IWLRC: About the Isle of Wight Local Records Centre

IWLRC is a partnership-led biological records centre hosted by IW Council and based within the parks and countryside section of the Directorate of Economy and Environment. Launched in April 2010, IWLRC has been established with the principal aim of bringing together information on the Island’s wildlife, to make it available to all those who need it.

Its work is overseen by the Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, which has representation from a wide range of organisations with an interest in the Island’s biodiversity.

IWLRC maintains a computerised databases relating to habitats, statutory nature conservation sites and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), a non-statutory designation which highlights the importance of a site for wildlife within the context of the Isle of Wight. In addition it holds species records of rare and protected species derived from the database of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society and other recording groups and specialist surveys.

The information IWLRC is able to access is a valuable resource for the Island. It supports the work of its partner organisations which include departments within the local authority, nature conservation bodies and statutory organisations. It is also available to be used by landowners, consultants, students, local groups and the public to assist with environmental assessment, land management, private research and study.

The aims of IWLRC

To provide a focus for the collection and management of biological data relating to the Isle of Wigh.t
To make data available to all those who require it, including local authorities, government agencies, voluntary bodies, consultants, landowners, educational establishments and the public, subject to agreed policies on access and charging.
To service the information needs of the Biodiversity Action Plan for the Isle of Wight.
To provide support for local recorders and recording groups.
To conform to nationally agreed standards and contribute to the National Biodiversity Network.