About the Records Centre
What we do
Core Service:
The core service of the GBRC is to collate, process, store and distribute biological records for the Bailiwick of Guernsey. This includes a range of record types (such as observations of species or habitat types), data from different sources (structured surveys or casual observations), and this encompasses both historical and ongoing biological records.
Partnerships:
We work closely with similar organizations across the Channel Islands. As part of the CiRecord Partnership (a collaboration with Alderney Biodiversity Centre, Jersey Biodiversity Centre and La Société Sercquaise), we are in the process of creating an online platform for users to submit, explore and download records from across the islands. Once up-and-running, this will make our records more accessible and allow us to more easily share data with national recording schemes.
Brief History
1991 – Entomologist Dr Charles David develops some GIS software allowing users to easily input and map species records.
2003 – The Guernsey Biological Records Centre (GBRC) was officially established as a partnership between the States of Guernsey and La Société Guernesiaise with Bridget Ozanne (secretary of La Société Guernesiaise’s Botany Section) and Charles David as joint managers.
2007 – Bridget Ozanne sadly passed away. Charles remained as sole manager with Jane Gilmour, secretary of La Société’s Conservation Section, as his assistant.
2012 – Charles David sadly passed away in October 2012. Jane Gilmour took over as manager.
2013 – Julia Henney, now Senior Natural Environment Officer at the States of Guernsey, joined the GBRC and continued to provide support for many years using her experience as a GIS technician.
2018 – Elizabeth Sweet joins as the GBRC’s new manager.
2019 – Guernsey’s first BioBlitz is launched. This is an event to collect as many records as possible in a short time-frame and Guernsey’s were started in partnership between the GBRC and La Société with TV presenter Chris Packham visiting to open the first event. The GBRC office is relocated to Raymond Falla House in this year.
2023 – Elizabeth Sweet steps down as manager of the GBRC. Liz was instrumental in her support and management of various projects throughout her years at the records centre, as well as in her support of volunteers within the Bailiwick.
2025 – The management of the GBRC is taken over by the Nature Commission on behalf of the States of Guernsey and moved to a new office at Lisia House, St. Sampson.
Our Work
The GBRC collects, manages and shares information about all aspects of Guernsey’s wildlife, ecology and natural environment
Our Aims
To provide services and hold data to support the monitoring and protection of biodiversity, education, and to provide an evidence base for land and marine management issues.
Our Values
- Community engagement
- Enhancing island capabilities
- Providing high-quality and modern services