Surveys and sightings

Recording sightings

If you are interested in recording your wildlife sightings there are plenty of apps and websites where you can do this. Much of this data is then shared across the UK’s wildlife conservation organisations, government agencies and voluntary groups via membership of the National Biodiversity Network; a collaborative project that facilitates the collation and sharing of this data.

The National Biodiversity Network provides information on how to get started with identifying and recording species so I would recommend visiting their site. However, here are links for some of the main places you can submit your sightings.

iSpotA good place to start if you need help with identifying species
iRecordFor once you are more confident at identification
Nature’s CalendarTracks the timings of different seasonal events for indicator species, such as a tree’s first blossom or the first sighting of a migratory bird.

Surveys

As well as recording sightings there is also a multitude of surveys you can get involved with. The National Biodiversity Network has a database of 200 Wildlife Surveys and Biological Recording Schemes .

I have picked out a few of these below that cover a range of time commitment required.

Big Garden Birdwatch

Who?RSPB
When?Last weekend in January
Length1 hour per survey
FrequencyOnce a year
Child friendly?Yes

Who?B&Q and Butterfly Conservation
When?July and August
Length15 minutes
FrequencyOnce a year
Child friendly?Yes

Bee Walk

Who?Bumblebee Conservation Trust
When?March to October
LengthAbout an hour to to a 1-2 km walk
FrequencyOnce each survey month
Child friendly?Probably better suited to older children

FIT Count (Flower-Insect Timed Count )

Who? POMS (UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme)
When?April to September
Length10 mins per count
FrequencyAs many as you like
Child friendly?Not targeted at children

OPAL Bugs Count Survey

Who?People’s Trust for Endangered Species
When?May to November
Length3 challenges of 15 minutes each
FrequencyAs many as you like
Child friendly?Yes

Garden BirdWatch

Who?BTO
When?Ongoing
Length20 minutes
FrequencyOnce a week
Child friendly?Not targeted at children

Dragonfly Watch

Who?British Dragonfly Society
When?May to September
LengthOptional but standardise for each survey
Frequency At least 3 times a year
Child friendly?Not targeted at children