County wildlife records

[leifus]

Can anyone tell me how to submit a record to my county's wildlife trust? Do I just email them and say what I've found?

[Wild-Woman]

More or less. They could put you in touch with the county recorder for a particular species. They are always pleased to have recorders. Harry Eales is a county recorder and may give you some more pointers Leifus.

[thunder]

Yes - just give them the four Ws (Who, What, When and Where). These are essential - but any additional information (behaviour, associated species, numbers etc) could be helpful. Just don't write a four page essay for each record!

henrya

[Davy Crockett]

Originally Posted by leifus

Can anyone tell me how to submit a record to my county's wildlife trust? Do I just email them and say what I've found?

Follow this link and it will take you to the list of County Bird recorders, is this what you are looking for.

County Bird Recorders

failing that have a look on the BTO web site

DC

[poschiavanus]

Originally Posted by leifus

Can anyone tell me how to submit a record to my county's wildlife trust? Do I just email them and say what I've found?

Assuming you're in Wiltshire this (PDF file) may help: Wiltshire County Recorders. The Biological Records Centre appears to be part of the Wilts Wildlife Trust, so that all biological recording is under one roof. In other counties the Wildlife Trust may only be interested in their own reserves.

If you're sending a lot of information, many recorders like it in a spreadsheet, or similar tabular format. This can usually be loaded into the recording database in one go. For one off records its still worth organising the information so that it can easily be cut-and-pasted into the recording software. I usually use a format of one line for each part of the Who, What, Where, When.

It helps to give both a location name and a grid reference as a cross-check for errors etc. Similarly try and give a full scientific name with the family and order, as this also helps catch any issues such as mis-spellings, use of old (or new names) etc.

HTH,

poschiavanus

[leifus]

Thanks guys - I'll give it a go sometime this morning

[pj15]

Leifus

When I have something to report I go to the website of my local wildlife trust and find the contact for their ECO records office.

I put my information in an email and if they want to know more they email back.

Pj15

[Jason Green]

What did you find then, something interesting?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Don't forget to include a 6 figure OS grid reference. Take it from the centre of the site.

Cheers,

Adam

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Don't forget to include a 6 figure OS grid reference. Take it from the centre of the site.

Cheers,

Adam

Preferably give the grid reference of the place you made the observation, not the site centre! Or else you can get aquatic things on dry land, or vice versa!

henrya

[Adam Cheeseman]

Most biological record centres and systems prefer (some require) a central spatial grid reference. It makes things less complicated for recording and relates the species to the named site not to an absolute location.

Cheers,

Adam

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Most biological record centres and systems prefer (some require) a central spatial grid reference. It makes things less complicated for recording and relates the species to the named site not to an absolute location.

Cheers,

Adam

Really? Can you quote some specifics? It's contrary to the principles of biological recording!

henrya

[KeenTeen17]

there should be some natural history societys around you. There are 2 in my local area and I'm in both! we go on walks in summer and talks/lectures in winter!

prefer the walks though. I like being out there doin it myself rather than sitting in a room

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by thunder

Really? Can you quote some specifics? It's contrary to the principles of biological recording!

henrya

Our own biological records centre in Hounslow, which uses Recorder 2000. Surrey Wildlife Trust, and GiGL Greenspace Information for Greater London.
I believe the NBN also use this system but could be wrong.

I know what you mean Henry regarding plotting species to a specific location in the correct habitat though.

Cheers,

Adam

[diggleken]

As far as birds are concerned, submit your finds to the BTO Regional Recorder, found on their website - The BTO Regional Network. They should be interested.
If you have any rare, unusual or listed species, you will need to have quite substantiating evidence or details to justify inclusion or acceptance for the county records - again greater detail of whats needed is on the site. This sometimes tiresome approach does however ensure quality recording.
In addition, there are quite a number of surveys that BTO / RSPB undertake that you can get involved with, such as the BBS ( breeding bird survey) which contribute to a scientific approach to badgering government about declining species and habitats and other wildlife issues we are all concerned about!