Like the majority of LERCs, GCER charges for commercial data searches. This includes the cost of exporting and preparing data and reports, and also has to cover the time spent on collating and processing the many and varied sources of incoming data. We aim to keep our standard searches as quick and cheap as possible whilst ensuring that records are clearly-presented and as comprehensive as data sources permit.

From April 2026, we are introducing a new charging structure. We need to update the way our services are priced due to increasing operational costs. To more accurately reflect costs without unreasonable increases in the price of smaller searches, search reports will now be priced based partly on search radius as well as time taken and breadth of search. This change will help ensure GCER remains sustainable and that our pricing is more comparable with neighbouring Local Environmental Records Centres.

Standard searches from April 2026

A standard search will consist of statutory and non-statutory sites (all sites) plus one subject from the list below:

• Notable and protected species (last 10 years)
• Notable and protected species (extended to last 25 years)
• Bats (last 25 years)
• Invasive non-native species (last 10 yrs)
• Roof-nesting bird species (last 10 yrs)
• Priority Habitats map
• EIA form completed
  
  

Search Radius	Standard search (all sites plus one subject from the list)	Additional subjects, each	Bats only	Multiple searches discount -25% off additional searches only when submitted at same time
Up to 1km	£155	£20	£90	£117 (£15)
Up to 2km	£175	£25	£95	£132 (£19)
Up to 3km	£225	£30	£120	£169 (£23)
Up to 5km	£295	£40	£135	£222 (£30)

Note that the most basic 'sites and notable species' 1km search is fixed at last year's price, and some of the more limited searches are slightly cheaper than before. There are day-long rates and further add-ons that you can apply to tailor your search if the standard search doesn’t fit your requirements – click on the download link below for a more detailed guide to getting the exact data you need.

A quote will be sent out and permission to proceed gained before a search is completed. Quotes are sent out on a Friday afternoon, any searches submitted after 1pm on a Friday will not be acted on until the following Friday. Once the quote is agreed all searches will be completed within 5 working days.

Data searches for ecological consultants are prioritised above other work. As these are already prioritised we don't have a "fast track" option - effectively they're all fast-tracked as far as is possible. However, we try to order our work according to the urgency of the request, so if you need something extra quickly it is worth asking if it can be given the highest priority.

If you require a search urgently, please email GCER to enquire about our capacity and if we can accommodate your request. We do not charge extra for quick responses as we cannot guarantee them but will always try to accommodate your requests when capacity allows.

Searches where no data is found will continue to attract no search fee charge unless a standard report is still requested, in which case the maximum fee will be £50 + VAT.