ERCCIS receives records on paper - for example, a wildlife recording form - or electronically - via the website or on a spreadsheet. An acknowledgement and thank you card is sent to the recorder for their record(s).
The information is checked to ensure the essential 'Who, What, When and Where' have been provided and that the information is plausible and understandable. Examples of checks include ensuring that the date is in the correct format and that the grid reference matches the location name. If there are any queries about missing information or ambiguity, the recorder is contacted for clarification before the information is used any further. This process is called validation.
When records have passed validation, they are ready to be entered into the database. Records that are received on paper are entered manually by a team of volunteers into a mini database before being checked and imported into the main database. Electronic records are imported into the main database with a few clicks of the mouse. Original records are stored safely and securely within ERCCIS.
Record verification is intended to ascertain how likely the species is to be found at the location, in the habitat, and under the circumstances it has been recorded. This level of checking data accuracy requires specialist knowledge of the species group recorded, where they are found in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, their habitat and other ecological requirements. This can sometimes be done within ERCCIS using the skills and experience of ERCCIS staff as well as the resources available to them, species atlases or local knowledge for example. Alternatively, ERCCIS staff contact local specialists and/or County Recorders to provide their expertise to determine records. Each record in the database is marked as 'Not yet verified', 'Passed verification' or 'Failed verification'. ERCCIS does not delete data if a record fails verification.
Wildlife information may be used in desk studies to provide ecological consultants, land owners, students or members of the public with information pertaining to a particular location or species in the county. Wildlife information can be requested by completing and returning an Information Request Form to the Wildlife Information Service. Furthermore, ERCCIS provides species datasets to The NBN Gateway (National Biodiversity Network Gateway) which makes raw data available for wider use by members of the public. Learn more about ERCCIS and the NBN Gateway.
Data Protection - The wildlife information ERCCIS holds is made available to others but personal details relating to recorders are not passed on without prior permission being given by the individual. Sensitive or confidential records, such as locations of protected species, roost sites, setts or nest sites are generally not made available. If you submit wildlife records to ERCCIS and would like them to remain confidential, please make ERCCIS aware by clearly marking them as such when the information is submitted.
In summary, the data provided by recorders are vitally important because they are used to help improve understanding of the natural history of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They may help to understand a species' habitat requirements or enable the evaluation of a species' status. Wildlife records enable ERCCIS and other conservation organisations to make decisions about and take action to conserve the natural environment of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for the benefit of this and future generations.
