About us
Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre (HBRC) manages an extensive database
with information on habitats, species and sites across the county. This provides
a detailed understanding of Hertfordshire's wildlife resource enabling the
identification of areas of importance such as Wildlife Sites and high biodiversity
areas. The Centre utilises the latest data management techniques (including
Geographical Information Systems) to provide a dynamic record of the county's
ecology.
HBRC works with the public, community groups, academic institutions, industry,
government organisations, local societies and national biological societies.
Access to information and advice needed on Hertfordshire's wildlife is provided
by HBRC, enabling wise choices and decisions to be made about our environment.
This is achieved by:
- Up-dating, validating, developing and managing the county's biological
records.
- Networking with partners and other suppliers of wildlife records to improve
the quality of ecological information.
- Providing reliable information from the biological record, as well as
expert interpretation and advice to those who need it. This enhances decision
making, informs practical management choices and increases knowledge and
awareness of the natural environment.
The Service We Offer
Divided into two key work areas:
- Operation of the Biological Records Centre.
- Provision of an ecological advisory service.
The primary work areas in operating the BRC are:
- Management of the manual and computerised databases.
- Acquiring, validating and maintaining further data-sets, including those
needed to progress the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
- Developing access to data-sets held by recorders.
- Providing support and guidance for local recorders (especially voluntary)
and organisations.
- Conducting biological recording with partners, for monitoring purposes.
- Supplying factual information from the database to decision makers, educational
institutions, conservation bodies and the public.
The primary work areas in operating the ecological advisory service are:
- Monitoring and advising on planning applications and other aspects of
development control.
- Involvement in the strategic planning process by providing advice on the
County Structure Plan and Local Plans.
- Providing expert witness evidence to Public Inquiries where appropriate.
- Production of ecological impact assessments, special studies and reports.
- Provision of advice on site habitat management.
HBRC is sponsored by:
Hertfordshire County Council, Dacorum Borough Council, East Hertfordshire
District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, North Hertfordshire District
Council, City and District of St Albans, Three Rivers District Council, Welwyn
Hatfield Council and English Nature.
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