In the past, species’ status was often assessed on expert opinion, or by counting the number of occupied grid cells. Our recent work has used computer simulations of the recording process to inform how we can estimate the trends in species status over decadal timescales. BRC is working with recording schemes, government agencies and partner organisations to derive quantitative trend estimates and other metrics for use in Red Listing and the development of biodiversity indicators to assess the 2020 ‘Aichi targets’.

Promoting and publishing atlases is an integral part of BRC’s work.  Atlases continue to be important for biological recording while also providing a basis for periodic review of the distribution of species within a taxonomic group.  Atlas datasets are often used for research, including many of the examples given throughout this booklet.  In 2014, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, BRC is supporting the publication of major atlases of dragonflies and bryophytes.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment highlighted invasive non-native species (INNS) as one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss.  INNS cost the British and European economies an estimated £1.7 billion and €12 billion, respectively, each year. INNS are being introduced into Europe at unprecedented rates and are best controlled through prevention, early detection and rapid response.