Please note that we will be closed for Christmas from 19th December until 5th January. We will not be responding to data search requests during this time. Wishing you a good festive season and all the best for 2026.
For most planning applications a consultant is expected to request data within a 1 km or 2 km search radius depending upon the size of the development and zones of influence. A Householder Property Check is only appropriate for small-scale alterations to a single property. A larger search radius or additional data may be required for a major development. For data requests relating to tree planting, research, preparing a management plan or for a conservation project, please use the Management and Conservation form.
We recommend using Dorset Explorer to obtain grid references.
To request data please click on one of the links below to complete an online form.
For minor/major applications, if you need to send a map showing the site boundary or GIS files, you can download a copy of the form and email with a map or files to DERC.
For a Householder Property Check, if you cannot use the online form, you can download the form here.
The DERC team usually respond to data requests within 2 working days. If you don’t get a reply, please contact us directly at DERC.
Charges for Biodiversity Data Searches
The costs will vary depending upon the information requested and how much data is available. Costs reflect the time taken to manage, extract and provide the information. Most requests from consultants cost £130 – £340 + VAT. There is a minimum charge of £25 + vat for a householder property check.
If your enquiry crosses the Dorset boundary, you may need to contact one of our neighbouring Records Centres. The ALERC website allows you to check which LERC you need to contact and provides contact details: www.alerc.org.uk.
Data Request Options gives more information on the type of data you can request and what is included in a standard species search.
Planning and Biodiversity in Dorset includes links to the Dorset Council and BCP websites.
Dorset Environmental Records Centre 