WALKOVERBIODIVERSITY SURVEY
Site name: / Date:Surveyor(s):
Extent of survey area: / To be completed if you have a GPS or from google earth after the survey
Top of upper shore / ____° ____.______N
____° ____.______E/W
Top of middle shore / ____° ____.______N
____° ____.______E/W
Bottom of middle shore / ____° ____.______N
____° ____.______E/W
End of lower shore (the sea) / ____° ____.______N
____° ____.______E/W
Description of Zones (including substrate type and dominant species)
Upper shore:
Middle shore:
Lower shore:
USE SACFOR SCALE TO record abundance of species S=Super abundant; A=Abundant; C=Common; F=Frequent; O=Occasional; R=Rare; N=Not found; D=Dead/Drift
Species / Upper / Middle / Lower / Species / Upper / Middle / Lowere.g. Fucus vesiculosus / O / C / R
Species / Upper / Middle / Lower / Species / Upper / Middle / Lower
Please upload data and photos via
Carry out your own Shoresearch Walkover Survey
Whenever you are out on the shore it is easy to do your own Shoresearch. Just Take this walkover survey formwith you. Make a note of exactly where you are.
- Tip - Look for landmarks that will help you find your location accurately when you look at our google earth based map.
Take photos of the species you find using a digital camera or your phone.
- Tip - please try to ensure the photos taken are in focus and clear
Please record how abundant the species found were using theSacfor Scale.
When you are back at home and can get online on a and open up and you will find a simple form you can use to upload your records and photos! Please only upload the species that you have accurately identifed.
- Tip - Don't worry if you can't identify some species. We are happy to help you with that, just contact us viaemailor ourfacebook page @Shoresearchcornwall
On the form there is a map based on google earth aerial photos, use this map to select the area you surveyed as accurately as possible. Start typing the name of a species, (don't worry common names work too!) and chose the species from a drop down list.
- Tip - details help! for each species there is a box where you can type notes. You don’t have to use this but if it is a really rare find please use this to describe the location or better still include a GPS reference.
Your records will be saved and will be vital for our conservation work. You can browse your own records and those of hundreds of other recorders by visiting setting up an account!
Have fun Shoresearching!
- KEEP SAFE! Please remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety when on the shore. Always check the tide times and weather forecast and don't survey alone.
Where to find downloadable survey forms and information
To record occasional records and for those who are doing lots of biological recording set up your own account at Online Recording Kernow and Scilly
If you would like to get Orks embedded into a group website or facebook page please contact Niki Clear at the records centre on
Recommended reference books
Seasearch guides to Seaweed, Anemones and Corals, Hydroids and Bryozoans.
Collins guide to the seashore
Handbook of marine fauna of North West Europe by Hayward and Ryland
Web resources
– amazing photo library put together by David Fenwick Snr of Penzance and his partner Carol
Marine life Information Network for the Uk, Marine Biological Association
If you want to do a seaweed survey please visit _please send your completed forms to Cornwall wildlife Trust first though so the information is shared via our records centre
Have fun shoresearching!!
Matt Slater
01872 273939 ext 214