums Site Search Identify Record Donate Projects Links
Forum Home Forum Home > Societies, Groups and Clubs > SE Regional HGBI Groups Forum
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Help required in finding a local group
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Help required in finding a local group

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
calumma View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 375
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calumma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Help required in finding a local group
    Posted: 11 Sep 2004 at 9:45am
I think that a local component of an established ARG is a great idea. One reason for the measured comments here is that In the past there have been 'territory disputes' between adjoining ARGs that have resulted in pointless squabbling. The root of the problem was simply poor communication (on both sides). As with any people driven enterprise, individuals can get a little touchy if they feel a new group has appeared from nowhere and is encroaching on established turf.

However, encouraging exchange of ideas between different people who are active in different areas is exactly what I am trying to promote. With that in mind if anybody on the Kent border would like to see some of the sites being studied in my area please get in touch or review my blog for up and coming diary dates. Likewise if you would like to be put in touch with active recorders in other SE counties either ask for details here or email me directly.

Another good way to meet people is to come along to one of the HGBI Conferences. I know of two that are currently being organised (East Anglia and South East). Hopefully full details of both conferences will be available soon.
Lee Brady

Kent Herpetofauna Recorder | Independent Ecological Consultant



Email
Back to Top
Vicar View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 02 Sep 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1184
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vicar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2004 at 9:24pm
Hmm...to me splinter implies a separate entity, I think what I have in mind is more like a local component of an established ARG....I'd just like some of the science and research I'm doing used...and wouldn't mind meeting like-minded people tramping over the same heaths as I am :P
Back to Top
administrator View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group


Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Status: Offline
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote administrator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2004 at 3:30pm
Vicar, I'm actually over 100 miles from Hindhead and am now concentrating survey effort in Essex (though do have an active study site on Hindhead Commons close to where 'Gibbet Hill' is marked on your map). I'm a member of 3 arg's (well possible not actually a paid up member of any) but do try to get involved (as Lee knows). My initial comment was more a get on and organise actual surveys and events rather than form a splinter group. Most of us are too busy most of the time to do all we would like for arg's, but do contact them! Get along to meetings and see what is going on, but if you want to survey sites just do it then pass the recording info to your local arg.
Back to Top
Vicar View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 02 Sep 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1184
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vicar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2004 at 2:07pm

I had an initial think about which areas might be worthy of a local social group. I've only added the areas I know, so would welcome comments for additions. (Sorry I don't know the Hindhead area too well.)

Anyway, here's my "starter for 10".

 



Edited by Vicar
Back to Top
Vicar View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 02 Sep 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1184
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vicar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2004 at 1:01pm

Wow, they're all crawling out of the woodwork...maybe I should have asked who WASN'T based in the Surrey/Hants. border region :P

Rick Anstis has kindly contacted me, and it seems the Surrey group is just a little quiet atm, due to various reasons beyond anybody's control, but should pick up again soon !

Maybe we could form a social group, encompassed by the county groups ? - It would be nice, and useful to see eachother's 'patches' and discuss recording etc.

Anyhow, I'm designing a database structure which should be a doddle to use (if I do it right :P) on any PC, primarily for my own uses, but if it turns out well, anybody can have a copy. I'll talk more to Rick to ensure the format is compatible with county recording formats.

Back to Top
Mike View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 78
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2004 at 9:23am

NE Hants / Surrey border does seem to be a bit out on it's own. I'm in Aldershot along the Blackwater Valley county line, although I'm more general wildlife based but could offer some assistance.

Blackwater Valley Managment are the local group who coordinate activites in hereabouts, a sort of mini BTCV, they know most if not all the groups in this area - contact Steve Bailey steve.bailey@hants.gov.uk



Edited by Mike
Britains smallest Country Park ? - Brickfields Country Park
Soemtron
Back to Top
calumma View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 375
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calumma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2004 at 10:58pm
I think you will find that the activities of most groups will be centered around the areas where the most active members live, work or study. Offering to promote group activity in areas that are not currently being targeted sounds like a good idea.

Sub-groups are worth considering, but frankly there are so few people who actively participate in ARGs that fragmentation of effort will likely diminish what can be achieved - unless things are very well coordinated.

It is also interesting that many people who participate in ARG type activities (practical management, recording etc) are often not actually members of the local ARG. I have quite a decent list of very active herp recorders in Kent. However, very few of these are members of KRAG. No amount of persuasion will convince them to join either!

As SE Regional Rep for HGBI I am very keen on promoting active cooperation between adjacent ARGs (e.g. joint field meetings etc). I also want to ensure that where interest is being expressed, the relevant people are aware of it! Groups within my catchment include London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent (Essex is also encouraged to participate). I hope to discuss this at the next regional conference - details to be posted soon.
Lee Brady

Kent Herpetofauna Recorder | Independent Ecological Consultant



Email
Back to Top
Vicar View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 02 Sep 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1184
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vicar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2004 at 9:29pm

Hrmmm...pretty wise advice from Lee there.

Although checking your list, neither Hants nor Surrey have any web pages. My G/f is reasonably web literate so I guess we could offer to try to put something together for one or both of these groups. I'm fairly handy with databases and processes so organised recording should be a doddle.

The trouble is, the Hants group seems to be New Forest orientated (for fair reason). We do have quite a 'special' strip of habitats in the Surrey/Hants borders. Personally I think they deserve a sub-group, if only for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and experiences of the people who regularly walk them.

The other issue is I guess...co-ordinating recording. I suppose I could do a database sift of 'local' records of Hants and Surrey grid refs and pass on info to the relevent recorders.

I'm setting up a database for my personal records, I guess I should chat to the Hants and Surrey groups to ensure compatibility. Of course any tips through this forum would be most welcome.

Who else is 'local' to the Surrey/Hants Borders ?

I'm based in Farnham, Mark in Frimley and Gemma close to Hindhead ? (not a bad start :P).

Does Alan have any views on this ?, He seems to tramp over some of the local terrain, and seems to know his stuff too :P



Edited by Vicar
Back to Top
calumma View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 375
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calumma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2004 at 8:35pm
Some local groups (e.g. Warwickshire Amphibian and Reptile Team - WART) are associated with Wildlife Trusts and can be highly web literate. However, most local groups are effectively run by 1 or 2 enthusiastic people with a satellite following of mainly non-active members. The number of events/activities that can be organised by such groups is obviously very limited.

Rather than attempt to set up a new group (that may not be recognised by HGBI), why not make the effort to talk to some of the folks who are currently running existing groups. Remember that most folk are extremely busy and it can be very frustrating when things appear to progress very slowly. However, I rather suspect that the groups that are already operating in your area(s) would be absolutely delighted to recruit enthusiastic new members!

As an ex-KRAG Committee member (and current SE Regional Rep for HGBI) I know just how hard it is to promote local group interest.

For other folk who read this thread, local group contacts can be found in several places - but this is a good summary.

If anybody would like to get involved in activities in the Kent area, please check my blog for ongoing survey projects. I can also put you in touch with the folk at KRAG.
Lee Brady

Kent Herpetofauna Recorder | Independent Ecological Consultant



Email
Back to Top
frogworlduk View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 19 Aug 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 73
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote frogworlduk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2004 at 7:10pm

vicar if your interested in starting and ARG go for it. i'll give you a hand. i live in frimley which is right on border, it annoys me with everything over the other side of the county which is a long way to travel for half a day of work. but yeah go for it. and SHaB-RAG sounds cool.

mark

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.06
Copyright ©2001-2016 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.656 seconds.