The Data Record

The earliest records are the results of archaeological investigation. The very few from the Middle Ages are mainly records of 'vermin' for which bounties were paid.

The earliest 'natural history' records are less than 200 years old. Several books and journals recorded observations during the 19th century. Such publications have become more frequent since that time. They are a valuable source of information about the wildlife of Rotherham.

Local societies have compiled information from their members. Individual naturalists have recorded their observations in notebooks and diaries. Where this information has been preserved it adds greatly to our store of knowledge.

Records by Group

Local naturalists are particularly interested in birds and record them regularly. As the birds are so mobile it is useful to have them continually recorded. The same applies to other mobile animals such as butterflies.

Plants tend not to move around a great deal, so they are usually recorded on separate visits rather than on a continual basis.