Code of Conduct for Field Work

HABITATS / SITES

Habitats must be protected and respected and undue disturbance to wildlife should be avoided. Plants and animals may inadvertently be displaced or destroyed by careless actions. In particular:

• Logs and stones (e.g. on rocky shores) should be returned to their original position.
• Vegetation should be disturbed as little as possible.
• At geological sites, exposures should not be left in an untidy, dangerous or (unless in imminent danger of destruction) 'worked out' condition. The Geological Code should be observed.

COLLECTING / RECORDING

• Members should abide by species and habitat protection laws at all times.
• No more specimens should be killed than are strictly required for scientific study. Much work can be done with dead shells.
• During recording, readily identifiable specimens should ideally be examined while alive and then released where they were captured.
• Photography should be considered as an alternative to collecting, (particularly for larger marine species).
• Specimens for exchange or disposal to other scientists should be taken sparingly if at all.
• For commercial purposes Mollusca should be obtained from old collections. Live shells should never be collected for use in 'jewellery' or ornaments.
• Collectors should attempt to break new ground rather than collect a local or rare species from a well known or overworked locality.
• Fossil collecting should be kept to a minimum and the removal of in situ fossils should be avoided unless they are genuinely needed for serious study.
• Publicity should be minimised with regard to previously unknown localities for rare or endangered species, although local and national recorders should be kept informed.

RELEASES AND INTRODUCTIONS

• Any releases and introductions should be restricted to bona fide scientific purposes and only be considered following consultation with and under the supervision of JNCC or Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. (Note: Only native stock of indigenous species may be released into the wild. Any other releases contravene the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act)

CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS

• The rights of landowners and other users of the Countryside should always be respected. The Country Code should be observed.
• Members should behave abroad as they would at home.

A CODE FOR GEOLOGICAL FIELD WORK

The following is based on the code first issued by the Geologists' Association.

• Obey the Country Code, and observe local byelaws. Remember to shut gates and leave no litter.
• Always seek prior permission before entering private land.
• Do not interfere with machinery.
• Do not litter fields or roads with rock fragments which might cause injury to livestock, or be a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
• Avoid undue disturbance to wildlife. Plants and animals may inadvertently be displaced or destroyed by careless action.
• On coastal sections, consult the local Coastguard Service, whenever possible, to learn of local hazards such as unstable cliffs, or tides which might jeopardise excursions possible at other times.
• When working in mountain or remote areas, follow the 'Mountain Safety' codes and in particular, inform someone of your intended route.
• Do not take risks on insecure cliffs or rock faces. Take care not to dislodge rock, since other people may be below.
• Be considerate. By your actions in collecting, do not render an exposure untidy or dangerous for those who follow you.