Doncaster's Biological Records

Doncaster is the largest metropolitan borough in the country, covering 226 square miles and supporting a rich diversity of geology, habitats and species.

There are crags, caves and limestone grasslands, pockets of relict lowland heathland, internationally important lowland raised mires, major rivers and connecting waterways and nationally scarce ancient woodlands and fenland.

This assortment of habitats supports an array of locally, regionally and nationally important species. Over a quarter of a million pieces of information regarding the species of Doncaster are stored by Doncaster Local Record Centre  (DLRC) on its Biological Records database.

Further information about Doncaster's Biodiversity (including the Biodiversity Action Plan), Geodiversity (including the Geodiversity Action Plan) and Local Sites can be found on the relevant pages.

Providing Biological Records

Biological Recording within the Doncaster borough dates back well over 100 years.

Data is provided from a variety of sources and has been placed under the custodianship of DLRC in order to record, maintain and promote the borough's wildlife resource for present and future generations.

Many of the recorders belong to either the Doncaster Naturalist Society and/or the Yorkshire Naturalists Union, however DLRC welcomes records from all recorders and of all species, no matter how common or widespread.

It is possible to record wildlife without specialist knowledge. The key principles are who, what, when and where. There are a number of ways in which records can be shared with DLRC. Records can be provided on paper, Record Card, e-form, spreadsheet or email. (Please send to the contact details at the top of this page)

When you supply us with your records they remain your intellectual property. By placing them in DLRC's custodianship you accept that we may hold and use them in accordance with our policies and procedures unless you specify otherwise.

Our Framework document provides more information about DLRC, and the associated policies and procedures set out:

• how we will access and exchange data supplied to us;
  

• our confidentiality policy;

• how we have dealt with legacy data;

• how we validate records to ensure their accuracy;

• how much, and on what basis, we will charge for providing environmental data;

• a template 'Data Transfer License' and a more simple 'Data Transfer Statement' can be provided to record contributors on request. These documents enable a recorder to specify conditions under which their records should be managed.

What the records are used for

Biological Records are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Biodiversity Action Plan work, including project targeting, reporting and monitoring;

• To identify protected species and important sites with a view to protection, mitigation and compensation for loss;

• To inform and shape development proposals and planning applications;

• Local Wildlife Sites assessment and monitoring;

• To inform planning policy such as the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) and associated documents;

• Environmental study and research.

If you wish to use biological data provided by DLRC please see Accessing Biological Records.

Further Information

Further Information about Biological Recording / Monitoring can be found at the following:

• Biological Records Centre (BRC)

• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

• Doncaster Natural History Society

• National Biodiversity Network (NBN)

• Natural England

• RSPB

• Sorby Natural History Society

• South Yorkshire Badger Group

• Yorkshire & Humber Environmental Data Network (YHEDN)

• Yorkshire Naturalists' Union (YNU)

• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT)