Each observation has its own location privacy setting, so you can share some finds openly and keep others private.
When Recording
On the website, choose an option in Location Privacy on the observation form: Use my default, Open (Show exact location), Obscured or Private (Hide location). In the app, tap Location Privacy and choose Open, Obscured or Private.
Changing an Existing Observation
- Open the observation and click Edit Observation (tap Edit Observation in the app).
- Change Location Privacy.
- Save your changes.
The change takes effect straight away.
When to Use a Different Setting
- Rare species: Obscured or Private to protect the site.
- Private property: Obscured or Private.
- Sensitive habitats: sites that could be damaged by extra visitors.
- Forays and public walks: Open is usually fine.
- Teaching examples: Open, so others can find them.
Good to Know
- Changing the privacy only affects what others see on Field Mycologist UK. If you’ve exported the observation, change it on iNaturalist too.
- Protected species can’t be set lower than their minimum. See Protected Species and Location Privacy.
- You, Identifiers and administrators can always see the exact location.