Rotherhams Databank

The use of a computer to store biological records allows the details in the records to be retrieved, so it is worth while recording the details. Such a system can keep track of records from individual gardens, hedgerows or patches of 'waste land' and relate them to larger areas.

Before computerisation, Rotherham's records were kept on pieces of paper and, in many cases, were summarised before being written down. When these records are added to the databank it is often only the summaries that are available. So much of the detail has been lost. As a result, there may be just one record of House Sparrow at Dinnington in 1982 but dozens of records from different gardens, verges and woodlands within Dinnington on different dates in 2002. This is reflected in the great increase in records since the computerisation began in 1988.

Examples of the way in which greater detail can generate new information can be found in the section on wildlife information.

Further information on the current version of the Recorder program can be found on the official website: National Biodiversity Network.