If you want to record the biodiversity in your local area, you might wonder where to start.
You might have a preference for certain species groups, a rough idea of what lives on your site, or a curiosity about what kinds of surveys and activities you can do with a group at different times of the year. The Nature Recording Hub is designed to show you the possibilities when it comes to recording wildlife so you can choose something that interests you.
This section of the Hub contains:
- Collections of survey methods and identification guides that offer a selection of ready-made ideas for different habitats and groups.
- A survey calendar that shows a range of wildlife survey methodologies and national recording schemes. This can help you plan surveys throughout the year and give you inspiration for each season.
- A full catalogue of survey methods, national recording schemes and identification guides sorted by species group or by subject.
You can browse the calendar to plan your surveys for the year. Alternatively, you can pick some categories that interest you, or that you already know are relevant for the site you want to monitor.
Submitting your observations
Most of the standardised surveys included in this section of the Hub will already have a website or app where you can upload your results. It’s really important that you feed the results of your surveys back to these schemes, as the data are used by researchers and decision makers to inform conservation measures.
If you make observations outside of these surveys, using the ID guides or your own methods, you can use apps like iRecord or iNaturalist to share your records. For more details on how to make records, read our Introduction to biological recording article.
Nature Recording Hub
Discover how to record the wildlife in your urban environment.
Collections of surveys, schemes and ID guides
If you want to start monitoring the wildlife in your area, we have gathered a variety of surveys from UK wildlife organisations that are suitable for beginners. We also have links to helpful identification guides.
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Pond wildlife surveys
Discover the amazing pond wildlife in the UK. Explore surveys and guides to monitor and identify animals and plants.
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Plant and Pollinator wildlife surveys
UK surveys and guides for plants and pollinators. Monitor and identify plants and pollinating insects.
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Community greenspace wildlife surveys
Learn how to monitor biodiversity in your green space. Find one-off and longer-term surveys for gardens, allotments and more.
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Wildlife surveys for kids
Help kids have fun exploring wildlife. Find surveys, activities and ID guides for different settings and seasons.
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Street and park wildlife surveys
Discover how you can monitor wildlife in your local park or even on your daily walk.
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Spring wildlife activity day
Ideas for a fun-filled day of exploring nature and wildlife in spring, for all ages. Learn how to do surveys and engage with your local environment.
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Summer wildlife activity day
Ideas for a fun-filled day of exploring nature and wildlife in summer, for all ages. Learn how to do surveys and engage with your local environment.
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Autumn wildlife activity day
Ideas for a fun-filled day of exploring nature and wildlife in autumn, for all ages. Learn how to do surveys and engage with your local environment.
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Winter wildlife activity day
Ideas for a fun-filled day of exploring nature and wildlife in winter, for all ages. Learn how to do surveys and engage with your local environment.
Year round survey calendar
Use our calendar to find surveys that suit your schedule and skill level.
Catalogue of survey methods, national recording schemes and identification guides
This catalogue is sorted by species group or by subject. We have listed guides and suggested surveys that are suitable for beginners, as well as for those with more experience.
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Bird survey methods and ID guides
A selection of bird survey methods and identification guides, suitable for beginners and for more advanced birders.
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Mammal survey methods and ID guides
Browse this selection of survey methods and ID guides for terrestrial mammal species, including bats
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Terrestrial invertebrate survey methods and ID guides - Beginners’ catalogue
This catalogue shows you how to identify and record invertebrates, the backbone of healthy ecosystems, and how to improve their habitats.
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Freshwater invertebrates survey methods and ID guides
Freshwater invertebrates can tell us a lot about the health of a waterbody. We have surveys and guides both for beginners, and for those with a little more experience.
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Reptile survey methods and ID guides
Discover how to spot and identify the UK's six native reptile species with this selection of survey methods and guides.
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Amphibian survey methods and ID guides
Discover the amazing frogs, toads and newts that live in the UK. A selection of amphibian survey methods and identification guides.
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Plant survey methods and ID guides
Identification guides and useful resources for monitoring wild and naturalised plants in the UK.
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Fungi, lichen and bryophyte survey methods and ID guides
Welcome to the wonderful world of fungi, lichens and bryophytes! A selection of identification guides and survey schemes for these three groups.
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Habitat classification surveys and ID guides
Resources to help develop your skills as you identify and survey your local habitats.
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Tree and hedgerow survey methods and ID guides
Monitoring trees and hedgerows can improve the health of these habitats. Our catalogue will help you to recognise different species and survey their condition.
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Marine and coastal survey methods and ID guides
Discover the rich diversity of life forms on the UK's coast. A collection of surveys and ID guides for marine and coastal environments.
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Survey methods and ID guides for invasive non-native species, pests and diseases
This catalogue lists non-native UK species that harm native ones, and how to report them and priority pests and diseases.
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Soil and soil fauna survey methods and ID guides
Discover the hidden creatures within the soil in your garden with these resources.
