Resources for transect recorders

Here you will find everything you need to get started with transect recording.

Summary of Changes Table 2011

Details of local Transect co-ordinators

Whether you want to contact your local co-ordinator, or become a co-ordinator yourself, you can find out who you need to speak to from Butterfly Conservation's list of co-ordinators.

Transect Walker v2.5

Find out more about this transect recording software, and register to download the latest version for free.

Guidance notes

Click here for comprehensive guidance on establishing a transect, recording to UKBMS standards and sending in your data. You will also find detailed notes to get you started with the Transect Walker recording software.

G1 - MONITORING BUTTERFLY NUMBERS BY THE TRANSECT METHOD - SUMMARY INFORMATION FOR RECORDERS (1 page)

G2 - FIELD GUIDANCE NOTES FOR BUTTERFLY TRANSECTS (2 pages)

G3 - GUIDANCE FOR FILLING IN FORM F1 (SUMMARY HABITAT & MANAGEMENT DETAILS FOR BUTTERFLY TRANSECTS) (4 pages)

G4 - HABITAT CLASSIFICATION FOR BUTTERFLY TRANSECTS (1 page)

G5 - SUMMARY GUIDANCE ON USING TRANSECT WALKER 2 (2 pages)

G6 - BASIC DATA ENTRY IN TRANSECT WALKER 2 (1 page)

G7 - CREATING CUSTOM SPECIES LISTS IN TRANSECT WALKER 2 (1 page)

G8 - CONVERTING FILES FROM TRANSECT WALKER 1.3 TO TRANSECT WALKER 2 FORMAT (1 page)

G9 - PACKAGING DATA FOR SECURE STORAGE AND EMAIL TRANSFER USING TRANSECT WALKER 2 (1 page)

G10 - CALCULATING ANNUAL INDICES IN TRANSECT WALKER 2 (1 page)

 

Recording forms

Click here for the UKBMS recording forms, to help you record your data in an organised and effective way.

F1(S) - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT DETAILS FORM (SMALL SITE) (1 page)

F1(L) - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT DETAILS FORM (LARGE SITE) (2 pages)

F2 - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT - WEEKLY RECORDING FORM (1 page)

Nf1 - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT - TIME COUNT RECORDING FORM (1 page)

Nf3 - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT - LARVEL WEB RECORDING FORM (2 pages)

Ng1 - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT - TIMED COUNT GUIDANCE NOTES (2 pages)

Ng2 - BUTTERFLY TRANSECT - MARSH FRIT WEBS GUIDANCE NOTES (4 pages)

F2 REGIONAL ADAPTATIONS : SURREY, SUSSEX & KENT, SOMERSET & BRISTOL, HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT, CORNWALL, WILTSHIRE, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND

An Excel spreadsheet version of the transect form can be downloaded here.

Note: All of the above are included with the Transect Walker software (see above), and do not need to be downloaded separately if you plan to obtain the software.

Other useful information

Priorities for new transects

In some parts of the UK more transects need to be set up to improve the coverage of certain habitats and species. If you are interested in setting up a new transect, and you want to help improve the coverage where it is most needed in your area, you can download our Regional Transect Development Plan (PDF - 4MB... very big!) which highlights important gaps in the network. For further information on local priorities, contact your local transect co-ordinator.