Wildlife Information Service
The Wildlife Information Service (WIS), run by ERCCIS, acts
as the first point of contact for anyone wanting to enquire
about the wildlife in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Acting
as a one-stop-shop, WIS allows the enquirer quick and effective
access to the wealth of biological and geological information
held at the Records Centre.
Whether you want to find out what plants and animals can
be found in the area where you live, which sites in Cornwall
are most important for wildlife, or where species such as
the Common Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius can
be found, WIS can provide the answers.
ERCCIS Information Co-ordinator
photograph taken by Alex Howie
This service was established at the beginning of the century
and has been a great success. Well over 6000 calls have now
been logged answering questions from the general public, students,
conservation organisations, businesses and the government.
Over the year WIS receives a range of typical enquiries:
- Calls from people who are affected by mysterious digging
of their lawn provide records of active badger sets.
- People curious about the identification of an insect,
plant, bird or mammal they have seen produce records for
species throughout the county. Occasionally a rarely seen
or very uncommon species such as the Cornish Bruenechis
Argiope spider Argiope bruenichi is reported.
- Virtually every day WIS receives calls from landowners
wanting to manage their land for nature conservation. WIS
can provide advice on possible methods, practices and funding
available. The landowners often continue to send in records
and update us on their progress.
Agriope bruenichi
The Wildlife Information Service can provide maps of the
local habitat showing any notable features; areas covered
by wildlife and geological designations; maps of species recordings
and information about what plants and animals may be expected
in any area in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Local experts
are consulted to aid with any unusual identifications or wildlife
information requests that may be made, and with a variety
of resources at its disposal, WIS aims to give the best help
possible.
West Penwith, near Zennor
photograph taken by Michael Wall
If you would like some information about the wildlife and/or
geology of Cornwall and Scilly please complete an Information
Request Form or the Research
Information Request Form, if you are a student. We look
forward to hearing from you!
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