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.
Vegetation survey of 181ha of ground, including SSSI, SPA and Ramsar designations, in the south-west of Scotland. NVC communities, Phase 1 habitats, Broad BAP habitats, Priority BAP habitats, EC Annex 1 habitats and LBAP habitats were identified and mapped. 121 polygons were assigned to 20 NVC communities and 24 sub-communities, with 68 target notes, 45 quadrats and 40 digital photos recorded. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised to GIS. Nature conservation interest was evaluated and managment recommendations were given.
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.
The vascular plant species Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire) and Ligusticum scoticum (Scot's Lovage) were recorded with handheld GPS and digital camera while undertaking SCM fieldwork on 36 SSSIs during July-September 2002. Date-stamped records of the locations of Ligusticum scoticum and Crithmum maritimum can be used to detect any climate change related movement in the distribution of these species.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for Site Condition Monitoring of coastal habitats on SSSIs. Data recording for attributes and targets, establishment of monitoring transects and photographic record for 'maritime cliff', 'shingle', 'sand dune', 'machair' and 'saltmarsh' habitats. 35 SSSIs, encompassing 63 notified features and 97 sub-features. Routes for 91 walks (177kms) and 52 transects (15kms), 459 slide-film shots and 1,923 digital images. Supplementary reports were provided for the 208 targets that were not met. Line and point data was recorded using GPS and transferred to GIS.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for grassland monitoring at the Slipperfield Moor part of the Dolphinton-West Linton SSSI in the Borders. Establishment of baseline data using the mini-quadrat methodology (100 10x10cm quadrats randomly placed) on the species-rich lowland grassland (12ha) present on site.
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.
Four reservoirs were visited in the Black Esk Water Supply Area, namely the Black Esk Reservoir and Winterhope Reservoir, and the disused Torbeckhill Reservoir and Purdomstone Reservoir. Water abstraction, forestry, pastoral, arable and water quality problems were found to be the main issues affecting the reservoirs visited. Conservation objectives for upland freshwater habitats were given. Enhancement opportunities identified included: the creation of new wetland habitat (i.e. swamp, fen and wet woodland) at the two disused reservoirs; the enhancement of habitat for mammal species (i.e. otters and bats) at three of the reservoirs; and the possible establishment of a new colony of Elatine hexandra Six-stamened Waterwort at one reservoir.
Fieldwork and data entry, locating specified blanket bog features accurately with handheld GPS and mapping onto GIS.
Main surveyor and author for an NVC survey of 1800ha of upland habitat in the Borders (250-719m altitude), with 14 communities (23 sub-communities) and one nationally scarce vascular plant species recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Field surveyor and author of NVC and Habitat Impact Assessment (HIA) survey for 720ha of upland habitat (285-659m altitude) in the Borders, with impact levels for "grazing, browsing and trampling" being assigned to 174 polygons mapping 11 NVC communities. Predicted outlooks were given. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Fieldwork to record peat depth, NVC communities and physical characteristics data on 34 sites, throughout Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders, as part of the ongoing SBBI programme.
Fieldwork for the population survey of adult Great Crested Newts by torching and bottle trapping in 64 ponds in clusters at Burrowhead and Borgue in Dumfries & Galloway, as part of (Area 39 and Area 41) the national survey.
Main surveyor and author for survey and report using NVC and Habitat Impact Assessment (HIA) methodologies for 700ha of upland habitat (300-743 altitude) in the Borders. Impact levels for "grazing, browsing and trampling" being assigned to 111 polygons mapping 10 NVC communities. Predicted outlooks were given. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Fieldwork and co-author for Habitat Impact Assessment (HIA) survey undertaken, covering 2860ha of upland habitat (150-819m altitude) in the Borders. Impact levels for "grazing, browsing and trampling" being assigned to 85 polygons mapping eight habitat types and recommendations based on predicted outlook given.