Participatory biological recording in the UK is a triumph of public contribution to our collective knowledge of the natural world. Devoted volunteers and enthusiasts generate vast databanks supporting environmental policy, research and practice with baseline data for thousands of native and non-native UK species.
As threats to UK wildlife mount, the need to grow the evidence base for effective conservation becomes increasingly vital. We need effective communications tools to be able to share this amazing energy and support an accessible, well informed citizen science culture. What key stories should we be telling to empower local communities in spaces on their doorsteps, and develop the practical skills among the existing and emerging army of volunteers, advocates and citizen scientists that will provide the evidence base and help shape the discussion going forward?
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Data stories Ben Hoare
1. Data Stories
Unlocking the power of data
to create compelling
magazine features
Ben Hoare
Features Editor
BBC Wildlife Magazine
@WildlifeMag
@benhoare5
2. BBC Wildlife Magazine
• 13 issues a year
• NRS 240,000
• ABC 31,000
• readers 51% female
• average age 47
• first published 1963
3. Editorial Pillars
• Top wildlife photography
• Conservation news
• Animal behaviour insights
• Expert writers
• Learning about nature
• How to make a difference
4. Ingredients for the perfect feature
• Offer clear benefits to the reader
• Be compelling
• Develop a strong narrative structure
• Answer a question
• Pique the reader’s curiosity
• Be topical and newsy
• Treat a familiar subject in an original way
• Include experts in photos and text
• Start by writing a headline
5. Data block: key obstacles
• Long magazine lead times – many
features planned 3+ months ahead
• Press releases embargoed to journal
publication – suits broadcast media,
daily newspapers & digital news
• Lack of photos – especially scientists
& research in the field
• Data can feel impersonal & remote
from the reader
6. 1. Make research the story
Feature coincides with major
publication of new data
7. 2. Focus on location
Requires commissioned
photography
8. 3. Focus on scientist
Requires commissioned
photography
9. 4. Focus on significant date
Anniversary or milestone
creates a narrative
10. 5. Create a quest
Search for data can
become a journey
11.
12. 6. Give amateur naturalists
a starring role
Relatable for readers
13. 7. Link to citizen-science surveys
Call to action for readers – works for
annual & national projects
Moth Night (Butterfly Conservation) National Water Vole Monitoring Programme (PTES)
