What does BIS do?

"BIS provides a means to ensure that the best possible use is made of wildlife records ... and that they directly contribute to the protection of wildlife"

Adam Rowe, BIS Manager 2000-2004

In the past wildlife information was held by a large number of organisations and individuals in various formats, including paper recording cards, and so was not readily accessible. Since 2001 BIS has collated and electronically stored over a million species records and this information is now readily available to its partners, local recorders, commercial environmental consultants  and the public. The wildlife records are stored electronically in Recorder 6 database,the JNCC database application. Spatial datasets including habitat and designated site information, are held in ArcMap Geographic Information System format.

Bringing all this information into one system enables clear presentation of the data for all our users and also facilitates its analysis and manipulation. We aim to provide a rapid and comprehensive response which enables biodiversity to be taken into account in such as planning developments, forestry grant applications and agri-environmental schemes.

The information on habitats and species comes from many sources such as the Countryside Council for Wales, BBNP and the Wildlife Trusts, but in particular, we would like to thank members of the local voluntary recording community who have provided the bulk of our records. These specialist recorders not only co-ordinate the collection of records of their particular interest but also authenticate their identification. Without their input and advice an LRC such as BIS cannot operate. One role of BIS, therefore, is to provide a support network for local recorders to ensure that their efforts are valued and that resources such as software and IT support are made freely available.