NBN Youth Awards 2015

Nominations are needed for under 18s in the UK Awards for Biological Recording!

Do you know a keen and committed young biological recorder who is under the age of 18? If so, why not nominate them for a UK Award?

The NBN has received a number of nominations for the inaugural 2015 Awards for outstanding contributions to biological recording and improving our understanding of the UK’s wildlife. Surprisingly though, they have so far received no nominations for young people (under 18 years old).

I'm sure there are plenty of youngsters who are on their way to becoming part of the next generation of recorders, so please think about whether there is a young star in your midst and nominate them for this award.

These new national awards have been set up by the National Biodiversity Network in partnership with the Biological Records Centre and the National Forum for Biological Recording. They seek to recognise significant achievement and to celebrate success in biological recording. Two awards are open to young people under the age of 18:

• Gilbert White youth award for terrestrial and freshwater wildlife
• David Robertson youth award for marine and coastal wildlife

The awards will be given out annually to individuals or a group of youngsters that are making outstanding contributions to biological recording and improving our understanding of the natural world.  This year's awards will be presented at the forthcoming NBN Conference, to be held in York over 19th and 20th November 2015. 

Nominations can be made for individuals (or a group) who have, for example, taken part in a BioBlitz, recorded specific species that they are interested in or just been involved in biological recording in one way or another. They may even have developed a piece of technology, such as games or mobile apps to help and encourage participation in recording.  This will be a fantastic way of recognising the achievements of a young naturalist and could provide a real boost to their blossoming biological recording career.

So, if you know someone who fits the above criteria then let NBN know what they have done and why you think they should receive an award. You can find out more information about the awards, which also have two adult categories, online where you will also find a nomination form. Hurry though - the deadline is 30th September 2015!

For more information or to submit your nomination form please email support@nbn.org.uk

This is a guest blog written by Mandy Henshall, NBN Senior Communications Officer.