Share your wildlife records

Putting local wildlife on the map 

Most people enjoy seeing wildlife; whether it's birds in the garden, a brown hare running across a field, bluebells in a local wood, or wildflowers blooming along a local lane. However, few people keep a note of what they see, and fewer still submit those sightings to the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) – the local environmental record centre. 

Wildlife recording doesn't have to be technical or use specialist equipment, it's simply making a record of the wildlife you see. Your records could be kept as paper lists, spreadsheets, pictures, videos, or even audio recordings.

Recording wildlife is a wonderful way to connect with your local nature. Over time, you'll gain a deep understanding of how the plants and animals around you respond to seasonal changes, when certain species tend to emerge and even when something might be wrong in the wider environment.

It is vital for conservation that we know about local wildlife so we can monitor how individual species and their habitats are faring. Without your input, we simply would not know what wildlife is where and what is special about each place. 

Recording wildlife is an important first step for protecting Norfolk’s incredible wildlife, but it is also great fun for nature lovers of all ages.

Every record counts  

The best place to submit your wildlife sightings is to the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS). Whether you have seen a house sparrow in your garden, an otter swimming in a river, or a grass snake basking in the sun – every wildlife record counts. 

Submit your sighting to NBIS 

Take part in a national wildlife survey

Taking part in a national wildlife survey is like becoming a real-life nature detective—every sighting, song, or pawprint you record helps piece together the bigger story of the wild world around us. It’s a chance to get closer to the creatures that share our gardens, parks, and countryside, while playing a vital role in protecting them for the future. Whether you’re spotting hedgehogs on an evening stroll or watching birds over breakfast, your observations can spark discoveries, guide conservation, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity right on our doorstep. So grab your curiosity and step outside—nature is counting on you!

Don’t know where to start? Why not take part in one of these national wildlife surveys? Click the links to find out more.

For more inspiration, check out the Natural History Museum’s Survey Calendar for Beginners.