Recording & Support -
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Designing a Recording Scheme
We are frequently asked how to begin a recording project. Often by individuals or small groups or trusts who have acquired some land or have a large back garden they'd like to systematiclly record wildlife in.There are a number of considerations to bear in mind when looking to design a recording scheme.
Why do you want to record on the site? Are you just interested to know what's there or would you like your records to be used to inform some sort of management regime?
Recording and site management go hand in hand and there's a useful calendar to keep in mind:
| Date | Nature Reserve | Your Site |
| Spring/Summer Year 1 |
Baseline Survey | Begin your own wildlife observations. Plan any changes you'd like to make according to your findings |
| Autumn/Winter Year 1/2 |
1st Cycle of Management Regime | Build your ponds/landscaping, planting |
| Spring/Summer Year 2 |
1st Cycle of Survey Regime | Begin recording to see the effect of your management |
This is a cyclical process and each year recording informs land-owners how well they're management is working, be it for conservation, game-keeping or gardening.
The Records Centre can offer advice on how to record, recording methods for certain species groups and importantly we can put you in touch with recording groups and individuals who may be able to help you get some baseline data. But we aren't qualified to inform groups how to manage their site and what management is likely to be required. Again we can put you in touch with people who can help.
Groups can also use our equipment (GPS units for example), please see our Technical Support & Grants section.
If you'd like to learn more about designing a recording scheme please contact us and arrange a visit and we'll do our best to help.
