Resources to help to understand and carry out biological recording, including what makes a good record, and to help with organising and submitting records to the Highland Biodiversity Recording Group and to National Recording schemes. Click on a heading to expand it or collapse it. Most of the links open in a new tab.
Information and Tools
How to record
Apps, software and websites
New to Recording? Introductory materials
Introduction to biological recording – blog posts by Ryan Clark from Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust
What is the point of recording my findings?
What other online resources are out there that will help my recording?
Biological Records Centre: Introduction to Recording
Introductory YouTube Video on Biological Recording from Field Studies Council Biolinks project.
Biological Recording Centre: catalogue of (UK) recording and monitoring schemes for different taxa
Click here to open the catalogue in a new tab
Submitting records to HBRG
When you submit records to HBRG they may be made available freely to members, submitted by HBRG to national recording schemes, and placed by HBRG on the NBN Atlas with full public access. If you wish any restrictions to placed on the availability of data, please make this clear at the time of reporting. A full statement of the conditions is available here.
Anyone is encouraged to submit records of interest to the group by email to records@hbrg.org.uk. Always include species, date, place, 6-figure OSGR (where possible, but at least the 10km square) and any other notes on behaviour or habitat.
If you submit a record via iRecord and iNaturalist, please also copy the record to HBRG. If you use these, then please include the link to your post, or attach any photographs for confirmation.
Download a ‘Best Practice’ guide (.pdf, 120Kb).
Submit a single record online with this form
Download a blank Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx, 12Kb)
If you are uncertain of the identification, a photograph can be emailed to records@hbrg.org.uk when, with luck, one of our members will be able to help. Alternatively, please consult the appropriate identification guide here (Identification resources).
Join a local or national natural history club or group
Click here for a list of some local natural history clubs and groups in Highland (opens in a new tab)
Apps that help with identification and recording
Biological Records Centre: overview of apps and technology
Biological Records Centre: a list of dedicated apps
Seek (by iNaturalist)
Social Media to help with identification
Page under development
