Recording a wildlife sighting is more than just what you see. The details included can make all the difference in how valuable your record is. It is also important to know what sightings are worth recording, so you can provide meaningful data.
What is a Sighting Record?
A sighting record is a documented wildlife observation of a species. It is a detailed note of when, where and what you observed, and these records form the foundation of wildlife monitoring and conservation.
What Makes a Good Record?
Four key pieces of information are needed to turn an observation into a valid biological record. They are referred to as the ‘Four Ws”:
What – The name of the species. This can be its common name or scientific name; if you are unsure of the exact species, it’s recommended to take a photo or jot down a description, so an expert can help identify.
Where – The location of your sighting. It’s key to describe this with as much accuracy as possible. A grid reference or a clear place name, along with a detailed description, is ideal. Including a postcode can also be useful to help find the sightings accurately.
When – The specific date of the observation. Recording the date is useful as your record, combined with all the other observations, can give insights into changes in seasonal activity and long-term trends. It is recommended to note down the day, month and year as well as the time of day.
Who – The name of the person or group who made the observation. It will need to include your full name and contact details to help verify and follow up if needed.
Together, these four Ws make every sighting meaningful.
Can I Submit Photos or Audio With My Sightings?
Yes, you can submit photos and audio recordings with your wildlife sightings. It is highly encouraged, as it helps experts verify the species based on what you’ve seen or heard.
Photos are useful for confirming the identity of the species. Try to upload clear, close images so experts can see key features to help identify. Audio recordings are great for species that are easier to hear rather than see as they can help with confirming identification.
Is Supporting Evidence Required?
Supporting evidence alongside the above isn’t always required, but it can be helpful and make sure your sighting can be confidently verified. For difficult-to-identify species, this supporting evidence becomes even more important.
Where Can I Submit My Mammal Sightings?
In the UK, you can submit your mammal sightings via websites and apps. Two of the most popular for recording all wildlife are iNaturalistUK and iRecord.
iNaturalistUK
This is one of the world’s most popular apps and has an easy-to-use website, helping with identification. It allows you to upload your images and sighting information of wild species in the same place and meet a community of wildlife recorders. It’s simple to use and helps you identify what you’ve seen.
iRecord
This online platform and app are the central hub for all UK wildlife sightings. It brings wildlife records from many sources into one place where they can be checked and shared with National Recording Schemes, Local Environmental Record Centres and the NBN Atlas. You can register for free, and it’s super easy to add your own wildlife records. iRecord works best if you have already identified the species you are recording.
Mammal Mapper App
This is a free app that is specifically designed for recording UK mammals and their sightings. While using Mammal Mapper, you can either submit one-off sightings or full surveys, and all the data from this goes directly to the national database.
Environmental Consultancy from Greenlight
Greenlight brings decades of experience in delivering environmental consultancy services. Our team is led by ecologists who have very high levels of training. Whether you have spotted something in your garden, or you have seen something where you work, we have a team who are able to turn any community record into action. We can also align our observations with the legal framework, carrying out best practices to ensure that your data is used effectively.
If you want to find out more, then we encourage you to get in touch today for your next project. When you do, you can then count on us to not only meet your expectations, but to exceed them.
