Biological Recording and Essex Wildlife Trust
Biological records provide information on the location and status of habitats
and species. A biological record consists of a minimum of the ‘4 Ws’:
WHO made the observation?
WHAT species was recorded?
WHERE was the species recorded? – a place name and
grid reference if possible
WHEN was the observation made?
Recording what species are present in Essex is vitally important for the management and conservation of wildlife rich areas. Monitoring important habitat features and
the presence of species in a habitat allows us to identify areas in need of management and ensure that the management techniques being used are benefiting wildlife.
GET INVOLVED!
Join the Essex Wildlife Trust survey team
Essex Wildlife Trust runs a number of surveys and training courses throughout the year. We are looking for volunteers to become part of our survey team. For details of surveys or to be added to our mailing list please contact Lorna Shaw the Biological Records Officer on lornas@essexwt.org.uk.
Our 2011 survey leaflet giving details of the work we are planning this year is now available to download – Click here.
Report a sighting
Do you know of any birds, mammals, veteran trees or interesting plants in your area? We are interested in hearing about the species in your local area, whether they are rare or not. Email records@essexwt.org.uk with your species sightings, attaching a photograph if possible. Alternatively, a recording form and guidelines can be downloaded below.
Recording form:
Species recording form.xls
Species recording form.pdf
Guidance Notes:
Please use these notes as a reference when filling out the species recording form, and save a copy of this form to print or fill in to send us if you collect records on a regular basis.
Biological Recording in Essex (BRIE)
Essex Wildlife Trust is currently leading on a project to establish a Biological Records Centre for Essex. Essex is one of the few counties in England without a records centre, so there is currently no central point of contact for people and organisations that need to obtain information about notable species in Essex. Records sent in to us will therefore contribute to the developing Essex records database. For more information please contact the Biological Records Officer Lorna Shaw, or visit www.brienet.org.uk.