Incidental records

Every day hundreds of people see wildlife in the Devon towns and countryside and some of these people let DBRC know what they have seen. Their records go into the central database at DBRC. Why do they do it?

“I was very excited when I saw an otter last year near Okehampton and I wanted to tell someone about it. The Devon Wildlife Trust told me to phone DBRC and they were able to confirm that what I had seen was actually an otter and to share my excitement! Now I know that they want to know where the otters are, I have joined Operation Otter and I send my records in regularly. I have learned a lot and it gets me out and about.”

DBRC is always happy to hear when you spot some wildlife and there are many ways to contribute. You can join an organised survey like Operation Otter or join a group or society (see useful links) or you can just send in an incidental record.

You may be surprised to know that thousands of records come into the Records Centre every year this way and that every record is checked and, if necessary, verified by local wildlife experts. These records form a valuable part of the picture of wildlife in the County.

DBRC can help people with their wildlife spotting by telling you about useful wildlife books , groups to join and websites to help you identify what you have seen. They may be able to help with identifying what it is you have seen – particularly if you have been able to take a photograph.