We need your help with recording species! Your records are really important in helping us build a picture of how certain species are faring on the Island, so why not get involved? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Wildlife records are invaluable as they can tell us:

• If a species really is rare or threatened - it is helpful to have an accurate picture of where they are and how their population or range is changing over time
• Today's common species may be tomorrow's rare species; we won't know it’s happening and won't be able to help if we don't know where they are
• Monitoring species can also help us detect other kinds of change, such as change in the climate. For example, butterflies associated with warmer regions may arrive here and become established
• Above all, recording gives you the perfect excuse to get out there and enjoy the countryside!

This information can begin to build a picture that can then be used to help protect species, enhance and create habitats, produce distribution atlases and monitor change. Find out more about local recording via the Isle of Wight Local Records Centre and the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society. If you already have wildlife records and wish to submit them to the Local Records Centre, find out how to do so at our Recorders' page.

iSpot is an online way of recording species, learning about your finds and sharing your knowledge of your local wildlife. People can upload their observations, help each other identify it and discuss what they've seen. Find out more and register at www.ispot.org.uk

OPAL (Open Air Laboratories Network) is an exciting new initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature. They aim to create and inspire a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment. Learn new skills, have fun, and help scientists in important research.

Wildflowers Count with the results from this survey, Plantlife aims to build up a picture of the common wildflowers, where they grow, either in the countryside or our towns and cities, whether they are declining or increasing, as they are good indicators of the health of our environment. The survey aims to attract anyone with a love of wildflowers, and you don’t need to be a skilled botanist, everything is explained in the free survey pack supplied when you register your interest.

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