ALDERNEY RECORDS CENTRE (ARC) FAQs

• What is a Records Centre?
• Who runs the Alderney Records Centre?
• What records are held in the Alderney Records Centre?
• Where do records come from?
• What counts as a record?
• How can I view the records?
• Why do some of the categories or species on the website records pages have no records attached to them?
• What is the point of it all?
• Is there anything that I can do to help?

What is a Records Centre?

A Records Centre is basically a centre of reference for information. Its backbone is a central database in which data is collected, managed and disseminated as useful information.

The public face of the Alderney Records Centre is the website www.alderneyrecordscentre.org. Information held by ARC in the central database is plotted onto a map of Alderney which is available for public viewing.

Back to top

Who runs the Alderney Records Centre?

ARC is a subsidiary of the both the Alderney Society and the Alderney Wildlife Trust. Its day to day management is provided by 2 volunteers, one from the Society and one from the Trust. A steering committee monitors the work of ARC and provides suggestions for future projects.

What records are held in the Alderney Records Centre?

Alderney Records Centre is a little bit different to other Records Centres in that it holds historical, biological and geological records. Due to the small size of Alderney it is possible to bring together all these different records into one location.

Where do records come from?

ARC collates information from a variety of sources. The collections held by Alderney Museum are a valuable resource for both historical and biological information. Ongoing biological records can be provided by island recorders, wildlife experts and anyone who is interested in nature!

What counts as a record?

A biological sighting is a species observation made by a person at a given location and date. A sighting becomes a record when it is validated by an expert in the field as being likely to occur in that area.
A historical record is an aspect of history which an expert in the field considers to be highly likely to have happened / occurred there. Validation is provided through acknowledging the source and by providing book references.

How can I view the records?

Records which have been added to the ARC database are available for public viewing on the ARC website. Viewers should navigate to the biological or historical record pages and then follow the instructions on the page. Records are displayed as points on a map of Alderney.
You can also visit the museum to directly view the records held in their collections. Simply make an appointment by telephoning the museum on 01481 823222. If you require more information on biological records please contact the Wildlife Trust on 01481 823925 or drop in to the trust office on Victoria Street.

Why do some of the categories or species on the website records pages have no records attached to them?

Arc is still very much in its infancy, having only been online since March 2008. Work on adding records is ongoing: it takes a while to work through, for example, the 16,000 odd items which the museum holds. ARC is also reliant on members of the public who can help by providing biological sightings (although please note that all sightings must be checked/validated by an expert before they can be added as a record).

What is the point of it all?

We are all constantly reminded of the need to conserve the biological and historical environment. Before we can do this, however, we need to find out as much as possible about it. If we know where important species, habitats, geology and historical sites are on Alderney then this data can be used to assess how developing an area will impact on the environment and to ultimately protect areas for the future. The data will be available for use by landowners, managers, the States of Alderney, commercial companies and anyone else with an interest.
A detailed biological database will also help us to understand what is happening to biodiversity on Alderney. Data collected from over a number of years will help us to see if species populations are changing or remaining constant, if any new invasive species have arrived, and how climate change is impacting on the populations.

Is there anything that I can do to help?

There are a number of ways you can help with ARC. Firstly, ARC encourages anyone to submit records, whatever your experience and however common you may think the record is. Download a recording sheet from this website or pop into the Museum or Wildlife Trust to pick up recording forms or to write in the recording book. Secondly, ARC always needs help in managing its main database. If you feel you could help with this or any other aspects of ARC please contact us via the email address or pop in to the Wildlife Trust Office. Finally, if you would like to become a benefactor of ARC and donate money for specific projects or general running costs plea contact us to learn what your donation could achieve. No contribution is too small.

Website by Alderney Web & IT Services