BRERC collects, stores and distributes environmental data concerning the former Avon area. There are millions of records in paper format, and nearly a million available on a computerised database. This database can be queried so that you could find out how many butterflies had been spotted in your local wood since 1990, for example.
BRERC also utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) called MapInfo, which holds more than 100,000 electronic records not present in the above database. Together with the million records mentioned above, we can use this computer program to map over 1.1 million records onto a map of the former Avon area. MapInfo works in ‘layers’, so that we could show the species records along with roads, ancient woodlands and bodies of water, or any other combination of features. It is a very powerful tool that can produce stunning looking maps.
All of the data at BRERC is carefully validated and verified so that we can be as sure as is reasonably possible that the data we enter onto our systems is accurate. Likewise, when we give data out to third parties, we are always careful to ensure that sensitive or confidential records are not given out to anybody apart from the appropriate people.
We cover the former county of Avon – the modern Unitary Authorities of Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
View a map of our recording area
See the Commercial Data Search or Non-Commercial Data Search pages.
Please see the Recording section of the website, and in particular our Recording Guide.
We can provide Recording Forms and simple Maps showing Grid References. We also run and support several Species Recording Groups, which are free to join. On top of this, we regularly have training days and attend other events where our recorders can improve their knowledge and ask questions.
BRERC relies heavily on the good work of volunteers to enter a large portion of the data we receive. Volunteering at BRERC is an excellent way to learn about all the various processes and bodies involved in nature conservation in the Bristol Region and further afield. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer.
Volunteering can often lead to paid work, either at BRERC or elsewhere. We have a register of people that we can call on to undertake work as and when necessary, as well as having three permanent, full time members of staff. For details on vacancies, keep an eye on the BRERC website where vacancies are posted.
BRERC provided data is routinely used to screen planning applications by various local authority departments and various organisations such as the Environment Agency, Avon Wildlife Trust and English Nature. Between 15000 and 25000 planning applications are made each year in our region. BRERC provided data is also used for determining the status and distribution of species and habitats locally, regionally and nationally. Our data is also used for contaminated land strategies, pollution control, emergency planning, habitat and species management and reporting to government on regional and national biodiversity targets.
Teams of surveyors from BRERC are to be found out in the countryside at any time from February to October, assessing the condition and preparing reports and species lists for woodlands, grasslands and other habitats. We also have training days dedicated to surveying, which can relate to survey methodologies through to specific searches as part of our support to the BRERC Recording Groups.
We have a full list of policies and procedures. Where appropriate, these are made available on our website. Not all our policies are procedures are in a digital format, and more will be added to the website as they are revised and typed up.
BRERC is a ‘not for profit’ organisation and is administered through Bristol City Council on behalf of Bristol City, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset Councils, English Nature and Avon Wildlife Trust. There is a Steering Committee that agrees and oversees the day to day running, policies and strategies of the Centre. This Steering Committee comprises of the Collections Manager of Bristol City Museum (Line Manager for BRERC personnel and administration), Ecologists of the Unitary Authorities, the Conservation Officers of English Nature and Environment Agency and the Director and Conservation Officers of Avon Wildlife Trust. This Steering Committee reports to a Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) consisting of the above officers and elected Councillors of the Unitary Authorities. The JAC sets the budget and work programme.
BRERC was established in 1974, starting life in Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. The two organisations have retained close links ever since. Quite apart from the important administration services that BRERC receives through the museum, the relationship is helpful in terms of setting the museums collections in context in terms of BRERC data and vice versa.
The BRERC website is designed in house by BRERC staff. Find out more about the BRERC website.
Please visit our contacts page.