What is a record?
A biological record is typically who recorded what species, where it was recorded and when. The why could be because of work on an environmental project, or just being out walking and noticing the species. For example, ‘when walking my dog in Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim on Friday 14 December 2006, I (John Smith) noticed red squirrels’.
In addition to the above information, you could also record how many individuals you saw. You may also want to add some comments about what you recorded. For example, in the above, you could perhaps add that you noticed three squirrels and they were climbing a tree.
To see your record on a species distribution map, you must then send CEDaR a location for your record. For a record made on land, then this should be a grid reference. A grid reference is information that allows your sighting to be pinpointed on an ordnance survey map. Grid references are not complicated, but to work them out you need to be careful that you follow a few simple steps. Please see the section on grid references for detailed guidance ‘Grid Reference Guide’. For records that are made on the beach or at sea, you can use either a grid reference, or latitude/longitude from a chart of the area (preferred) ‘Latitude/Longitude Guide’.
The easiest way to obtain a grid reference or latitude/longitude for a site is to use a GPS unit. These units utilise satellites to determine your position very accurately, and can give an accuracy of a few metres. These units vary in their set up, and owners should refer to their manual for instructions in correct usage. It is essential that anyone using a GPS in the island of Ireland has it set for the Irish National Grid.
All records sent in to CEDaR are checked for accuracy, for example that the site and grid reference ‘match up’. In the case of an uncommon or unexpected sighting, CEDaR has a network of local experts who can be called upon to decide if the record is correct. Who knows, you may have recorded a very rare species, or your record may be of the first Irish sighting!
