Biodiversity

Large parts of the Royal Borough are recognised for their biodiversity value.  These include a number of internationally important sites designated through the European Union (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) and by international convention (Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar sites).  Internationally important sites wholly or partially within the Royal Borough are:

In addition to the above, there are 11 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a number of areas of Ancient Woodland and many sites of local biodiversity importance.  Information on key environmental schemes and designations can be accessed via the government maintained MAGIC website http://www.magic.gov.uk/.

In partnership with the other Berkshire local authorities, the Council has produced a number of Biodiversity Action Plans.  These cover a range of habitats including:

• Heathland
• Lowland Unimproved Grasslands
• Rivers and Associated Floodplains
• Standing Open Waters and Associated Habitats

The Council supports the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC).  The TVERC collects, collates and makes available information on wildlife and geological sites in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

If you have any wildlife records you would like recorded or would like further information on surveys, please contact the TVERC at one of their offices listed below.  All enquiries regarding data searches should be directed to the Woodstock Office.

Main office and Oxfordshire contact:
TVERC
c/o the Museum of Oxfordshire
Fletcher's House
Park Street
Woodstock
Oxon OX20 1SN

Tel: 01993 814147
By Email: gavin.bird@oxfordshire.gov.uk
By Email: datasearch@tverc.org

Contact for Berkshire (other than data searches):
TVERC Berkshire
C/o Council Offices
Market Street
Newbury
Berks RG14 5LD

Tel: 01635 519179
By Email: TVERC@westberks.gov.uk

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