Increasing inclusivity in biological recording in the United Kingdom: progress to date and future priorities [Meeting report]

Volunteer biological recording generates valuable data for developing ecological understanding and informing environmental decision making. For volunteers, it offers the chance to build knowledge and skills, connect with nature and each other, and enhance wellbeing. As with other forms of citizen science there are demographic biases, with current participants being predominantly white, well-educated, older and more affluent. Increasing inclusivity is important for equitable distribution of environmental and social benefits. Questions remain, however, about how best to engage demographic groups that are currently underrepresented. In June 2024, eight organisations responsible for running biological recording schemes in the United Kingdom (UK) took part in a workshop to share hitherto implemented actions to increase inclusivity and discuss future priorities. Progress to date includes equality, diversity, and inclusivity investment and planning at an institutional level; surveys and focus groups to understand demographics and motivations of participants; accessibility reviews of training, written materials and equipment; and the creation of varied volunteer roles appealing to different skill levels and interests. Engagement with underrepresented groups at a local level has been particularly effective where investment in building relationships with communities has been possible. Future priorities include further understanding motivations for and barriers to participation as well as investigating opportunities for more fundamental changes, such as those offered by new technologies, that could make biological recording more inclusive. Understanding and overcoming barriers and challenges within organisations and the existing recording community and collaboration to tackle the issues identified is needed to make change happen.