Why bother?
Conservation is dependent on collecting data. Without knowing what species there are in an area, or indeed what species are missing, you cannot properly decide on how to maintain or create the correct habitats.
Ecologists, Planning Departments and Local Governments all depend on databases to decide what action can be taken when it comes to planning requests and nature Rrecovery or conservation targets and programmes. How can you ensure you protect a species if you do not know it is there?
Continual recording and monitoring can show whether a species is in decline or new ones have arrived. It will show where each species can be found and, in some cases, habitats can be linked together with green corridors. This helps reduce the likelyhood of inbreeding depression and keeps populations healthy.
How can you help?
There are plenty of Apps out there for both Apple and Android smart phones. We would recommend inaturalist and mammal Mapper. Both Apps are free.
Both are linked into National and/or Global databases which means your entries are of scientific value.
Alternatively, click here and you will be taken to our Green Spaces Survey. Here you can submit a nature recording which will be entered into the Greenspace Information for London database (Gigl). It is always best to have a photo on hand so your record can be confirmed! An explaination of Gigl can be found on the survey form. Go ahead! help our local nature.
Where can you find the Apps to download?
inaturalist can be found on: https://www.inaturalist.org. As well as downloading the app, it is well worth while signing in via the website where more features can be found.
Video on how to use Inaturalist
Mammal Mapper can be found on: Apple Store or Google Store. This App was created by The Mammal Society, and more details and a video of how to use the App can be found at The Mammal Society
Will WildChiswick provide training?
Yes, we can do that. If we can get interest from 6 people at a time, we can train a small groups. Please email hello@wildchiswick.com if interested. We more interest the have, the better!
We will also hold recording days throughout Spring and Summer of 2025. keep an eye on the website for these next year.