WWBIC Wildlife Recording Toolkit
A tool to provide the information you need to start identifying and recording wildlife in your local area.
Species Identification Resources
Get to know wildlife – The following groups together ID resources and details of monitoring schemes for all the major species groups:
Plants form the basis of all terrestrial habitats and food chains. By harvesting energy from sunlight, they power all ecosystems as well as providing shelter and habitat for birds, mammals, insects, other animals, and fungi. They are also fascinating wildlife in their own right, with a near-endless array of life-forms and ingenious survival strategies. They live in close association with other organisms, and a close look at a few plants in the wild will soon reveal all kinds of other life – trails of leaf-mining larvae, colourful ‘rust’ and ‘smut’ fungi, bizarre distortions or ‘galls’ and much more. The closer you look, the more you are likely to find. Even a patch of roadside verge can provide hours of fascination!
Plant associations are intricate interactions between plants and various species that can have significant ecological and evolutionary implications. These relationships encompass a wide range of interactions, including herbivory, pollination, and mutualism, where both organisms benefit. For instance, many insects rely on plants for food, while plants often depend on insects for pollination and seed dispersal. These associations play vital roles in shaping ecosystems, influencing plant community dynamics, and promoting biodiversity. Understanding these interactions is essential for conservation efforts and agricultural practices, as they can impact crop yields and ecosystem health.
Algae are simple, photosynthetic organisms found in various environments, primarily in aquatic settings, both freshwater and marine. They consist of a wide range of species, from single-celled phytoplankton to large multicellular forms like seaweeds. Algae play a crucial role in our ecosystems, serving as primary producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, which forms the base of the aquatic food web. Bryophytes are a group of non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are characterized by their small size, simple structures, and reliance on water for reproduction. Bryophytes play crucial ecological roles, such as helping to retain moisture in their environments, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for various organisms. They reproduce via spores rather than seeds and have a distinct life cycle that includes a dominant gametophyte generation. Found in a variety of habitats, from forest floors to wetlands, bryophytes are important indicators of environmental health and biodiversity. Home – British Bryological Society
Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that play crucial roles in ecosystems around the world. This kingdom includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, which exhibit a wide range of forms and functions. Fungi are unique in their mode of nutrition, as they obtain nutrients through saprotrophic, parasitic, or symbiotic relationships, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the environment. They contribute significantly to soil health, plant growth, and decomposition processes. Additionally, fungi have important applications in food production, medicine, and biotechnology, making them vital for both ecological balance and human society. Their intricate life cycles and varied reproductive strategies further highlight their adaptability and importance in different ecosystems. Home :: British Mycological Society
Lichens are fascinating symbiotic organisms formed through the mutualistic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic partners, usually algae or cyanobacteria. These unique structures can be found in a variety of environments, from rugged mountain tops to urban surfaces, showcasing their remarkable resilience and adaptability. Lichens play essential roles in ecosystems, including soil formation, nutrient cycling, and serving as bioindicators of air quality. Their diverse colors and forms contribute to the beauty of landscapes, while their ability to thrive in extreme conditions makes them important subjects of study in ecology and climate research.
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Welcome | The Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland General ID Guides Arachnids and arachnology | British Arachnological Society
British Bugs Home – An online identification guide to UK Hemiptera Dipterists Forum – the society for the study of flies (Diptera) Sea Trust | Marine Conservation Charity | Wales, UK Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre | The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
Resources
ResourcesVascular Plants
Organisations
Projects
Identification Resources
Plant Associations
Algae
Organisation
Bryophytes
Organisation
Fungi
Organisation
Projects
Lichens
Organisations
Resources
Bees, Wasps and Ants
Resources
Birds
Organisations
Projects
Resources
Butterflies and Moths
Organisations
Mammals
Projects
Resources
Molluscs
Organisations
Projects
Resources
Other Invertebrates
Annelids (Worms and relatives)
Organisations
Projects
Resources
Arachnids (Spiders and relatives)
Organisations
Projects
Resources
Grasshoppers, Crickets and Earwigs
Organisations
Resources
True Bugs
Organisations
Resources
Shieldbugs
Beetles
Dragonflies and damselflies
Organisations
Flies (Diptera)
Organisations
Hoverflies
Scorpion Flies
Craneflies
Myriapods and Isopods
Organisations
Resources
Organisations
Schemes
Organisations
Habitats
West Wales is a haven for a diverse range of species, shaped by its varied landscapes of coastal cliffs, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands. The region is particularly known for its marine life, with abundant populations of grey seals and the occasional bottlenose dolphin spotted off the coast. Inland, you can find red kites soaring through the skies, the woodlands provide habitat for mammals and diverse birdlife, with vast areas of upland heath and moor providing habitat for specialist plants and their associated invertabrates. The unique ecosystems of West Wales make it an important area for wildlife conservation and offer nature enthusiasts countless opportunities to observe and appreciate a variety of habitats.
Why record wildlife?
There are as many different motivations as there are wildlife recorders. You may find your own motivation over time, but three broad reasons are outlined below:
- 1. For ConservationKnowing where species occur is vital to conserving them. Certain species are legally protected, nationally listed as conservation concern, or identified as locally important. A list of these species can be found here. The presence of these species can directly bear on the planning process. In addition, our database is searched every day by our partners in local authorities, statutory bodies, wildlife organisations and others, for species records to guide conservation actions.
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- 2. For ResearchNatural systems are changing, species are on the move. As the climate shifts we are seeing new species arriving here from the continent, we may also see an increased rate of decline of our native flora and fauna. Biological records, largely created by volunteers, play a crucial role in tracking these changes, so we can mitigate them and help to restore ecosystems. Large datasets of species records over long time periods can be combined into large studies that show us how distributions and populations are changing over time. These studies rely on records of all species in a taxon group, another reason it is important to record even the seemingly common species. National findings from biological records are summarised in the State of Nature report, or on a more local level, the Carmarthenshire State of Nature report. You can learn more about the various monitoring schemes for different taxon groups here.
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- 3. For YourselfGetting out in nature is great for your wellbeing and recording wildlife is a great way to do that. It is a fun way to learn more about the natural world, connect to your local patch, and you can keep track of your growing knowledge with our recording website. You may discover your curiosity keeps growing too!
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What to record?
- Recording Schemes Calendar
- Request a target species list
Contact us with a location you are interested in recording and we can provide you with a list of species that need to be recorded in the area.
Contact Us
Recording FAQ
- Why is recording important/Why should I do it?The records you submit go towards mapping the biodiversity of West Wales. The data is stored securely and shared with the appropriate bodies to inform conservation, planning and policy decisions.
- Where does the data go? Who can see the full data?The data is stored securely in our database, it is then uploaded to our Wales wide site Aderyn where distribution maps and non-sensitive species records can be seen by the public and all records can be requested by ecological consultants and other partner and reasearch organisations.
- Will people be able to see where I live, if I record species in my garden?You do not need to put your personal address in the record, the street name or nearest town is sufficient.
- How quickly will I know if my records are verified?Verification is done by a small number of volunteer experts who have an enormous amount of records to verify. Some schemes will verify regularly others may be once a year. Don’t worry if your record is not verified yet it is still useful. Send your records to the local experts here.
- Can I use What3words instead of a grid reference?W3W is a useful tool and can be transformed into a grid reference using Grid Reference Finder online.
- Where can I find a grid reference?LERC Wales App will generate a grid reference on the go. Our website will generate a grid reference from the map location. Or you can download OS locate or find it online at Grid Reference Finder.
- What is the difference between iRecord and iNaturalist?iRecord is UK based and developed and funded by UKCEH and the Biological Records Centre (BRC), who suport british schemes and societies. The records are verified by experts from theses societies. iNaturalist has a different verification process where any record is verified if 3 or more people agree with the identification. We recomend the LERC Wales App which is based on the same system as iRecord.
One of Wales’ four regional local record centres.
Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Carmarthenshire
Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Ceredigion
Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Pembrokeshire