Data searches can be undertaken by SERC for enquirers subject to certain conditions and charges where appropriate. Details of data search services, conditions, charges and an enquiry form can be downloaded from this site. If you wish to request a data search please complete the enquiry form and email or post it to SERC.

A standard data search and related services are described in the SERC services document. Data are compiled by SERC on an ongoing basis from all available professional and voluntary sources. These sources include the various specialist species groups that operate in the county, linked to SERC and the Somerset Wildlife Trust, for which SERC acts as a clearing house for the supply of data. There is therefore no need for users to contact these groups separately. The copyright of records supplied is retained by SERC or the original recorders.

The data search is undertaken only on data held and compiled by SERC at the time the enquiry is made. No new field survey is undertaken.

All users of biological data should be aware of the interpretation limitations of the data supplied. Habitat and species recording coverage is far from complete in time and space and further field survey may be required to determine the presence of important features. It is possible to supply only records that have been collected and validated. The ecological condition of a site may have changed since the available records were collected - clearly this is especially the case for older records. The available records may often therefore be viewed as a guide to the present condition of a site or area rather than a definitive statement of its value.