Submit a Data Request

Choose the Species or Taxon Group

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Conditions for use of data

1. The data may not be copied to third parties, published in any form or placed on the internet without written permission from TWIC.
2. The user is permitted to incorporate the provided data in a report as long as the following conditions are adhered to:
   • The recipient(s) of the report are stated overleaf.
   • Full acknowledgement is given in the report to TWIC.
   • The data supplied by TWIC is not amended in any way.
   • Any specific copyright or confidentiality clauses attached to the data are adhered to.
3. Permission to use the data is valid for 12 months after the data is supplied.
4. The data must not be entered on any computerised database or Geographical Information System (GIS) that would enable its storage or use for any other purpose than the project outlined in the data request form or out with the 12-month data validity period.
5. This request does not constitute a contract until it has been approved by TWIC. This form will become a contract on receipt of an email accepting our quote and the terms and conditions listed here.

Data access restrictions

6. Some of the species/habitat data held by TWIC are of a sensitive nature and access to these data will be allowed once confidentiality is assured by the recipient. Sensitive species are those defined by NatureScot’s Sensitive species of Scotland recommendations. These can be found at: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/protected-species-z-guide
7. Phase 1 Habitat data for Scottish Borders is originated and supplied by Scottish Borders Council.

Disclaimer

8. The data supplied are derived from TWIC’s databases which are compiled from a wide variety of sources. Although every effort is made to verify the data we hold, we cannot vouch for their authenticity. The TWIC database reflects both the geographic and taxonomic coverage of species or biological recording and this may include gaps on coverage, therefore the absence of records does not necessarily imply absence of species.
9. TWIC accepts no liability for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or losses arising from the use of provided data.

Pricing & Payment

10. The Wildlife Information Centre (TWIC) charges for its services to include two components – firstly a charge for the time and resources used in supplying data, producing reports or supplying other services and secondly a charge to contribute to the cost of collating and managing the data. TWIC’s charging policy explains the principles behind setting charges. For data requests, we estimate how long a request will take to process and provide a quote accordingly. The estimated time will vary depending on factors such as the size of the site, the size of the buffer area, and the amount and type of data requested. From 1 April 2026, our standard charges are as follows:
    • £150 ex. VAT for the first hour of work (search buffer up to 1 km)
    • £75 ex. VAT for each additional half hour (search buffer up to 1 km)
    • £179 ex. VAT for the first hour of work (search buffer greater than 1 km)
    • £90 ex. VAT for each additional half hour (search buffer greater than 1 km)
    Large data provision projects (those estimated to take 4 hours or more) will be charged at £144 ex. VAT per hour. Additional services, such as expedited delivery (within 2 working days), may be requested and will be charged at £90 ex. VAT in addition to the original quote. All quotes provided by TWIC are valid for a period of 60 days from the date of issue.
11. A Null Result will be charged at the rate of £47 ex VAT.
12. Upon completion and delivery of the results of the data request TWIC will issue an invoice. This invoice is to be paid within 30 days of issue. Should the invoice not be paid within this time frame, TWIC reserves the right to issue a further invoice for a late payment fee. This fee will be £82 ex. VAT and is again to be paid within 30 days of issue.
13. A discretionary discount on our data request fees is available for data suppliers who have made a significant contribution of recent wildlife records to TWIC. This discount will be initially offered on a trial period of 12 months. This discount cannot be used in combination with a Service Level Agreement (SLA).