Accessing Biological Records

Maintaining a comprehensive record of historical and modern envieronmental data enables people to better understand and consider the natural environment, whether this be environmental research and education, conservation work or shaping development proposals.

The information held by Doncaster Local Record Centre (DLRC) is essential for these purposes and Doncaster Council values the efforts and expertise of local naturalist contributors in helping to maintain a current database. Doncaster Council is also commited to ensuring it's information is current and accurate and undertakes annual surveys and assessments of Local Sites, the data from which is managed by DLRC.

Free Information on our web pages

The information held DLRC has been used to produce and underpin a number of documents and designations, these include:

• A comprehensive Species Audit and Botanical Atlas have been produced as part of the Doncaster Biodiversity Action Plan and can be viewed / downloaded from the Species Action Plans page.

• The Local Wildlife and Geological Sites Map where you can identify the name and number of the site you are interested in.

Information held by Partners

Regional and National Sites found in Doncaster

For information on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Natures Reserves (NNRs), Specially Protected Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) go to Nature on the map.

Sensitive Species Information

Because of the sensitive nature of some protected species (such as badgers) we do not provide this information. Other organisations may be able to help - see Further Information on the Biological Records Page.

Doncaster Museum

The Museum Service will undertake enquiries related to Museum Natural Sciences collections.

Data Searches - The information we provide

We will endeavour to meet your information requirements within the scope of our policies and procedures. The information will be provided in the form of a report tailored to the required area.

DLRC is frequently asked to provide standard data for areas within a specified distance of a point of interest, or within a specified search area or polygon. This data includes protected species, locally notable species and nationally notable species. Standard data reports can also be refined to focus solely on key species groups. Basic species distribution maps can also be produced using DMAP.

Where invasive species records (such as Japanese knotweed) are identified a further report will be provided complete with legislative requirements for the control of the species.

DLRC is actively developing its data on designated Local Sites through a rolling programme of survey and assessment and this data can also be provided. Data can be requested for specific sites or for all sites within a specified search area. The report will include a species list and citation including a description of the site at the last visit and reasons underpinning it's designation.

Please note that:

• All enquirers need to complete an information request form (which stipulates that the information can only be used for legitimate purposes).

• The printed reports remind recipients that the original data records belong to the recorder. DLRC is the custodian of the data.

• Some records are confidential, this is because of the sensitive nature of the site or species (EIR/FOI exemption applies).

• Some records have been provided by recorders on the understanding that they are confidential.

• Records are shared with individuals, bodies and partners to improve the quality of available biodiversity information.

• Recipients of any data are required to respect the conditions for use of DLRC.

How much does it cost?

Please refer to our Charging Policy, following a recent review of service costs. The charging rates are based upon a flat rate for the data search and supplementary rate for Local Sites data.

Please note that there may be a charge for pre-application advice provided by Development and Control.

Timescale for Responses

The Biological Records Officer will endeavour to respond to a request for information with 20 working days of receipt of a correctly completed E-form.

Request Form

Please complete the electronic form. There are a number of mandatory fields to complete, please ensure you complete these fields to enable speedy response to your request, in particular please tick the box to confirm you have read and agree to the terms and conditions regarding data supplied by DLRC. These are set out in DLRCs Data Access and Exchange Policy.

eform:  Biological Information Request

a full list of DLRC policies and procedures is available on Doncaster's Biological Records.