NATURE COUNTS: A Record Year for Wildlife Sightings!

What is Nature Counts?
Nature Counts is our exciting system for collecting and storing wildlife sightings across Sheffield and Rotherham. It’s a tool that allows us to track the state of local nature, monitor wildlife, and support conservation efforts. By using the Nature Counts system, we’re turning these observations into valuable knowledge that benefits both wildlife and people.

A Record-Breaking Year!
In the 2024-2025 financial year, 7626 wildlife records were submitted, covering an incredible 666 species! This shows how much people care about nature and how powerful it is when we work together to track and protect wildlife. However, this year has seen a reduction in the diversity of species recorded, with 121 fewer species recorded when compared with 2023-24.

These records come from a mix of sources:

• Surveys carried out by our team and volunteers.
• Observations made by the public, including through community groups.
• Chance sightings by our teams on-site, including staff and volunteers
• Data shared by other conservation partners.

Why Do These Sightings Matter?
Every record helps us paint a clearer picture of what’s happening in nature. This information allows us to:

• Understand trends: Are some species doing better or worse? How are habitats changing?
• Make informed decisions: The data guides how we manage our nature reserves and protect wildlife.
• Empower local groups: By sharing data and tools, we help communities understand their local environment and take action for nature.

How Nature Counts is Helping Wildlife and People

1. Supporting Local Groups:
   We’ve created tools and custom forms in Nature Counts to help local groups monitor the places they care about most. Groups can now better understand their data, spot trends, and even plan conservation actions, like creating wildflower meadows or improving habitats for specific species. 
2. Better Conservation Decisions:
   The data collected is analysed and shared with our Nature Recovery Managers, who use it to improve the management of our nature reserves. This ensures that our efforts are targeted where they’re needed most.
3. Fast and Easy Access to Data:
   Nature Counts makes it simple for our team to input data, create maps, and generate reports. This saves time and allows us to focus on what matters most—taking action for wildlife!

What’s Next for Nature Counts?
In 2025-2026, we’re planning even more improvements to make Nature Counts even better:

• Smarter Data Collection: We’ll keep improving how we collect data in the field, using tablets and tools like QField to make the process quicker and easier.
• Building Stronger Connections: We’re already working with seven other Wildlife Trusts across the UK to share our system and ideas, with another four either in the process of joining us or expressing an interest in Nature Counts.
• Empowering Communities: We’ll continue supporting local groups to use Nature Counts to track their progress and suggest conservation actions based on their findings.

A Shared Vision for Nature
Through projects like the ‘Evidence Emergency,’ we’re helping the wider Wildlife Trusts movement adopt better tools and skills for evidence-led conservation. By working together, we can have an even greater impact on wildlife and ensure we’re using the best possible practices to protect it.

How You Can Get Involved
Every wildlife sighting counts! Whether you’re spotting birds in your garden, counting butterflies in a park, or volunteering on a survey, your data can make a difference. Together, we can help Sheffield, Rotherham, and beyond become even better places for wildlife to thrive! Visit wildsheffield.com/sightings

Our Evidence-led Conservation is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.