Two recent publications look at the importance of informal and community based groups that are often ‘below the radar’ in policy and research:

• ‘Below the radar’ activities and organisations in the third sector: a summary review of the literature. Third Sector Research Centre Working Paper 29
• Beyond ‘flat-earth’ maps of the third sector: Enhancing our understanding of the contribution of ‘below-the-radar’ organisations. Published by the Northern Rock Foundation.