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This page aims to give a brief introduction to natural history recording and hopefully encourage more people to submit records, particularly those who may not already have done so.
What is Recording?
What Use Are Records?
What Should I Record?
Where Should I Record?
What Information do I Need to Record?
What Do I Do With My Records?
Management of Records
...and Finally
In order to increase our knowledge of the distribution of species in the natural world, it is necessary to know exactly where and when they occur. By carefully observing and noting down what you see, it is possible over a period of time to produce comprehensive distributions of a large number of different species. This information can be collected by experts and beginners alike in the form of records, each of which details observations of particular species. Thus, a record is simply information detailing an observation of a particular species, at a given place and time. It follows therefore that recording is simply the process of collecting and analysing this information.
Your records are just as important whether you are an expert in the particular field or you are just beginning, providing the information you record is accurate. By observing whatever you are interested in and carefully noting down all relevant information, it is easy to make a significant contribution.
Back to topThe information gained from accurate records can be put to numerous uses, probably the most important being to reveal possible changes in the status of our wildlife and to provide information of value for its of conservation. Provided enough records have been submitted, rare species can easily be identified, even those which may appear to be locally common but which are not widely distributed. This information is most useful if it has been gathered over a number of years and is 'at hand' whenever it is required.
Back to topAnything! If you have a particular interest in plants for example, take careful notes of any plants you observe (no matter how common you may think they are). Alternatively, ornithologists can record details of any birds they spot. As you may have guessed, the important word here is any; All records are important whether you think the species you have noted is common or extremely rare.
Back to topAnywhere! If you have a particular favourite location you like visiting or somewhere you have never been before, you can always collect useful information. The Sutton Conservation Society is particularly interested in records from Sutton and the surrounding area.
Back to topThe most important thing to remember is that the more detail your records contain, the more useful they are. You should always include the species, your name, the date and a grid reference. Any extra information such as habitat, behaviour or abundance, will increase the value of your record immensely.
Back to topAll your records can be sent in via this site (see the "Leave a Sighting" on the main page). They are then collated with records obtained from other people and analysed to provide a complete view.
Back to topRecords are managed by the Society, and made available to members.
Back to topBy sending in your records, it is possible to make a valuable contribution to further our understanding of the natural world - it is not difficult and anyone can contribute!
Back to top