How to record wildlife - send
us your records - support for recorders - workshops - Local
recording groups
Wildlife recording is essential for establishing
the characteristics of any species population and community.
Species that may be perceived as locally common can be used
as indicators to show changes in the local environment.
By gathering information on the occurrence of individuals,
population and community fluctuations or changes can be
determined over time. These observations can then lead to
appropriate action at the local, national and international
level.
Coot Fulica atra
photograph taken by JB & S Bottomley
Wildlife is dynamic by its very nature. It therefore follows
that information of a biological nature is also never static – records
compiled yesterday are out-of-date by tomorrow. We therefore
have a never-ending task of keeping up with the wildlife of Cornwall
and the Isles of Scilly!
Identifying a specimen
photograph taken by Alex Howie
The recording of both floral and faunal species throughout Cornwall
and the Isles of Scilly is co-ordinated here at the Environmental
Records Centre. Through the records collected it is possible
to compile maps and collate information on habitats and species
in the region. The results can then be used for education, general
interest and the benefit of conservation by a variety of individuals
or organisations.
The ERCCIS staff are constantly trying to involve more people
in recording throughout Cornwall, as well as providing help and
support for the established and valued current recorders. We
run at least one public participation survey per year – this
year we are asking people to record where ponds are found within
the Cornish landscape. See our Cornwall
and Isles of Scilly Pond Survey page to find out how you can get involved.
The Records Centre supports and/or co-ordinates
a number of local recording groups including the Botanical
Cornwall Group, the Cornwall Bat Group, the Cornwall Mammal
Group and the Cornwall Moth Group. See our Local
Recording Groups page to find out more.
Magpie moth Abraxas grossulariata
photograph taken by Colin Butler
One very useful publication for people recording in Cornwall
and Scilly is A Handbook for Biological
Recorders, available
from ERCCIS, and published in conjunction with the Cornwall and
Isles of Scilly Federation for Biological Recorders.
Send us your records
