The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and is the statutory body responsible for Nature Conservation and Natural Heritage in Ireland. NPWS depends on accurate information on species and habitats to underpin its scientific advice on nature conservation objectives and practical measures. Ireland has a long tradition of natural history recording. NPWS recognises that the recording community needs support to maintain and enhance its expertise in species identification and recording. The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to develop the next generation of specialist recorders. Grants are aimed at volunteer, unpaid recorders, or groups