The ecologists at CSa undertake a broad range of habitat surveys, including detailed botanical surveys covering most regularly occurring lowland habitats. All of CSa’s ecologists are able to undertake basic habitat survey work, with several experienced botanists available to complete detailed botanical surveys. Where appropriate, specialist associates are used to assess less common habitat types or complex species groups.
Phase 1 habitat surveys
Phase 1 surveys provide a standard methodology for habitat survey and mapping in the UK. For initial assessment purposes, CSa uses an extended Phase 1 technique to describe and map the distribution of habitat types across a site. Evidence of, or the potential for, protected species to occur is considered at the same time.
Phase 2 habitat surveys
Phase 2 habitat surveys are much more detailed and look at specific plant community types. An initial survey is used to identify different areas of vegetation and detailed quadrat sampling is then used within each homogenous area to carefully record species composition and frequency. The information is then matched against standard plant community and sub-community types to determine its position within the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system.
Hedgerow surveys
Hedgerow surveys are often required to determine whether a hedge qualifies as ‘important’ under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. CSa can assess hedgerows in terms of the ecological qualifying criteria set out in these Regulations.
Invasive and injurious weeds
CSa regularly encounters invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, which are the subject of certain legal controls. We are able to provide advice and to develop and agree detailed strategies for its eradication, where required. |