There are four essential pieces of information needed to make a wildlife record:
Who –
The full name of the recorder; the person who made the observation.
An additional name may be needed for the person confirming the identification of the species. This person is known as the determiner and is usually someone with more knowledge or experience of identifying the species that was observed.
What –
The name of the species observed, preferably the scientific name according to current nomenclature. The common name can accompany the scientific name. ERCCIS can accept records of species sightings as well as species' presence, an otter spraint for example.
It is important that you are confident in your identification. Guidebooks and keys can be useful identification tools. ERCCIS has a number of identification guidebooks in its library that are available to use. To see if ERCCIS has the book(s) to match your wildlife and recording interest(s), use the Library Search facility. If you are unsure of your species identification, the Wildlife Information Service can provide assistance. Complete the Got a Wildlife Question? enquiry form. In addition, photographs or specimens are useful to confirm identification which can be sent to ERCCIS or the relevant County Recorder for verification.
When –
The date the species was observed. The preferred format is day, month, and year. If the exact date is uncertain, the month and year will suffice. If the species was observed over a number of days, the date range can be provided.
Where –
A grid reference accompanied by a close indication of the location of the observation, for example, a town, village or landscape feature. The grid reference needs to be attributed to an Ordnance Survey map. For further help on understanding grid references, see the Grid Reference Guide.
ERCCIS encourages anyone to submit wildlife records, whatever your experience and however common or widespread you think the species is. It is important to record those species that are rare and protected as well as the not so rare. Without the knowledge that a species is present or absent, ERCCIS would not be able to give the wildlife information it does to those that need it.
Remember - as a volunteer, recording is carried out at your own risk. Please be aware of health and safety, risk assessment and trespassing whilst out recording. It is a good idea to record in pairs and to carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency.
