RSK Biocensus

Here at RSK Biocensus, all of our employees have a Volunteer Day allowance to encourage getting out into our communities and making a difference. Some team members from our Glasgow office dedicated their volunteering day to a litter-picking initiative. They started by cleaning up Kinning Park and then shifted their focus to the area around the Glasgow Office. Karen Miller mentioned that “the worst spots were under and behind the park benches, which were filled with cigarette butts and broken glass. We had risk assessed for this, so we were well-equipped (gloves, high viz jackets and picker-sticks, which were fantastic to use). After we had thoroughly cleaned the park, we headed to the surrounding area of the Glasgow office and made great progress there as well. Fortunately, the weather was dry and pleasantly mild for our efforts”. #volunteering #litterpicking #makingadifference

It's wonderful to witness our employees participating in training sessions to enhance their professional skills and expand their knowledge.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 is celebrated every year on August 14th and focuses on raising awareness about lizards, highlighting their vital role in ecosystems, and addressing the conservation issues they encounter. Lizards are a varied group of reptiles found all over the globe, with thousands of species ranging from the small gecko to the impressive Komodo dragon. It's a wonderful chance to celebrate lizards and recognize the importance of safeguarding them and their environments. Our protected Lizards include Sand Lizards, Common Lizards and Slow Worm. 🦎 Lizards play a significant role in ecosystems, contributing to ecological balance and biodiversity. Here are some key points regarding their ecological importance: 🦎 Pest Control: Many lizards are insectivores, enjoying a diverse diet of insects and small invertebrates. By keeping insect numbers in check, lizards play a crucial role in protecting crops and minimizing the transmission of diseases carried by insects. 🦎 Food Web Contribution: Lizards play diverse roles within the food web, acting as both hunters and hunted. They connect various trophic levels, providing essential nourishment for birds, snakes, mammals, and other larger predators. Their existence is vital for the well-being and survival of these species. 🦎 Seed Dispersal: Certain lizard species, especially those that feed on fruits, play a vital role in seed dispersal. When they eat fruits and later excrete the seeds in various places, these lizards help spread different plant species, which in turn supports plant diversity and strengthens ecosystem resilience. 🦎 Pollination: Some species of lizards are recognized for their role as pollinators. As they sip nectar, they unintentionally carry pollen from one bloom to another, helping plants reproduce. This function is especially important in island ecosystems, where typical pollinators such as bees might be limited. 🦎 Soil Aeration: Burrowing lizards, including certain types of skinks and geckos, play a vital role in aerating the soil with their digging habits. This activity not only boosts soil quality but also improves water absorption and encourages the growth of plants. 🦎 Indicator Species: Lizards are valuable indicators of environmental well-being. Their sensitivity to environmental changes, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, means that a drop in lizard populations can highlight larger ecological problems. Lizards play a vital role in ecosystems by eating a diverse range of prey and serving as prey for other animals. Their biological activities aid in breaking down organic materials and spreading nutrients throughout various parts of the environment. Today, we embrace their variety and recognize their vital role in the ecosystem. 🦎 #Reptiles #ecosystem #environment

Action for Wildlife Day 2024 was held on Saturday 10th August. Organised by Hen Harrier Action and other charities, this event aims to raise awareness of this species and the need for sustainable upland management. As one of our most iconic British birds, RSK Biocensus has worked to ensure potential impacts on Hen Harriers are fully considered within development projects. This involves: 🦅 Conducting detailed surveys to identify areas used by Hen Harriers during the breeding and wintering seasons for nesting, foraging, roosting and dispersal. 🦅 Identifying where potential impacts on Hen Harriers may occur from projects. 🦅 Specifying measures through which projects can avoid and mitigate for impacts on Hen Harriers. 🦅 Advising on approaches for the maintenance and enhancement of habitat for Hen Harriers, to ensure projects have a positive effect on the species. #wildlife #ecology #henharrier

A report has raised concerns that efforts to halt the decline of nature in England are not on track. An assessment of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), the framework for achieving the government's legally mandated goals for enhancing the natural environment, reveals that initiatives aimed at fostering healthy plants, wildlife, and clean air are falling short. Click the link below to read more. https://lnkd.in/dHrCy4_x

🌍𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 the number of plastic bags washed up on UK beaches has fallen by 80% over a decade, since a mandatory fee was imposed on shoppers who opt to pick up single-use carrier bags at the checkout? 🌍Click the link below to read more. https://lnkd.in/enWugUKj

Fun Fact: The common tern can be found breeding across Britain and Europe as well as Asia and North America. After the breeding they migrate south to spend their winter along the coasts of the tropics in Africa. South America, and South-east Asia. They have one of the longest migrations of all birds (average round trip of 35,000km every year!!) Make sure to follow Thomas W. on Instagram (@webb.eco) for fantastic updates on Ecology! #ecology #wildlife #conservation

John Daw volunteered with Forestry England at their 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 helping to install dormouse nest tubes and footprint tunnels. 🌳 Tubes and tunnels were installed within a working hazel coppice (undergoing active coppice management) as well as in mature woodland compartments with very little woodland management (at present); which will hopefully provide some interesting results. Both tubes and tunnels will be revisited later this summer and autumn to record (hopefully) the presence of hazel dormice on the site and help inform future management works. If dormice are found to be present, then this will kick start a monitoring scheme using wooden nest boxes as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme run by PTES and raise public awareness of dormice being present at the arboretum. 🌳 #ecology #volunteering #dormouse

Our senior management team convened to plan for the future and deliberate on the course of action for RSK Biocensus. It was a brilliant opportunity to gather the team for a day of fun, laughter, and bonding. 😊 #ecology #positivevibes #togetherwegrow

Come meet Peter Walker from RSK Biocensus at our stand! He's here to chat with you and help with any questions you have during the IFM International Eel Symposium in Liverpool. #counference #aquatic #eels