Natural History of Warwickshire
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| Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC) |
WBRC contains information on species distribution and ecological sites in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull for which it is the most comprehensive data bank of species and habitat records in the County. Sub-sets of information are held in Coventry, Solihull and Nuneaton.
The WBRC is organised into two inter-related databases: Records for sites (habitats) and records for species (flora and fauna).
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WBRC Charging Policy |
Access to information is free for the public, students and amateur researchers, although a charge, based on hourly rates, is made for commercial users. The WBRC is open to enquirers by appointment during office hours from Monday-Friday. Most queries can be answered by post if a personal visit is not possible. Please address your correspondence to:
Warwickshire Museum Field Services
Ecology Unit
The Butts
WARWICK
CV34 4SS
Telephone: 01926 418060
Fax: 01926 412974
Email contact
Commercial enquiries for archaeological, ecological and geological data can now be submitted online |
WBRC Information about Sites |
The records for sites comprise 1:25 000 maps showing location of statutory and non-statutory designated sites. Information is contained on approximately 2,400 sites (Ecosites) which include woods, meadows, marshes, rivers, disused railway lines and canals - places seen as of particular importance for nature conservation. Each site file contains information such as flora and fauna species lists and habitat descriptions.
There is also a series of 1:10,000 field-by-field land use maps (from 1976) for most parishes in Warwickshire.
A Habitat Biodiversity Audit is currently being undertaken for Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. This is a partnership project between all Local Authorities in the area, the Environment Agency, English Nature and the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. This data will be used to update the existing records. |
WBRC Information about Species |
There is a county checklist or provisional atlas for each group of plants and animals. The WBRC holds distribution data on some 15,000 individual species, including protected species. Surveying is on-going and is carried out mainly on a voluntary basis by skilled amateur naturalists throughout the county (RINGS).
The main record for species are paper-based distribution files giving details of where, when and by whom each plant or animal has been recorded. 35 county atlases (Benchmark provisional atlases) have also been published featuring 10km-based maps and short statements for various groups of animals and plants and several further ones are in preparation. A price list or other details about these can be obtained from:
Senior Keeper of Natural History
Warwickshire Museum
Market Place
Warwick CV34 4SA
Telephone: 01926 412481
Fax: 01926 419840
Email contact |