Guidance manuals
The Darwin Guide to Recording Wildlife
In the year celebrating Darwin's bicentennary and the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species we have produced The Darwin Guide to Recording Wildlife.
This guide explains how to record for enjoyment, for interest and for best value for science and conservation. It’s offered with this introduction as the Darwin guide because Charles Darwin was himself a recorder; he loved observing natural life and used his and others’ records in his science.
He was also a friendly, funny and adventurous man. We can learn much from his approach to recording, and, most importantly, he can encourage us in all we do.
Read here how he was inspired to record, his ways of working, his triumphs and his failures! We can sense through his experience how we can enjoy wildlife just as he did and feel our own wonder at its endless fascination.
Download a PDF of this guide
Improving Wildlife Data Quality Guidebook. NEW and revised version!
These guidance notes focus on wildlife data verification and validation, in the context of the overall collection, management and dissemination of the wildlife information. They are intended for use by anyone involved in collecting or using wildlife data. They are not intended to be the last word. Different participants in biological recording will have more or less of a need to adopt particular methods. One solution will not suit everyone but this document will give you a good starting point.
Download the Improving Wildlife Data Quality Guidance
Running a Biological Recording Scheme or Survey Guidebook. NEW and revised version!
Recently updated and reprinted, this guidebook is designed to help and inform administrators of biological recording schemes and societies. Contents include:
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Planning and funding
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Field recording
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Managing data
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Publicity, recruitment, training and support
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Making use of data
Download the revised Running a Biological Recording Scheme or Survey
Guidance for Local Authorities on accessing biodiversity information
Local Authorities need information about the distribution of legally protected, rare or threatened species, important habitats and designated sites. Without up-to-date reliable information, they can find themselves exposed to adverse risk, legally, environmentally and economically.
Local Environmental Record Centres provide cost-effective information services which help Local Authorities to comply with their statutory duties, thereby reducing risk and liability. These services are essential for underpinning policies and decision making and for protecting and enhancing the natural environment for the benefit of the local community.
Download the guidance for Local Authorities on accessing biodiversity information