Initiatives
Recording wildlife in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
What the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre does
The Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC) is the local environmental records centre for Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. We collate, manage and share trusted information about species, habitats and geological and ecological sites to support conservation, land management, research and evidence-based decision making.
Our databases include information on thousands of sites of value for nature conservation and millions of species records contributed by local naturalist groups, professional ecologists, researchers, conservation organisations, statutory bodies, local authorities and members of the public.
Why your records matter
Every record helps build a clearer picture of where wildlife is found and how it is changing over time. Records from under-recorded areas are especially valuable, but common and familiar species are also important.
The information held by the WBRC may be used for several purposes, including the development of the Warwickshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Warwick District Biodiversity Action Programme, Warwickshire’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and Local Nature Action Plans developed by town and parish councils (link to LNAP page). It may also be used to respond to planning applications.
How to submit records to WBRC
- Recommended for beginners: iNaturalist
- If you are new to recording, we recommend submitting sightings through the iNaturalist app (or the iNaturalist website). It provides:
- helpful ID suggestions from your photo or sound recording
- a community of other users who can help confirm or improve identifications
- a clear record of date, location and evidence (photos/sounds)
- simple management of your own sightings over time
- As identifications are improved and confirmed, records can be made available to local records centres through the UK recording pipeline. This means your sightings can contribute to local and national datasets without you having to learn specialist recording systems on day one.
- If you are new to recording, we recommend submitting sightings through the iNaturalist app (or the iNaturalist website). It provides:
- Also supported: iRecord
- iRecord is another widely used recording platform in the UK. It is particularly useful if you are already confident with identification, are submitting lists of records, or are working on a specific taxonomic group or survey method.
- Direct submission to WBRC
- If you have records in another format (for example, a spreadsheet, recorder notebook export, or a set of verified records from structured surveys), you can submit them directly to the WBRC using our online form: WBRC Species Record Submission Form
- If you are recording sensitive species (or sensitive locations) please consider how much location detail is appropriate to share publicly. Many apps allow you to obscure locations, and you can also contact WBRC directly if you need advice.
Local recording groups in and around Warwickshire
Warwickshire has a strong community of specialist groups and county recorders. Many organise surveys, training and field meetings, and some focus on particular species groups. If you would like to learn faster, join a group that matches your interests.
