Plant surveys botanical surveys NVC

Botanical Surveys

Accurate plant identification lies at the heart of successful ecological assessments so that’s why we specialise in botanical work.

We have a lot of experience of putting together expert teams of botanists to deliver high quality work for large and complex projects. We’ve done detailed botanical surveys for government agencies, conservation charities and local authorities and have a proven track record of working with clients such as Natural England, Defence Estates, the National Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

We can help you with any of the survey types detailed here, but this isn’t an exhaustive list, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if your needs are different.

Get in touch for friendly advice on: 07968 672634

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys

  • We conduct detailed sampling using quadrats to assign vegetation to standard communities as described in NVC manuals.
  • This is the standard means of assessing habitat quality used by conservation organisations, and is sometimes required for larger development projects (EIAs).

Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) surveys

  • We can help you with a survey for monitoring and management of important habitats and plant communities in protected sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
  • CSM surveys are often used by statutory agencies such as Natural England.

Invasive plant surveys

  • Surveys to identify and monitor invasive alien plant species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and montbretia.
  • These species are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 making it an offence to ‘cause [them] to spread’.

Hedgerow assessments

  • If you plan to remove any hedges as part of your project, the Hedgerows Regulations (1997) usually require a hedgerow assessment as part of your planning permission application.

Other kinds of botanical surveys we offer

  • BAP / Priority Habitat surveys: to identify priority habitats for conservation as listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Conservation management plans: habitat management and restoration advice.
  • Bryophyte surveys: specialist surveys for mosses and liverworts.
  • Vegetation monitoring schemes: design and delivery of tailor-made monitoring schemes for your project.