Our Data
Data Sources
The WSBRC presently holds in electronic format around 900,000 species records and over 2,300 site entries within its main database. Records are also collated and captured from paper sources on an ongoing basis and represent many more thousand additional records. Much of the data we receive now is in electronic formats though often these need some processing before they are in a form that can be added to the database.
We hold data on behalf of many of our County Recorders and other stakeholder organisations - providing data on their behalf via Data Exchange Agreements or more informal arrangements.
For further specific information on any statutory site contact Natural England. Statutory site boundaries, citation and condition assessment information can be downloaded from the Natural England website.
Data Quality
We recognise that the data we hold and provide needs to be as accurate as possible. However datasets do not represent complete coverage in terms of species or habitats present within the county. Site quality changes over time and species move in and out of areas – some with greater frequency than others. The data reflects a snapshot of what was present at the time of the survey or sighting, and so should be seen as a guide rather than a definitive statement of the condition of an area.
Data held by WSBRC is validated as fully as possible to ensure such factors as geographical and temporal accuracy of each record as well as formatting or inputting errors. Validation is done by manual checking as well as by automated routines within our database system. In addition, WSBRC staff and County Recorders, in particular, undertake verification of records ensuring that notable species or new records for an area are correctly identified. However, errors cannot be completely eliminated.
WSBRC cannot guarantee the full accuracy or completeness of the data. It is therefore not liable for any actions that may be taken as a result of using the information.
Contributing Records
Records will be accepted by WSBRC on the understanding that the data will be used by WSBRC and made available to enquirers under the terms and conditions set out in this document. WSBRC would like copies of records collected to add to existing data sets and thereby further its knowledge of the wildlife and geology of the Wiltshire and Swindon area.
