How to use SBIS data

SBIS provides regular updates to its comprehensive datasets, ensuring that organisations across Suffolk have access to current, validated information for evidence-based decision-making, strategic planning, and environmental management. This page outlines the key datasets available and how to apply them to your work.

Not sure why biodiversity data matters to your organisation? Read The Value of SBIS Data to find out how investing in data supports better decisions for Suffolk’s environment and economy.

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Datasets available from SBIS

County Wildlife Sites (CWS): Polygon datasets identifying areas of high wildlife value across Suffolk. While non-statutory, CWS are central to local planning and conservation, supporting characteristic and threatened species and habitats. The CWS Register, containing full citations, is available in Access, PDF, and Excel formats.

Roadside Nature Reserves (RNR): Polygon datasets of species-rich plant communities along Suffolk's roadsides, many of which are also CWS. Managed by Suffolk County Council, RNRs conserve plants of national or county importance. Fact sheets with detailed descriptions are available.

County Geodiversity Sites (CGS): Polygon datasets of geologically significant sites in Suffolk. These non-statutory designations highlight their importance for understanding local landscape, geology, and heritage. The CGS Register is available in PDF and Excel formats.

Species data: Point and polygon datasets for a range of species, typically at tetrad (2 km square) or greater precision, covering the last 20 years. This includes:

• Protected, locally scarce and rare species – records for Priority (BAP) species, Suffolk Rare Plants, and legally protected species including Badgers, Bats, and Great Crested Newts.
• Schedule 9 species – records for non-native species that threaten biodiversity, as well as some native birds.

LiDAR-derived tree canopy information: Detailed spatial data on tree cover across Suffolk parishes, including canopy area and percentage cover, woodland type classification (coniferous, non-coniferous, orchard, scrub), intersections with Forestry Commission ownership, Historic Parks & Gardens, and Wood-Pasture & Parkland, and tree height from LiDAR remote sensing.

LiDAR-derived hedge information: Granular data on agricultural field boundaries and associated hedges, including total hedge length, breakdown of treed sections and gaps, estimated tree volume and height, and classification of tree types within hedges.

All spatial datasets are available in MapInfo TAB and ESRI SHP formats.

How to apply SBIS data

Policy and planning: Integrate CWS, RNR, CGS, and species data into local plans to identify ecologically and geologically sensitive areas and inform land-use allocations. Use species, habitat, and LiDAR-derived tree canopy and hedge data to develop biodiversity action plans and contribute to Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Development management: Use CWS, RNR, CGS, species, and LiDAR data to provide pre-application ecological advice to developers, streamlining the planning process and reducing potential conflicts. SBIS data can inform environmental impact assessments and support more accurate Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and monitoring. LiDAR-derived metrics on tree canopy and hedge length and quality are particularly useful for BNG baseline assessments.

Targeted investment and grant funding: Identify areas of high ecological value, specific species populations, or areas deficient in green infrastructure to prioritise funding for conservation, habitat creation, and restoration. Track changes in biodiversity, tree cover, and hedge quality over time by submitting repeat data requests to assess the impact of funded initiatives.

Environmental management: Incorporate CWS, RNR, species data, and LiDAR-derived tree and hedge maps into green infrastructure strategies to enhance ecological networks and deliver wider environmental benefits such as urban cooling and carbon sequestration. Use detailed ecological data to guide land management on council-owned land or in partnership with landowners. LiDAR data can also support quantification of tree canopy cover for carbon sequestration targets and identification of areas for tree planting to promote urban cooling and flood mitigation.

Farming and land management: Use species data, CWS boundaries, and LiDAR-derived hedge and tree canopy information to understand the ecological baseline of your land and identify opportunities for habitat creation, restoration, and connectivity. SBIS data can support applications for Countryside Stewardship, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Biodiversity Net Gain schemes by providing evidence of existing ecological value and identifying where targeted interventions will have the greatest impact.

Important notes on using SBIS data

• Attribution – always include the text “© Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service” on all maps and documents that use SBIS data.
• Data precision – species records are typically provided at tetrad (2 km square) or greater precision. Be mindful of the precision levels and the update date of each dataset when using the data.
• Non-statutory designations – while CWS and CGS are non-statutory, they represent sites of high value recognised by a partnership of key organisations.
• Full citations – for CWS and CGS, always refer to the full citations in the relevant registers for detailed descriptions; the spatial data attributes contain only a summary.
• LiDAR interpretation – note that the LiDAR methodology applies a minimum tree height of 2 m, and that woodland, scrub, and hedge features are distinguished by specific classification rules.