Biological Recording

We already know a great deal about the birds and flowering plants of the islands, in comparison our knowledge of most of the invertebrates and fungi is very limited. If you look at the distribution maps for many of the animals and plants found on the Scottish mainland on the National Biodiversity Network on-line database you will discover that there are very few records for the Outer Hebrides.

Every record is important. It is exciting discovering a rare species or one that has not been previously recorded in the islands; however, it is equally important to record the common species. By combining records from individual recorders and large organised surveys we can begin to form a detailed and accurate picture our wildlife: which species are present, where they are found and their status - common or rare, resident or migrant.

Outer Hebrides Biological Recording is not only concerned with collecting and collating records, we have to provide a system to make it easy to submit records, persuade recorders to share their information with us and encourage more people to become involved. The number of biological recorders resident in the islands is very small; however the efforts of a small group of active recorders or even one person can significantly increase our knowledge.

If you are interested in wildlife and would like to know how to begin recording we can help you make a start. To encourage more people to participate we organise workshops and activity days for beginners and provide ongoing support for active recorders through seminars and identification courses.