Non-native species information portal
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Species alerts
Recording
Everyone can provide useful biological records of non-native species, and with the development of online recording sites and smartphone apps it is now easier than ever. Non-native species records help us to understand how many of these species are present in Britain, and the rate at which they are spreading.
Species to record
There are a range of recording schemes available covering a variety of non-native species, but it is particularly important to record alert species. Early identification of these could help to prevent future problems from developing.
Keep up to date with new alert species here.
Current alerts include:
Where to send your records
We recommend submitting your records online, or through a smartphone application as these are fast and efficient. See below for a number of recommended schemes.
Online recording schemes
iRecord
Use for: General use
Records of any non-native species can be uploaded to iRecord. Register for a free account which will allow you to view and manage all of the records you have submitted. You can also submit records of native species.
Recording Invasive Species Counts (RISC)
The RISC project brings together recording schemes run by a range of organisations. Use it to submit records of 21 invasive non-native animals and plants.
Use for: General use
Records of any non-native species can be uploaded to iRecord. Register for a free account which will allow you to view and manage all of the records you have submitted. You can also submit records of native species.
Recording Invasive Species Counts (RISC)
The RISC project brings together recording schemes run by a range of organisations. Use it to submit records of 21 invasive non-native animals and plants.
Smartphone Apps
All apps currently available for iPhone and Android.
Asian Hornet Watch
Use for: potential Asian hornet sightings
Asian Hornet Watch was developed by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Use it to help monitor for the alert species Asian hornet, an invasive predator of honey bees and other insects. Asian hornet was first spotted in the UK in September 2016 and a nest quickly removed, but there is a chance this species could reappear this spring. Use Asian Hornet Watch to browse photo galleries and key identification information for this and other similar species, and submit possible records quickly to help prevent it from becoming established.
To download the app, search Asian Hornet Watch on Google Play or the App Store.
If you don't have a smartphone you can submit records online or by email to (with a photo if possible).
Use for: potential Asian hornet sightings
Asian Hornet Watch was developed by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Use it to help monitor for the alert species Asian hornet, an invasive predator of honey bees and other insects. Asian hornet was first spotted in the UK in September 2016 and a nest quickly removed, but there is a chance this species could reappear this spring. Use Asian Hornet Watch to browse photo galleries and key identification information for this and other similar species, and submit possible records quickly to help prevent it from becoming established.
To download the app, search Asian Hornet Watch on Google Play or the App Store.
If you don't have a smartphone you can submit records online or by email to (with a photo if possible).
Aqua Invaders
Use for: Invasive freshwater species
Aqua Invaders was developed collaboratively by the Environment Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, British Sub Aqua Club, Biological Records Centre and University of Bristol. Use the built in photographic ID guides and ‘confusion species’ galleries to identify and record 26 invasive freshwater aquatic species, including 12 fish species.
Use for: Invasive freshwater species
Aqua Invaders was developed collaboratively by the Environment Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, British Sub Aqua Club, Biological Records Centre and University of Bristol. Use the built in photographic ID guides and ‘confusion species’ galleries to identify and record 26 invasive freshwater aquatic species, including 12 fish species.
Sealife Tracker
Use for: Marine species
Sealife Tracker was developed by the British Sub Aqua Club, Marine Biological Association, Environment Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, University of Bristol and the Biological Records Centre. Use the built in photographic ID guides and ‘confusion species’ galleries to identify and record 25 marine species; 11 invasive species and 14 climate change indicators.
Use for: Marine species
Sealife Tracker was developed by the British Sub Aqua Club, Marine Biological Association, Environment Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, University of Bristol and the Biological Records Centre. Use the built in photographic ID guides and ‘confusion species’ galleries to identify and record 25 marine species; 11 invasive species and 14 climate change indicators.
Conker tree science leaf watch
Use for: monitoring conker tree health
Leaf Watch was developed by the Universities of Bristol and Hull. Use it to help scientists monitor the spread of an invasive leaf mining moth causing harm to Conker trees.
Use for: monitoring conker tree health
Leaf Watch was developed by the Universities of Bristol and Hull. Use it to help scientists monitor the spread of an invasive leaf mining moth causing harm to Conker trees.
Tree Alert
Use for: monitoring tree health
Britain's trees are under unprecedented threat from new pests and diseases. Help the Forestry Commission to identify trees that might have problems - particularly ash, oak, horse chestnut, pine or spruce trees - so they can find out more or take appropriate action.
Use for: monitoring tree health
Britain's trees are under unprecedented threat from new pests and diseases. Help the Forestry Commission to identify trees that might have problems - particularly ash, oak, horse chestnut, pine or spruce trees - so they can find out more or take appropriate action.
Looking to get more involved in identifying and recording wildlife?
If you get involved in the recording schemes above and enjoy looking for non-native species, you may become interested in recording other wildlife. If so, take a look at iSpot, a website aimed at helping anyone identify anything in nature.
Once registered, you can add an observation to the website, suggest an identification yourself, or see if anyone else can identify it for you. Take a look and get more involved in recording wildlife today!
Once registered, you can add an observation to the website, suggest an identification yourself, or see if anyone else can identify it for you. Take a look and get more involved in recording wildlife today!
I don't have access to the internet
If you are unable to upload your records online, you can send them by email or post to:
The Biological Records Centre
CEH Wallingford
Maclean Building
Crowmarsh Gifford
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 8BB
The Biological Records Centre
CEH Wallingford
Maclean Building
Crowmarsh Gifford
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 8BB
