Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service

General information

The Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service is the One-Stop-Shop for biological information in Suffolk. Operating as an independent and objective centre for biological data we collate, manage and mobilise species and site information for the benefit of Suffolk’s wildlife as a whole.
Suffolk has a rich collection of expert and amateur naturalists who support the work of the S.B.I.S. and allow us to share an ever expanding database of over 2.8 million species records, across all key taxa, for conservation, research, education and general purposes.
The centre carries out the standard suite of local record centre functions including the storing and management of site and species records, mapping BAP habitats and providing expertise in GIS and database tasks; we also maintain the dataset of Suffolk’s non-statutory wildlife sites (CWS).
The Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service is hosted by Suffolk County Council and is based within Ipswich Museum, where natural history has a long heritage. The service incorporates much of the work formerly undertaken by Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership. We also have close links with Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, and GeoSuffolk who are based in the same office.
The complete SBIS dataset is available on the NBN Gateway for public use at tetrad scale. Registered users can apply for access at higher resolutions.

SBIS is supported by a consortium of stakeholders including: Suffolk County Council, Natural England, Babergh District Council, Forest Heath District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid-Suffolk District Council, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Waveney District Council, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Environment Agency, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society. The SBIS Governing Board (see Terms of Reference) meets twice a year to provide independent guidance and steer the work of the Centre.