Recording

What is a Biological Record?

A biological record is information on the location and status of a species or habitat. A biological record can include a lot of information about an observation but, in order to maintain a national scientific standard, it should consist of at least four elements:

WHO has made the observation, including your name and contact details, so that further information can be traced if necessary. Contact details will not be passed on to any third party without prior consent

WHAT you saw! The species you have seen in as much detail as possible. Additional information is always extremely useful such as a description of the subject, quantity, sex, condition or age. Please send us a photo if you have one - this allows us to confirm the identity of the species.

WHERE the observation was made. Ideally, the location should be given in terms of an Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference with a description of the location. For help on using OS grid references please contact us.

WHEN the observation was made. Ideally the day, month and year that you made the observation, although this can be as vague as ‘during 2007’.

Please contact us to add your sightings to the developing Essex Biological Records database, making sure that you include all of the information above along with a photo if possible. If you have a number of records that you would like to send in then we can send you a template recording form.