How to record wildlife

Recording wildlife means collecting information about species, sites, habitats relating to an area and adding that information into a pool of data so that it can be shared and used to help in conservation and wildlife studies.

Collecting wildlife information

A very important part of enjoying wildlife is to recognise the species, learn about the different kinds of habitats, and to recognise important wildlife places (or sites). 

Become a wildlife recorder!

By recording your sightings and passing them on, it is possible to contribute towards 'conservation knowledge' and conservation action. See the Local Wildlife Sites page for information about the classification of important wildlife sites in Renfrewshire

POCKET NOTEBOOKS - Most experienced wildllife recorders still use pocket notebooks - at least alongside digital devices. Keeping a note of your sightings is easy, and preserving them is a doddle!

MAPS - It is now easy to download local maps from  several websites such as UK grid ref plotter. Get in touch if you need help with this. I usually take out a map sheet for keeping a record of where I've been and what I've seen.

Online recording

There are now several kinds of online methods for contributing information.

iRecord, is an easy choice for many amateurs.  either recording on their website or app which can be installed on on mobile phones. This allows collected information to be shared and examined. Below is an example of the maps that iRecord can easily generate.

Here's a link to a tutorial video - An introduction to biological recording with the iRecord app - YouTube

Here's a link to the iRecord guidance notes - Get started with iRecord... | iRecord

This website will use records submitted through iRecord so please use that if you are keen to contribute. It is not so useful to send in lots of records about very common species, so please use some discretion when recording.

Biological Records Centre 

The Glasgow Museum Biological Records Centre collects records over a wider area, encompassing several local authority areas, including Renfrewshire. Details of how to send in records to them is on their website.

Other methods

Many people are members of species interest groups such as Botanical Society of the British Isles, or the british dragonfly Society. Theseorganisations often have their own recording schemes.