Welcome To The DERC Website

About DERC

Latest News

Dorset Environmental Records Centre was established in 1976 as an independent organisation to collate information on all of Dorset's wildlife. It provides an opportunity for local naturalists and conservation organisations to work together.

By combining our knowledge we can create a better picture of Dorset's wildlife - both the recent decline and loss of some of our more spectacular species (like the large tortoiseshell and the mouse-eared bat) and the arrival (or invasion?) and spread of others (like the Long-winged Conehead and Japanese knotweed).

Data held by DERC is accessible to everyone* from students and local residents to local authorities, conservation organisations and consultants. DERC do not charge for data, but we do make a minimal charge to help cover our administration costs. Please contact DERC for more information.

*Some information is confidential, either due to the sensitivity of the site, rarity of wildlife or because the recorder requested it.

 

Sending In Your Records

The Spring and Summer recording season is now here. There are lots of field days and workshops running throughout the season, see our Local Groups pages for more details.

At DERC we are interested in the distribution of common species as well as one-off rarities so please don’t let your part of Dorset be left out. More information on what to do can be found on our Sending In Your Records page.

Dorset Flora Group

Recording Dorset 9

Photo: Tim Wilkins

News and events for the Dorset Flora Group are now available on the Dorset Flora Group Page.

With details of forthcoming events, including the Dorset Flora Week and various field events throughout the summer, have a look at the Dorset Flora Group Page.

Here, you can also find links to various online resources, including a membership form, recording forms and flyers for forthcoming events.

Autumn Newsletter

The Autumn / Winter 2009 newsletter is available online.

With a fascinating article about glow worms in Dorset and the latest news on the Dorset Marine Biodiversity Database. See our Autumn / Winter 2009 newsletter for more details.

Site last updated:  11th March 2010