Scottish Borders on the Verge of 2 Million Wildlife Sightings!

Recording at Tandlaw Moss, Scottish Borders. Photo by Michael Scott

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

26 March 2026

Help the Scottish Borders reach its 2 million records milestone by submitting or sharing your wildlife sightings for the region with TWIC.

Thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteer wildlife recorders and data partners, The Wildlife Information Centre (TWIC) currently holds 1.95 million species records for the Scottish Borders region. Everyone can help us reach the next milestone– amateurs and experts alike – and even if you have never submitted a formal record before.

By submitting records, you will be contributing to one of the largest collections of biological datasets available for the region and ensuring that data are accessible to inform conservation, land management and environmental decision making.

A wildlife record contains four basic elements – WHAT (the organism seen; normally a species), WHEN (date the species was spotted), WHERE (location details including a grid reference) and WHO (name of individual recording the species). TWIC is interested in receiving sightings of ALL wildlife, no matter how common or scarce. As the decline of the Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) shows, even common species can become rare, so recording all species is worthwhile. Every sighting helps us better understand and manage our environment.

We are also keen to hear from individual recorders with wildlife records contained in notebooks or spreadsheets, or organisations or local groups (including ecological consultancies) who routinely collect data but are yet to share data with TWIC. We can help mobilise records so they can start working for nature!

Wildlife sightings can be shared via the online recording site, iRecord including via the phone app or via TWIC’s website. For data sharing enquiries or assistance mobilising your data (for groups/organisations) please contact TWIC directly.

Nature’s counting on you!

Natalie Harmsworth (TWIC Manager) said:

‘TWIC’s data holdings go back as far as the 17th century! In biological recording we follow the mantra of ‘collect once, use many times’. Once your wildlife sightings have been captured as permanent records and made available, they can start working for nature – now and for many years to come.’

Ends

Issued by The Wildlife Information Centre. 

For interviews of further information on this story please contact Natalie Harmsworth, Centre Manager by email at natalie@wildlifeinformation.co.uk

For further information about the Wildlife Information Centre please contact Natalie Harmsworth, Centre Manager on 01875 825968 or visit www.wildlifeinformation.co.uk

Notes to Editors

  1. The Wildlife Information Centre (TWIC) is the Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) for south-east & part of central Scotland. TWIC is a not-for-profit company with charitable status which, as a ‘one-stop shop’, provides an objective, independent wildlife information service for people and organisations from all sectors.
  2. TWIC is a focal point for biological recording and is working to increase our knowledge of wildlife throughout our area. We collate data from a wide range of sources and manage data on species, habitats and designated sites.
  3. TWIC provides a wide range of data services; we routinely supply data to support environmental decision making, education, site management, conservation, and research. TWIC acts as a regional node of the National Biodiversity Network (NBN).
  4. TWIC follow national recommendations[1] on the release of sensitive wildlife information, e.g. species at risk of persecution.
  5. TWIC provides support and opportunities for recorders and wildlife observers to develop their knowledge and skills through our training and events programme. We inspire people to record wildlife by giving talks and attending public events.
  6. The iRecord website is managed by the Biological Records Centre. The goal of iRecord is to make it easier for wildlife sightings to be collated, checked by experts and made available to support research and decision-making at local and national levels. All LERCs like TWIC can access wildlife records via this site.
  7. The Wildlife Information Centre acknowledges financial support from NatureScot. NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. Their role is to improve the natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it.

Full Contact Details

The Wildlife Information Centre, Unit 3, Vineyard Business Centre, Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5XP

Tel:                  01875 825968

Email:                 info@wildlifeinformation.co.uk

Website:          www.wildlifeinformation.co.uk

Social media:      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildlifeinformation/

                                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildlifeinformationcentre/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/twic.bsky.social

X: https://x.com/wildlife_info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wildlife-information-centre

 The Wildlife Information Centre is a company registered in Scotland (No SC234339) and a registered Scottish Charity SC034113

[1] 1           NatureScot’s (2025). Sensitive Species of Scotland list. Available online from:https://www.nature.scot/doc/sensitive-species-scotland-list [Accessed 22/01/2026].