STEVE DOCKER
Time spent leaning on a five-bar gate is never time wasted (anon.)
The aim of this website is to make available resources that encourage and support biological recorders.
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A biological record confirms that an organism (species) occurred in a particular place at a specific time and each record forms part of a crucial dataset that helps us to understand biological diversity (biodiversity) and the changing state of nature. Effective conservation depends upon the solid evidence provided by biological records.
The efficient acquisition of high‑quality biological records is essential if we are to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity. Working with specialists, I create identification resources, from printed field guides to digital multi‑access keys, that help, encourage and support biological recorders.
My skills are based upon more than 20 years of biological recording experience, both voluntary and professional, and blend traditional field observation skills with modern technology for the accurate, and rapid, identification of species.
SERVICES
My passion is the creation of identification resources and learning aids that support biological recorders and improve the quality of biodiversity data. Working closely with talented subject matter specialists, artists and photographers, I offer the following freelance services:
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The design of practical, field-based publications. Includes:
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Fold-out identification guides.
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Species notes and fact sheets.
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Illustrated reference materials.
I use Affinity graphic design, image editing and page layout software.
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The development of interactive, multi-access identification keys for challenging species groups where traditional pathway keys may be inefficient or image recognition methods unreliable. Includes:
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Lucid identification keys.
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Migration of existing Identikit resources.
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Character matrix design and optimisation.
I have Lucid and Fact Sheet Fusion licences.
Using Quizlet, the production of engaging learning resources. Suitable for users seeking to improve their species identification and recording skills. Includes:
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Interactive flashcards with images.
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Adaptive practice sessions.
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Self-assessment quizzes.
I have a Quizlet Plus subscription.
Enquiries are welcome, please contact me to discuss your requirement.
ABOUT
With an MSc in Biological Recording (Distinction) and more than two decades of experience in species identification and biological recording my focus is upon improving how ecological data is collected, structured and used in conservation decision-making.
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Expertise
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Identification and learning resources.
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Digital multi-access identification keys.
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Field ecology and biodiversity surveys. Ornithology and soundscape ecology, especially avian bioacoustics.
Approach
My approach combines field observation with modern ecological technologies to improve the accuracy, consistency and accessibility of biodiversity assessment. Traditional field skills are integrated with digital identification tools and online learning resources to support professional ecologists and volunteer biological recorders. The aim is to produce reliable identification guidance, strengthen biological data quality and make ecological knowledge easier to use in research and conservation decision-making.
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Values
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Biological Records. Emphasis upon accuracy, consistency and good recording practice to improve the value of biodiversity data for research and conservation.
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Effective Conservation. Providing evidence and resources that help inform conservation action and environmental management.
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Environmental understanding.​Making ecological knowledge accessible through practical guidance, learning tools and clear communication for professionals, volunteers and the wider public.
CASE STUDIES
Case Study 1 Waders of Britain and Ireland
Brief
The identification of waders can be a challenge for many reasons e.g. plumage changes, mixed species groups etc. The aim of this project was to create aids to help beginners and improvers to accurately identify wader species as they are seen in the field, frequently at a distance in relatively poor weather conditions, using binoculars or a telescope.
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Approach
To provide an integrated suite of resources. This included a comprehensive, weather-proof, fold-out guide (WildID) supported by a digital multi-access identification key (Identikit) and an on-line flash card learning aid (Quizlet).
Outcome
Including clear illustrations and silhouettes showing the crucial features identification is principally based upon body shape, especially bill length and bill curvature. Body size, behaviour, calls, time of year, location and habitat are also important and are included. In particular, the fold-out guide enables easy comparison between species and provides a practical and portable aid for use in the field.
Case Study 2 Beetle Families of Britain and Ireland
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Brief
There are over 4,000 beetle species known to occur in Britain and Ireland, arranged into 102 taxonomic families. The aim of this project was to develop a set of tools to help beginners and improvers to accurately, and rapidly, place beetles into their correct family; most likely using a hand lens or microscope in the classroom or study.
Approach
To provide a combined print and digital package. This included a digital multi-access identification key (Identikit) supported by a fold-out guide (AIDGAP) and an on-line flash card learning aid (Quizlet) to introduce users to the major beetle families.
Outcome
Whilst some distinctive beetles may be identified with an Auto-identification App, many species are too similar and cannot be reliably separated using image recognition alone. The digital multi-access identification key provides reliable output across the species range and allows users a high degree of flexibility, especially in terms of the identification characters needed to achieve a result.
Challenging Birds
Docker, S., Offord, K. D. and Langman, M. (2025) Raptors of Britain and Ireland, WildID, OP230, Field Studies Council.
Docker, S., Offord, K. D. and Langman, M. (2023) Waders of Britain and Ireland, WildID, OP212, Field Studies Council.
Docker, S., Lowe, A. & Abrahams, C. (2020) Identification of different song types in the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Bird Study, 67:1, 119-127.
Beetles
Docker, S. (2025) Guide to distinctive terrestrial beetles of Britain and Ireland, AIDGAP, OP232, Field Studies Council.
Beetle Families
Coming Soon. Unwin, D. M. A key to the families of British beetles. Revised by Docker, S. & Duff, A. G. AIDGAP, Field Studies Council.
Distinctive Fungi
Kibby, G. and Docker, S. (2025) Fungi, Discovery, DG05, Field Studies Council.
Kibby, G. and Docker, S. (2025) Distinctive fungi on wood, WildID, OP234, Field Studies Council.
Kibby, G. and Docker, S. (2024) Distinctive grassland fungi, WildID, OP226, Field Studies Council.
Kibby, G., Docker, S. and Farley-Brown, R. (2023) Distinctive gilled fungi, WildID, OP214, Field Studies Council.
Kibby, G., Docker, S. and Farley-Brown, R. (2023) Distinctive non-gilled fungi, WildID, OP213, Field Studies Council.
Collaborative Projects
The creation of a publication is usually a collaborative project. I have worked with many subject matter specialists, artists and photographers, including the following:
Author of ‘Checklist of Beetles of the British Isles’ and the four volume series ‘Beetles of Britain and Ireland’.
An experienced mycologist and talented artist. Author of four volume ‘Mushrooms & Toadstools’ series.
A wildlife artist renowned for his illustrations of birds. See Website.
An experienced field ornithologist, bird tour guide and photographer.
Multi-access Identification Keys (Identikit & Lucid)
A collection of interactive identification resources designed for use in the field, classroom and self-directed study. These digital keys allow users to identify species through a flexible selection of characteristics, making them particularly useful for challenging taxonomic groups where traditional pathway keys may be inefficient.
Waders
Beetle Families
Covers the identification of wader species known to occur in Britain and Ireland.
Covers the identification of adult beetles to family and sub-family level. It includes all 102 beetle families known to occur in Britain and Ireland.
Gilled Fungi Genera
Prototype key covering the identification of mature fungal fruit bodies (sporophores) to genus level. It includes over 200 genera known to occur in Britain and Ireland. All have spore producing surfaces in the form of radiating gill-like structures (lamellae) on the lower surface of a protective cap (pileus).
Plant Families
Prototype key covering the identification of flowering plants (angiosperms) to family level. It includes a total of 14 plant families which, between them, contain approximately 67% of the wild British flora.
On-line Learning (Quizlet)
A collection of learning aids. Includes interactive flash cards with images, adaptive practice sessions and self-assessment quizzes.
Beetles
Distinctive Fungi
CONTACT
Need support with identification resources or digital keys? Get in touch to discuss your project and explore how tailored solutions can support your objectives.
Whether you are looking to develop identification guides, digital identification keys or on-line learning resources, an initial discussion can help explore the most suitable approach for your needs.
Areas of expertise include the creation of:
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Printed Identification Resources.
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Digital Identification Resources.
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On-line Learning Aids.
To discuss a project or request further information, please contact:
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Drawings courtesy of Geoffrey Kibby
Blogs
Between 2023 and 2026, I produced a series of blog articles for the Field Studies Council (see below), exploring topics including biological recording, species identification, ecology, conservation and natural history. The articles were written to share knowledge, promote environmental understanding and support learners, naturalists and biological recorders at all levels.
A curated collection of reference materials, identification aids, publications and online resources for biological recorders, ecologists, students and naturalists. Covering topics from species identification and biological recording to bioacoustics and ecological research, these resources support learning, fieldwork and the collection of high-quality biodiversity data.
Beetle Resources
Picture Galleries
Source: Iconographia Coleopterorum Poloniae
Soundscape Resources
Soundscape Dataset
Global bird guide with automatic sound recognition. CornellLab App.
Citizen science project dedicated to sharing wildlife sounds. Xeno-Canto Website.
Gillings, S. (2025) Inferring Nightjar behaviour from acoustic signals. British Trust for Ornithology Blog.
Abrahams, C. (2022) Bioacoustics as an applied tool in ecological research and biodiversity conservation. PhD Thesis, Nottingham Trent University.
Docker, S., Lowe, A. & Abrahams, C. (2020) Identification of different song types in the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Bird Study, 67:1, 119-127.
Docker, S. (2016) The Detection of ‘Paired’ Male European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758 Using Unattended Acoustic Recording Devices: A Potential Census Tool. MSc Dissertation, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Docker, S. (2014 & 2015) Three terabytes available for future research upon request. Contains a range of crepuscular and nocturnal sounds (biological, geophysical and anthropogenic) recorded in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. Known to include vocalisations of oscine passerines, European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola and Tawny owl Strix aluco.
Additional Resources
Docker, S. (2025) Biological Recording: Getting Started. Presentation.
Docker, S. (from 2 Feb 2007) biological records stored on the iRecord system. Includes multi-species records collected from a range of geographical locations within the United Kingdom.
Docker, S. (from 1996) Summary of BTO Breeding Bird Survey Results for Church Mayfield, Staffordshire/Derbyshire (SK1544).
Docker, S. (2024) Repeat Bird Survey of Cromford Canal, Derbyshire using the MacKinnon Listing Technique. Datasets.
Docker, S. (2014) Baseline Bird Survey of Cromford Canal, Derbyshire using the MacKinnon Listing Technique. Assessment Report.
Laessoe, T. and Petersen, J. H. (2019) Fungi of Temperate Europe. Fungi Form Wheels.
Local Patch: Bradley Wood
Precious Woodland Habitat
Most naturalists have a place they return to time and again. For me, that place is Bradley Wood which I visit regularly. It was given, in perpetuity, to the people of Ashbourne for their enjoyment by Henry Fitzherbert Wright in 1935 and it is managed by Ashbourne Town Council.
Documenting the woodland's fungi, plants and animals has made it possible to build a clearer picture of its biodiversity and how it changes over time. The biological records help inform future management decisions, contribute to local and national recording schemes and support the long-term protection of this valuable woodland.
The site is included on the Ancient Woodland Inventory, is designated as a Local Wildlife Site and is particularly noted for its diverse fungi. Regular surveys continue to reveal the ecological importance of Bradley Wood and the role it plays in supporting wildlife within the wider landscape.
Throughout 2021 I undertook a range of invertebrate surveys. Specimens were identified and material sent to a laboratory for DNA analysis. The surveys, species lists and reports featured below provide a snapshot of this ongoing exploration and recording effort.
Goddard, S. (2022) The Joys of Walking Ashbourne Airfield. Derbyshire Bird Report 2022 pp.207-209.
Docker, S. (6 Dec 2021) Bradley Wood Biodiversity Summary
Docker, S. (6 Dec 2021) Bradley Wood Provisional Species List & Biological Records
Career
Work Experience
2026 - Present
Freelance Resource Developer
2023 - 2026
Resource Development Officer
2019 - Present
Field Ecologist
2014 - 2019
2010 - 2019
Ecologist
Associate Lecturer
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
Natural History identification resources (Publications & Digital), including birds, beetles and fungi.
Field Studies Council Publications, United Kingdom. Natural History identification resources (Discovery, WildID & AIDGAP).
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
Independent biological recorder, including birds by sight and sound (songs & calls).
Baker Consultants, Matlock, Derbyshire, United Kingdom. Wide range of ecological surveys.
University of Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
Mammal survey techniques.
In addition to ecology based activities, I have had a rich and varied career as a chartered engineer.
Qualifications
2013 - 2016
Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.
Subjects: Biological Data Management, Research Methods, Fungi, Birds, Ground Beetles, Mosses, Bats, Grasses and European nightjar bioacoustics.
2005 - 2007
University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Subjects: Biological Recording, Land Mammals, Bats, Songbirds, Reptiles & Amphibians, Invertebrates.