MONITORING the number of creatures in the countryside is going to become even more important as our climate changes, experts last night warned.
The key role of nature surveys such as The Scotsman's Wildlife Watch, which took place over the weekend – was highlighted by conservation organisations studying the changes in our environment. Over time, it is hoped the photographs and notes sent in
by readers will help to build up a picture of common species and rarities in Scotland.
Records have flooded in from around the country, including many photographs of fungi, which were the special focus of this season's nature survey.
Professor Roy Watling, a former head of mycology and plant pathology at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, identified four species – ballerina or pink waxcap, porcelain, golden bootleg and various types of earthstar – of particular interest.
Highlighting the vital role of surveys, Gill Calder, biodiversity data manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), said: "Only by recording what we find in the countryside will we be able to gauge the real impact of climate change.
"Some species are more sensitive than others. Some find it quite easy to disperse and find other bits of habitat, but other species find it difficult.
"The SWT wants to link areas together so species have a better chance of moving as the climate changes rather than just dying out."
Some trends highlighted by conservation organisations have also been noticed by readers taking part in Wildlife Watch – nuthatches are moving further north and the birds have been spotted by many readers in the Central Belt, as well as the south of Scotland.
Meanwhile, other species – such as the ptarmigan, which has also been spotted by Wildlife Watch participants – could be forced out of Scotland if their Arctic climate disappears.
Anne-Marie Smout, from Biological Recording in Scotland (Brisc), said: "There is change going on and it's interesting to know how species respond.
"People have noticed how few butterflies there are. That's partly because we've had very poor weather, but it's also because the places where they live are shrinking and because of all the poisons we put on the countryside. It's the same story with bumblebees.
"Recording is a good way into becoming more familiar with the countryside," she said. " The more you know, the more interested you are."
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the autumn Wildlife Watch: all of the records will be passed on to Brisc, which will distribute them among its network of biological recorders and local record centres.
It's still not too late to take part – e-mail photos and records to ||WEBSTART||wildlife@scotsman.com||WEBSTOP|| or post them to: Wildlife Watch, The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS.
The full results of the autumn survey will be revealed and analysed at the start of the winter Wildlife Watch, in December.
Mrs Smout added: "I feel very privileged to read all the records because it's really lovely to see how much people enjoyed it.
"They really get a lot out of it, and that's tremendous. The digital photography is a help in identifying mystery species."
