A selection of previous ecological projects undertaken is listed below.
Data handling for upland habitat on 39 SSSIs and 19 SACs. Conversion of vegetation codes (from NVC, Birks & Ratcliffe and SBBI surveys) to SSSI and SAC "interest features". Creation of 'feature maps' on GIS data-set for each site. Production of lists of sample points for features on each site. Processing of data for 101 SAC features and 62 SSSI features. Use of custom scripts and processes in MS Excel, VisualBasic and ESRI ArcView to achieve outputs.
Data handling for upland habitat on 78 SSSIs and 27 SACs. Conversion of vegetation codes (from NVC, Birks & Ratcliffe and SBBI surveys) to SSSI and SAC "interest features". Creation of 'feature maps' on GIS data-set for each site. Generation of random sample points for each site. Production of lists of sample points for features on each site. Processing of data for 146 SAC features and 140 SSSI features. Written method statement describing custom scripts and processes used in MS Excel and ESRI ArcView to achieve outputs.
A study was undertaken to collate readily available environmental data for the Black Esk catchment and the associated natural water basin, so that West of Scotland Water could assess the possible environmental impacts of changes in water supply activities. There were 20 organisation (22 projects, schemes and initiatives) involved in the ecological and environmental management of the study area. Designated sites within the study area included: internationally important, two SACs, two SPAs, one Ramsar site; nationally important, 16 SSSIs and one NNR; locally important, one LNR, one NTS property and two local community nature reserves; and a list of Scottish Wildlife Trust 'wildlife sites' was noted as being in preparation and ready to be available in the near future. There was approximately 8,500 hectares (5% of the study area) of habitat identified as potentially sensitive to hydrological disturbance. In addition, features potentially sensitive to hydrological disturbance included nine of the SSSIs, 28 BAP 'priority' species, 85 LBAP 'species of conservation concern' and significant fisheries for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and sea trout Salmo trutta.
Data handling in order to set up the GIS component of the Scottish Wood Pasture Inventory. The Scottish Semi-Natural Woodland Inventory (SNNWI) and the digitised OS 1st edition maps were queried to generate a sample of approximately 150 candidate sites from the ~150,000 woodland polygons in the SSNWI database. Shapefiles for field survey and recording of a sample of the candidate sites were established. Comparision of the SNNWI and the digitised OS 1st edition maps was made for 176 previously known wood pasture sites.
Data handling to assist in the transfer of existing woodland survey records onto new software such that it could be incorporated into an overall GIS data-set package for the native woodland resource in Tayside. Field survey data pertaining to 316 woodland sites was included, of which, 221 formed a random sample and the previous findings for which were published in the booklet "The Future for Tayside's Native Woodlands" (TNWI, 1995).
Data handling and visits to SNH Area Offices for 18 large upland designated sites in Scotland. Digitisation of Black File maps for three sites covering 350km sq. Conversion of vegetation codes, from NVC and Birks & Ratcliffe surveys to SSSI and N2K "interest features", for 18 upland sites amounting to ~1500km sq, to create a GIS data-set such that random sample points could be generated. Visits to three Area offices to confirm notified interest and identify ecological constraints on SSSIs and SACs.
Interrogated GIS data to provide information on extent and distribution of wildlife habitats and to produced maps for the report.
Queried the MS Access database to establish various aspects of the progress of habitat and species Biodiversity Action Plans and hence to produce tables for the report.
Digitisation of original Phase 1 habitat survey for Midlothian (paper maps on 1:10,000 25km sq sheets) to ESRI ArcView shapefiles and database files to provide electronic copy of the survey data on GIS for 110km sq and then 130km sq of the district.
Data collation of designated sites information on held on GIS by 18 Local Authorities such that notified interest along the way-leaves of electricity power-lines might be readily identified at an early stage in work proposals. Fieldwork along the way-leaves of electricity power-lines to identify ecological interest and suggest mitigation where tree felling and clearance operations were proposed.