Universal Nature Recording System - FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I saw a flock of birds but I didn't have time to count them.
Enter your best estimate as the "Number seen".
I'm not sure if it was a Marsh Tit or a Willow Tit.
Some species are hard to distinguish. It is better not to submit a record unless you are sure.
You have missed Dabchick from the list of species.
The species lists contain only the currently accepted common names. In this case you need to select Little Grebe.
The location doesn't have a name so I can't find it on the list.
Type in a description of where you were into the location field, for example "Half way along the footpath from the centre of Caudle Green to Brimpsfield".
I don't have a map of the location and I want to find the map reference.
You can go to http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm then search for the place, centre the map by clicking on the location and read the grid reference shown below.
I don't know the exact map reference but I do know the tetrad.
If you can, find the location in the list as this will give an accurate location. Alternatively you can enter the tetrad name in the location field.
I have found the breeding location of an endangered species. Is it safe to enter it?
The observations are made available only to the wildlife recorder for that category of fauna or flora in your area. The wildlife recorder may also allow the information to be downloaded by the recorder of a club or society you belong to. All information is held securely.
If I register will I get unwanted emails?
Your information is made available only to the wildlife recorders for the area. All information is held securely.
Why do I have to register?
If you report an unusual observation the recorder may wish to contact you for more information.
Why do you send me a registration email when I register?
You have to click on the link in the registration email to verify your registration. This is to ensure that:
- your email address is correct.
- the person who registers really is the owner of the email address that they have entered.
Why do you ask for my phone number?
If you choose to enter your phone number, which is optional, this will be made available only to the wildlife recorders for the area. It provides an alternative to email should they wish to contact you to ask about your observations.
Why do you ask which clubs and societies I belong to?
The wildlife recorder can find out how many observations were submitted by members of a specific club or society. This can be used to show how much information a club is contributing. In addition the wildlife recorder can allow the recorder for the club to download all the records submitted by the members of that club.
How do I update my personal information?
Press the "Update details" button after logging in.
What about Data Protection?
Your personal information will be held and used in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
I've changed my email address. How do I update it?
You need to register again using your new email address. This is because all email addresses must be verified.
Can I see the records I have entered?
Yes, you can view your observations and you can ask the system to send them to you in an email so you can import them into a spreadsheet or database.
I've realised I made a mistake in an observation I entered earlier.
Either contact the wildlife recorder for the relevant category of wildlife or send an email to the address below.
The system isn't working properly or gives error messages I don't understand.
The system has been carefully tested and all the web pages it generates have been tested and verified to be fully compliant with the standard "XHTML 1.0 Transitional". If pages do not display correctly it could be a problem with your web browser, your display driver, or this system. You could try a different browser, for example Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. You could try updating your display driver. If you need help or believe you have found a bug in the system, please email a full description of the problem to:
How do I contact you?
Please send an email to: