Cornwall’s County Wildlife Sites Project

The ERCCIS library holds paper files for each of Cornwall’s 496 County Wildlife Sites (CWS), with more recent survey reports stored electronically and a map outlining the site boundaries held as a digital GIS layer. Combining these resources, SITES has been developed over the last year as a web-based system for storing and sharing information about CWS throughout Cornwall. It allows the user to search for sites and access summary sheets which provide details of: location; size; survey activity; aerial photograph overlays; a general description highlighting habitats and some of the species recorded within the site, including Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Habitats and Species; known site management such as Stewardship Schemes or nature reserves; links for further information; and a facility to submit comments or observations regarding a CWS.

The summary sheets have been generated using information and wildlife records currently held by ERCCIS and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Future site assessments may identify changes or additional features of interest and the system will be updated as further information becomes available. The aim is to develop a similar system for our County Geology Sites.

SITES can be accessed directly through the website or via the GIS layer, with both requiring a username and password to enter the system. Organisations with a Service Level Agreement have been issued with the updated map layer containing web-links to SITES summary sheets. The Wildlife Information Service also disseminates the information as part of desk study outputs for ecological consultants, recorders, students and members of the public interested in finding out more about areas designated as County Wildlife Sites. It is hoped that the system will prove to be a valuable tool for all those concerned with helping to protect and enhance Cornwall’s environment and wealth of wildlife.

More information on County Wildlife Sites can be found here.