Biological Records

Warwickshire Past And Present

 

 

The Warwickshire Biological Records Centre is operated by the Warwickshire Museum Field Services and details a comprehensive database of information on nature conservation sites in the county and parts of the West Midlands. Together with the species record held in the Market Hall Museum the Warwickshire Biological Record Centre (WBRC) is the most comprehensive database on wildlife in the county. The WBRC also publishes county distribution atlases for all flora and fauna.

The information collected on habitats and species from many sources, including their own surveys and local enthusiasts and welcomes reports on wildlife sites and species from the public.

The Warwickshire Biological Records Centre can be visited by appointment, and can be useful for research students, teachers, site managers and others with an interest in wildlife habitats and species. Access is free to the public but on a charge basis to those with a commercial enquiry.

They are currently undertaking a massive activity involving the complete audit of habitat biodiversity. This is a partnership program with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

The audit was established in 1995 and is still ongoing.

Stage 1: Undertake a detailed Phase 1 survey of the study area and transfer all data onto GIS

Stage 2 Establish the Wildlife Sites Project and to identify potential Wildlife Sites/Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC). Undertake detailed habitat assessments and transfer boundaries onto GIS (update GIS where necessary)

Stage 3 Provide basis for local biodiversity action plan (i.e. the extent of broad and priority habitat types within study area) and a mechanism for setting targets as well as the means to monitor implementation.

Stage 4 Develop local community access to data sets (through community-based projects, library services, Internet etc.)

Stage 5 Monitor habitat and land use change. Introduce hedgerow survey and photographic assessment of particular features (veteran trees, reserves, wildlife sites etc.)