Mobile Wildlife Recording App.

Wildlife Logbook has been designed for for you to keep a handy record of your wildlife sightings on your mobile. You can review your sightings in various ways such as, by species, by location or by most frequently seen. It also has export functions so that you can convert your records into csv files to submit to your county recorder or relevant organisation.

Why record?

Being a wildlife recorder can be a rewarding hobby whether it is on special trips out or exploring the nature in your garden. ALL your wildlife recordings are useful, from the most common species, to the extremely rare. By collecting wildlife data you are directly helping to improve the collective knowledge and identify significant trends in species populations and distribution. This data is vital for environmental organisations to assist policy and decision making at local and national levels.

Wildlife Logbook has been designed as a 'web app' for mobile devices. A 'web app' is a website which has the functionality of an app that you might download and install. It can be used offline, if there is no mobile network available, and it can store and remember data. It is also intended that it should be compatible with any mobile operating system with a web browser capable of running HTML 5.

How it works:

Wildlife Logbook stores data in 'Records' which contain information about the location and a list of species seen. You may create 'Locations' so that you can re-use them and build up data related to each location. It is then possible to export data for other recording schemes or to send to your county recorder.

Species lists:

Wildlife Logbook starts off with a list of about 1000 common species. You can expand your lists and keep notes on species as you identify them. Wildlife Logbook is, first and foremost, a recording app and it does not aspire to be an identification guide or an encyclopaedia of wildlife. However, some species have photographs and, if you have images you are willing to share, you can contribute your own photos to help people with identification.

To start recording you need to create an account. Creating an account just requires an email address and a name. The email address is used uniquely identify you and for you to export data your data to. You will receive an email to verify it is correct before you can export data. Your name is linked to your recordings so, while you can make up a false name, if you're going to submit your recordings it is recommended that you use a recognisable name. Once signed in, you may add Wildlife Logbook to your home screen to remove the address bar and give it the look and feel of a regular app. (Recommended browsers are Chrome for Android, Safari for Apple iOS and ??? for Windows)

Starting out as a wildlife recorder.

If you are new to recording, focus on species groups you know most about and don't try to record everything. Begin with species you can identify and try to identify a new species or two each time you are out. You will learn quickly as you record. Most people start with well documented groups such as birds and butterflies. As your knowledge expands you will find other species groups become more familiar.

Take care when recording.

Using a mobile device outside in the field in all weathers brings risks to you and your equipment. As set out in our terms and conditions, you use Wildlife Logbook entirely at your own risk and Wildlife Logbook accepts no responsibility for any injuries, loss or damages to persons, equipment or third parties whilst using the website. It is strongly recommended to use an older low value device and do not operate the device whilst moving.

Species identification

It is recommended try to identify species yourself via books or specialist websites as the process of looking up a species will introduce you to similar species and increase your knowledge. However, if you are struggling to identify something, try the website and mobile app iSpot or you may find help in the many social media groups.