SWSEIC – coronavirus update 25 March 2020

This update is to inform everyone on how SWSEIC activities are affected during the current coronavirus outbreak.

In line with government recommendations, SWSEIC staff are currently working from home but are still contactable by email and telephone. The general email is info@swseic.org.uk – messages to this address will be forwarded to one of us, and any emails sent to our individual email addresses will be picked up. If you need to speak to us by phone please call the main office number (01387 760274) to hear a recorded message stating how we can currently be contacted.

All planned SWSEIC events for April and May (iRecord training days, National Plant Monitoring Scheme training days) have been cancelled. The planned bioblitz at Kirkcudbright Bay on the first weekend in June will also be postponed with a hope that it might be rescheduled later in the year. We will review other events in due course.

Our Mammals at Home project in the Galloway Glens area, which was due to start this spring, will also be postponed for the time being.

Recent advice from government has been changing rapidly as more and more restrictive measures have been introduced. At the time of writing, people have been instructed to remain at home and to travel only for a small number of essential activities. For up to date advice visit the government pages at

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

We are aware that some recording schemes and societies (e.g. UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and BTO) have provided instructions for wildlife recorders and field workers. Wildlife recording cannot be considered an essential activity in these exceptional circumstances so please respect and follow the advice and instructions given. You can still record incidental sightings, either at home, when outside undertaking exercise, walking the dog or during other essential travel/activities. iRecord is a good way to record your casual sightings.

Perhaps we will all get an opportunity to know our garden wildlife and that closer to home a little better, or take this opportunity to learn about something new. In this respect, our upcoming newsletter for April will have a notable homely feel.

Please stay healthy and safe in these difficult times,

Mark Pollitt
SWSEIC Manager