Biological recording
LERN encourages everyone to record wildlife and welcomes records of all species, no matter how common or widespread.
How to submit your records
You can send your records in several ways:
Online: Use iRecord or iNaturalist. Both have apps for your smartphone to help you record sightings and identify species when you are out and about. We have guidance on managing your iNaturalist profile settings (PDF, 331 KB) to help LERN make the best use of your records.
Email or post: You can also send your records by email or post. See the contact page for details. Please check “what is a record” below for the information we need.
If you have a large number of records, we prefer them in an electronic format such as a spreadsheet or a delimited text file. LERN uses Recorder 6 software to store biological records.
We also accept paper records, such as notebooks and record cards. These can be scanned and returned to you.
Data sharing and ownership
When you share your records with LERN, they remain your intellectual property. We have a Data Sharing and Use Policy (PDF, 347 KB) that explains how we use and share your data. By sending us your records, you agree that we may hold and use them according to this policy and other LERN policies and procedures. Please note that these policies may change.
We also have Data Custodianship Agreements for individuals or groups who share data with us. These can be tailored to set specific restrictions on how we use your data. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a Data Custodianship Agreement.
If you see an unusual flower in a meadow or spot a Kingfisher on your local river, you can help protect Lancashire’s biodiversity by sharing your sighting.
Why share your wildlife records?
Your record helps others learn about local wildlife.
It adds to the information used to protect Lancashire’s environment.
You do not need to be an expert—every record is valuable.
How to record your sighting
If you are not sure what you have seen, let us know. We may be able to help or put you in touch with a local expert.
There are websites that can help with identification, such as the Open University’s iSpot.
You can also join a local wildlife group. There are many groups in Lancashire—some cover certain areas, others focus on particular types of wildlife. All welcome new members who care about nature.
Some groups are listed on our Links page, or you can search online for others.
A wildlife record is a simple note with four key pieces of information:
Who: Your full name and contact details.
What: The name of the plant or animal you saw, or a picture if you are not sure.
When: The date you saw it. Please include the day, month, and year if possible.
Where: The place you saw it. This could be:
The nearest location shown on an Ordnance Survey map and the nearest town or village (for example, Dean Wood, Chorley)
A six-figure grid reference (for example, SD123456)
An address or postcode
Records must include all four of these details to be useful.
You can also add extra information, such as:
Habitat details
The number of individuals seen
Sex, age, or behaviour of the animals
Ordnance Survey has prepared a guide to finding a six figure grid reference (e.g. SD123456). Most of Lancashire is in the “SD” grid square. A small area in the south, around Simonswood Moss, is in the “SJ” grid square.
Your records belong to you. By sending them to LERN, you give permission for them to be used according to our policy framework. If you want, we can set up a data sharing agreement to meet your specific needs.