On 1 May 2013 the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) launched its new online recording system “On-line Recording Kernow and Scilly (ORKS)”. Based on the Indicia model it will be an additional way for local and visiting recorders to get their sightings to us in a useable and valid format. It is being offered as just one way of getting records to ERCCIS, but as time goes on it is expected that it will become more widely used as the main method of inputting data to ERCCIS. To make the system even more user friendly, many of the local societies and recording groups will have their own customised front page, which we think will further encourage ownership of the system amongst the recording community.
ORKS can be accessed online or a record added here.
As part of the build up to the launch, ERCCIS carried out some training and advocacy for the system at a number of events. This was funded by the NBN's LERC led Data Provider Training fund. Talks were given at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Discovery Day, Penwith Local Group and the Bude Marshes Survey Group. Demonstrations and basic training were given to students at both University of Exeter (Cornwall Campus) and Newquay College, Mid Cornwall Local Group, Launceston Parish Wildlife and Nature Group, Cornwall Mammal Group and Cornwall Butterfly Group. Additionally, both training and demonstrations were given to the staff and volunteers of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
Written by Gary Lewis, Director of ERCCIS