Surveying and monitoring

Understanding the environment is essential for planning future works, and this background information is needed for funding applications, grazing, habitat and fire management plans.

Surveying flora

We can provide:

  • Phase 1 and Extended Phase 1 habitat surveys.These assessments provide baseline data for targeted follow up work such as NVC surveying, grant applications and practical works.
  • Phase 2 National Vegetation Classification surveying tailored to the important features of the site and gives a detailed description of the plant communities present.
  • Common Standards Monitoring; a range of survey techniques for priority habitats and species to assess their condition.
  • Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC) are used by local authorities within the planning process. A variety of techniques are used to categorise habitats which meet SINC criteria.
  • Hedgerows are protected under the Hedgerow Regulations (1997) and surveys can identify protected ‘important’ hedgerows.
  • Grazing and palatability surveys for the establishment of grazing level recommendations.
  • Veteran Tree Surveys using specialist methods to assess their value to target management.
  • Moss and liverwort surveys.
  • Invasive plant surveys to facilitate effective and targeted control of problem species.

Monitoring

We can:

  • Monitor specific species and habitat over time. . A range of techniques based upon the key ecological characteristics of the area and its management are used to show change over time.
  • Establish fixed-point photography grids/sites. This visual technique provides a useful record of change over time to provide evidence of works undertaken.
  • Establish GPS fixed monitoring grids. As part of a monitoring strategy permanent survey locations can be established to add data confidence.

Data analysis and presentation

We can:

  • Report survey results tailored to the needs of the client and the site
  • Produce GIS maps. Map environmental constraints and zones of visual influence
  • Survey using GPS
  • Develop management recommendations, plans and reports