The Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) is the centre of reference for all information relating to wildlife and biodiversity in Somerset. It maintains an up-to-date record of sites, habitats and species found in the county and makes the data available for decision making, conservation, research, monitoring and education.

SERC is a partnership organisation working closely with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset County Council, Somerset's District Councils, English Nature, Environment Agency and the Exmoor National Park Authority.

SERC's database holds over 900,000 records of species, details of over 5000 sites and over 10,000 records of habitats (examples). Anyone can access SERC's data subject to essential constraints on some sensitive information. Dataset descriptions and details of SERC's main products and services can be viewed on this site. Details of the data search service for professional users are available.

SERC encourages recording of wildlife , both by individuals and through the Species Recording Groups , and would like to receive more records. It is possible to make useful records with no specialist knowledge.

SERC has developed a new approach to classification of habitats in the UK that includes Biodiversity Priority Habitats and several other recognised formats. The Integrated Habitat System is now available for purchase on CD-ROM. The system can be used with any GIS and includes a translation module from existing habitat data.

SERC offers a consultancy service outside of Somerset that specialises in Local Records Centre Management, Biodiversity Data Management and Habitat Audit.

SERC runs a training scheme in biodiversity survey and data management for science graduates, offering up to fourteen places annually.

SERC is helping to develop the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) which aims to provide better access to UK biodiversity information for all.

In 2004 the European Commission agreed Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment” – the ‘SEA Directive’ – on 27 June 2001. Somerset County Council commissioned SERC to produce a baseline for the SEA, read more here