An important part of nature conservation is understanding what is (and is not) around. But whilst there are dedicated volunteers who spend a lot of their time recording birds, running butterfly transects, moth trapping and researching into many other obscure groups the activity in the wider area is often less well recorded. Quite simply there is a lot of countryside, not forgetting urban areas..

So whilst I personally will concentrate on ensuring the recording the wildlife of Wilwell over the year, I also record birds, butterflies and mammals etc seen (or heard) on my walks around Rushcliffe. And although particularly looking out for more “iconic” species like Skylarks, Hares, Woodpeckers or Purple Emperors, I would also record the “usual suspects” – the Robins, Great Tits, Crows and Blackbirds, Small Tortoiseshells and Speckled Wood.

Everyone can contribute to this picture, even if it is reporting for example bird and butterfly  records in the local park or nature reserve once a month or when out walking the dog. And whilst your individual records may not seem much, when added into the general database they add to the bigger picture.,

But such records need to get into the county and national databases to be of value and for this you can use the Notts Wildlife Trust web site Nature Counts to record wildlife you have seen in the area. Straightforward to use – you just need a date, a species, numbers (if possible) and to be able to pinpoint the location on the online map. This is then forms part of the national records of wildlife distribution, helping create a picture of species distribution and abundance.

To find out more about Nature Counts and set up an account follow this link

https://record.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/