| The HBRG taxon records database |
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HBRG holds a large database of taxon records built up over many years. Most of our data have been placed on NBN Atlas with full public access and CC-BY licence. With the exception of some confidential records, these data are available to all. |
| *** Commercial searches have been discontinued for the foreseeable future, but consultants can download our data from NBN Atlas as long as HBRG is acknowledged as a source of data, and is NOT cited as either supporting or opposing any development informed by our data. *** |
| Known errors are listed in this Excel workbook. |
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Bat records on NBN Atlas and other problems The long-standing problem with reporting Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. records (TVK NHMSYS0020001355) has been resolved on 11 December 2025, and these are now properly returned with high resolution OSGRs smudged to meet NatureScot Sensitive Species requirements. Some other problems, especially with UKSI, still remain, and when these have been resolved we will update all our datasets to NBN Atlas. *** |
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HBRG Verification Status on NBN Atlas NBN Atlas has revised the verification status categories used on the Atlas, effectively downgrading the reliability of our records as presented to users. HBRG records on the Atlas are all 'Considered correct' as used in the primary database Recorder 6, and easily understood in simple English. All such records are subject to demanding quality checks, all due diligence being applied. Each is literally 'Considered correct' in the context of current taxonomy, local flora and fauna, and with knowledge of the skills of the determiner. We do not use 'Correct' as a) taxonomy changes; b) composition of our flora and fauna changes; and c) all determiners are human and therefore - however experienced - can make errors. There are many examples where these factors have applied to make 'Correct' inappropriate. However, the current NBNA definition of 'Considered correct' is completely inappropriate for our records as it states that 'The partner/verifier has not seen photo/s or specimen/s'. All our records are subject to the highest data quality standards, and the idea that verifiers would never have seen a photo or specimen is bizarre. Please ignore the NBNA definition, and be assured that HBRG records are subject to the highest quality control. Any records which are suspect will be flagged and corrected at the earliest opportunity, and until they are corrected they are listed in this Excel workbook. *** |
| This project is supported by NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage). |
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| with contributions from RSPB, The Highland Council, National Trust for Scotland, Trees for Life. |
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