History of the County Recorders

Another introduction, or rather re-introduction, of an idea first formulated in 1885, was the system of Recorders. Although in 1885 a number of local 'recorders' had been appointed, with Mr William White as the Recorders' Secretary, little or nothing resulted at the time and in May 1887, the Committee of Recorders asked to be discharged, which was then done. In 1956, the system of Recorders in various disciplines of Biology, Geology and Archaeology was established by their gradual appointment and there are now twenty nine County Recorders, all specialists in their fields, who compile, maintain and verify the primary biological database for the county. They are ready to receive and write up reports of discoveries by other members.

In this, the present system of Recorders differs from the 1885 arrangement, whereby local resident members, were expected to record observations in any discipline reported in their neighbourhoods, and this lapsed for want of support, as might have been expected.

The Recorders compile and maintain detailed records of Essex flora, fauna and geology (the Watsonian recording vice counties 18 and 19, including the London boroughs east of the River Lea). They welcome records from members, specialists and other naturalists and these should include species, date of observation, location and, where possible, a six-figure grid reference and any habitat or other relevant ecological data. They will also assist with identification and answer queries on their subjects but where a reply is necessary please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

Now, in common with the Essex Wildlife Trust, Essex County Council country parks, the RSPB, the BSBI and the Spider Recording Scheme etc, the Club is encouraging the use of the MapMate  biological recording and mapping software. If you are using MapMate for your biological records, then please send these on regular occasions using the MapMate synchronisation process.