Biodiversity data and information
Surveying and recording biodiversity can provide valuable information about habitats, plants, animals and natural processes in an area.
Information such as presence or absence of species and habitats, condition of habitats, size of populations and type of management is useful when planning projects which may affect biodiversity.
It establishes a baseline against which to monitor the progress and success of a plan or project.
What would I use biodiversity data for?
Biodiversity recording can provide useful data and information in your local area to help, for example:
- Inform protection and enhancement of both individual species and of habitats
- Identify sensitive habitats
and species and to ensure that they are not adversely affected by planned actions
- Take into account sensitive times of year for wildlife and ensure that any surveys required are done at the right times, and that planned actions do not disturb species at sensitive times in their lifecycle
- Promote sites where visitors can observe species or habitats of interest.
- Inform the detail of planning applications and Local Development Plans
- Inform whether a protected species or invasive species survey is needed to support a planning application.
Some species are protected, so a special license may be needed if they are likely to be disturbed (even temporarily) by works being undertaken.
Where can I find biodiversity data and information?
Throughout Scotland and the UK there are many resources collating and managing biodiversity data and information. Some key resources are:
National resources:
- National Biodiversity Network (NBN)
- Biological Recording in Scotland (BRISC)
- Biological Records Centre (BRC)
- Butterfly Conservation
- British Dragonfly Society
- National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS)
- Bat Conservation Trust
Local resources
A variety of local biological records centres exist around Scotland. Those with their own websites are listed below and details of others can be found at BRISC .
East Scotland:
- The Wildlife Information Centre for the Lothians and the Borders
- Fife Nature Records Centre
- Scottish Borders Biological Records Centre
- North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC)
West Scotland:
- Glasgow Museum Biological Records Centre (including East and West Dunbartonshire)
- Dumfries and Galloway Environmental Resource Centre (DGERC)
- North and South Lanarkshire Biological Records Centres partnership
Highlands and Islands:
Last updated on Monday 6th February 2012 at 11:59 AM. Click here to comment on this page