New to Recording?

Then this is the perfect way to get started!

This page is aimed at people with limited expertise or experience in the identification and recording of plants and animals who would like to learn more and would like to get involved.

All you need to do is record wildlife in your own local area or a place that you visit frequently, such as your garden, local park or green space. This is an easy project that can be done at any time to suit you, just by carrying a notebook with you when you walk in your local area. If you are unsure of your observations, make as accurate a description as you can, or take a photograph, and we should be able to help you identify it.

We have chosen 32 species that we are particularly looking for which include mammals, birds, insects, plants, amphibians and reptiles. They have been chosen as they are known to be good indicators of the health of the environment and whether it is changing. Some species can be seen year round including Kingfisher, Barn Owl and Otter; others are seasonal and can only be spotted at certain times of year. Click here to download a species factsheet with images and brief description for all of the species we have chosen, or use the links opposite to read full details of the 32 species; the information includes habitat, best times to see them and a full description to help with identification. There is a wealth of other information as well.

These indicator species are relatively easy to identify, some are quite rare and we would like to know if they are spreading, others are non-native species so we would like to keep an eye on them. Follow the links to find a picture and description of each of the indicator species featured.

All we need to know is what you saw, where you saw it (preferably with a grid reference, postcode or detailed description), when you saw it and who you are. Simple really! Any additional information you can add such as whether it was an adult or juvenile, what the habitat was like, what it was doing and what the weather was like would be a bonus. You can submit your records via the on-line form, or download the recording spreadsheet which has details on how to fill in the various fields.

The more wildlife we know about, the more we can try to protect, especially when it comes to planning matters where the WSBRC supplies information to the planning authorities and agencies such as Natural England on applications that may have impacts upon key sites, habitats and species.

Take a look at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 'What's On' guide for details of walks, events and species identification courses that are available each year and will help you to brush up on your knowledge of butterflies, birds, amphibians, mammals and even spiders! But even with limited wildlife knowledge, you can still send in valid records of things you do know how to identify, even if that is only Blackbirds and Robins!

Once you have been recording for a while and built up your experience, or would like to take part in a dedicated project why not get involved with on of our long term monitoring schemes with commitment ranging from one survey a year to one a month! Or take part in a short term project that are one off surveys such as a pond survey, or a specific request such as letting us know when you see a road casualty.

We are currently experiencing problems listing the 32 species for this project. We are working on fixing the problem and will have them linked soon.

In the meantime download the species factsheet (opposite) to find out more about the species

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.