Enquiries

The information gathered and managed by DERC can be made available to many different groups and for many different purposes. Whether you require data for a conservation project, environmental impact assessment or whole farm plan, please call or send an email and we shall be in touch.

Note: There may be a charge to help us cover our time and costs, particularly for large or commercial projects.

Queries

Members of the public are welcome to make enquiries to DERC on animals, plants or habitats in Dorset. The DERC office is always busy but we endeavour to get back to people within the week with an answer, or to pass on the query to someone who may be able to help. Enquiries can be made by email, letter or telephone.

Datasearch requests

A datasearch can be carried out in a specific area or for a particular site or species. Our standard species datasearch is post-1995 records for rare, threatened or protected species; species with a Biodiversity Action Plan or statement and species with a Dorset Notable status, plus records for invasive alien plants within/in the vicinity of your chosen area. Records are provided on an Excel spreadsheet. A list of sites and designation, plus printed maps showing site boundaries can also be provided. Please complete and return the online enquiry form.

Sites and site boundaries

Where there are designated sites we can provide a map showing site boundaries. Currently DERC hold / maintain site boundary data for:

Sites of Nature Conservation Interest
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
International conservation sites (SPA, SAC, Ramsar)
Ancient woodland
Local Nature Reserves
Conservation verges
Dorset’s Important Geological Sites
Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserves

Boundaries for SSSI and International conservation sites (SPA, SAC, Ramsar) can be downloaded from the Natural England website.

Distribution dot maps

Distribution Dot Map for Impatiens glandulifera

Distribution dot maps for a species can be produced; for example, this map shows the distribution of Himalyan Balsam, an invasive alien now common along riverbanks.