GIS data licensing

We can supply some of our geographic data as layers for Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Examples of such data are:

  • bats
  • protected and notable species
  • invasive species
  • Local Wildlife Site boundaries
  • Local Geological Site boundaries
  • Conservation Target Areas (CTA) boundaries
  • Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOA) boundaries
  • habitats and land-use

You will need a digital licensing agreement to receive data in this format. The license is usually valid for one year - see below for charges.

Data licensing charges

We offer data licensing for data in GIS format covering large geographic areas. You require a licence for search areas exceeding 10 km² or 1000 hectares, or for a 5 km buffer around a site. Our data licence charges are outlined below.

Calculating the fee involves considering the following factors:

  • the time required to extract the data 
  • a contribution towards the annual costs of collating and managing our database

Remember that the data licence is valid for one calendar year, after which the data should be deleted unless a new data licence is agreed.

Datasets

The datasets we offer are identical to those provided to our funding partners, and we adhere to the same update schedule. However, for bespoke datasets, we do charge an additional fee.

Standard rate charges

Standard charges apply to:

  • commercial companies and governmental bodies for any purposes
  • charitable organisations using the data for commercial purposes
Standard charges for dataset licences by area (excluding VAT)
Dataset Oxon and Berks (£) Oxon (£) Berks (£)
Protected and notable species 6,300 3,485 2,815
Invasive species 1,325 735 590
Great crested newts (presence and absence) 1,325 735 590
Bats (all species) 1,325 735 590
Local Wildlife and Geological Sites 6,300 3,485 2,815
Habitats 6,300 3,485 2,815
Ponds 1,325 735 590
Conservation Target Areas / Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 130 65 65

Areas smaller than a county

The total charge will be the lesser amount between:

  • the sum for each administrative boundary within the search areas
  • the minimum charge for that dataset
Smaller area charges (excluding VAT) 
Dataset Minimum charge (£) Bracknell Forest (£) Reading (£) Slough (£) West Berks (£) Windsor and Maidenhead (£) Wokingham (£) Oxford city Cherwell DC West Oxon DC South Oxon Vale
Protected and notable species 578 320 320 284 1,076 473 483 441 819 793 851 756
Invasive species 126 68 68 63 226 100 100 95 173 168 179 158
Great crested newts (presence and absence) 578 320 320 284 1,076 473 483 441 819 793 851 75
Bats (all species) 126 68 68 63 226 100 100 95 173 168 179 158
Local Wildlife and Geological Sites 578 320 320 284 1,076 473 483 441 819 793 851 756
Habitats 578 320 320 284 1,076 473 483 441 819 793 851 756
Ponds 126 68 68 63 226 100 100 95 173 168 179 158

Reduced rate 1

Reduced rate one is for:

  • large charities and social enterprises (using the information for conservation purposes and with an annual turnover of over £500k)
  • parish and town councils

For areas larger than one district or city but smaller than one county, the charge will be multiplied by the number of administrative areas within the search area.

Reduced rate 1 charges (excluding VAT)
Dataset Oxon and Berks (£) One county One district or city
Protected and notable species 1,700 850 190
Invasive species 360 180 45
Great crested newts (presence and absence) 360 180 45
Bats (all species) 360 180 45
Local Wildlife and Geological Sites 1,700 850 190
Habitats 1,700 850 190
Ponds 360 180 45
Conservation Target Areas / Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 65 45 45

Reduced rate 2

For medium-sized charities and social enterprises (using the information for conservation purposes and with an annual turnover between £100k and £500k).

For areas larger than one district or city but smaller than one county, the charge will be multiplied by the number of administrative areas within the search area.

Reduced rate 2 charges (excluding VAT)
Dataset Oxon and Berks (£) One county One district or city
Protected and notable species 850 425 95
Invasive species 180 90 40
Great crested newts (presence and absence) 180 90 40
Bats (all species) 180 90 40
Local Wildlife and Geological Sites 850 425 95
Habitats 850 425 95
Ponds 180 90 20
Conservation Target Areas / Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 65 45 45

Reduced rate 3

For small charities and social enterprises (using the information for conservation purposes and with an annual turnover of less than £100k).

Reduced rate 3 charges (excluding VAT)
Dataset Charge (£)
Protected and notable species 85
Invasive species 40
Great crested newts (presence and absence) 40
Bats (all species) 40
Local Wildlife and Geological Sites 85
Habitats 85
Ponds 40
Conservation Target Areas / Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 45