The Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS)

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have an exceptional natural environment. Current, comprehensive information concerning the nature of this environment is essential if we are to safeguard it for future generations. We provide just such a resource.

ERCCIS is hosted by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and receives support and/or funding from Cornwall County Council, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Federation of Biological Recorders, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and four of the district councils.

The Centre acts as a focus for the collation, management and provision of local biological and geological data and other related information. We work with local individuals and organisations that regularly record the species, habitats, and geology in the area, so that we can collate the wealth of information that exists for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

As information is sent in to us it is validated and entered onto our computer database. We also use a geographical information system (GIS), which comprises Ordnance Survey base maps, overlain with wildlife information, such as the boundaries of designated wildlife sites (for example Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)), and the location of various habitats such as heathland.

The use of information technology also helps us greatly when disseminating information. Anyone can request data from us - local authority planners, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s project officers, local recorders, students, Environment Agency officers and the general public. People use our information for making decisions about planning applications; how to manage their land; carrying out survey and project work; and often just for general interest. We operate the Wildlife Information Service as an efficient and effective way of providing our information to the wider world.

Click here to enter the ERCCIS web site