Essex species data

The Recorders compile and maintain detailed records of Essex flora, fauna and geology (the Watsonian recording vice counties 18 and 19, including the London boroughs east of the River Lea). They welcome records from naturalists and these should include species, date of observation, location and, where possible, a six-figure grid reference and any habitat or other relevant ecological data. They will also assist with identification and answer queries on their subjects but where a reply is necessary please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. The Essex Birdwatching Society  undertake the same role for bird data.

In common with the Essex Wildlife trust, Essex County Council country parks, the RSPB, the BSBI and the Spider Recording Scheme etc, the Club is encouraging the use of the MapMate  biological recording and mapping software. If you are using MapMate for your biological records, then please send these on regular occasions using the MapMate synchronisation process.

The data used to generate the 'on-the-fly' distribution maps on this website are currently made up of records provided by County Recorders using MapMate to co-ordinate and record the county data, mostly for their taxonomic groups. In some cases part county data are available, and this is noted in the 'find more species' taxonomic group dropdown box on the species search page. It is hoped to add more data as they become available in suitable form.

A summary of species records available is provided by the Database Summary for species by year page and logged on users can see a summary of these data by taxonomic group at the Database Summary for species page. An example of an Essex distribution map for a widespread spider, the 'Nursery Web Spider' Pisaura mirabilis is below, followed by an example of a national map with results from our Lily Beetle survey.

Underlying maps produced by MapMate® using Digital Map Data © HarperCollins-Bartholomew 2007 Data overlay © Essex Field Club 2007.


Coverage for different taxonomic groups can be seen at the Species Group Coverage page.

Biological Records in Essex (BRIE)

The Club has been involved in discussions for the development of the Biological Records in Essex partnership since its inception. From November 2007 an on-line pilot is being developed for BRIE by Teknica Ltd. The project involves close links between the Club, our existing website and the Essex Wildlife Trust, who have agreed to host the BRIE partnership.

find out more...