A selection of previous ecological projects undertaken is listed below.
An NVC survey of 'Kintail and Falls of Glomach' (7,581ha) was undertaken, a large West Highland Estate consisting of a range of upland habitats between sea-level and 1,068m altitude. Key habitats included wet heath, blanket bog, dry heath, alpine heath, alpine moss heath, snowbeds, alpine and subalpine calcareous grassland, alpine flush, alkaline fen, tall-herb ledges and fern-beds, birch woodland, alder woodland and saltmarsh. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 530 polygons assigned to 59 NVC communities and 98 sub-communities. Supporting data included 368 sample quadrats (sorted into 93 frequency tables), 987 target notes and 986 digital photgraphs. Notable vascular plant species were recorded, including 10 Nationally Scarce species and one sedge species (Carex salina) new to the British Isles. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Bawsinch and Duddingston' SWT Wildlife Reserve (27.9ha) was undertaken (including Duddingston Loch SSSI), consisting mainly of fen woodland and open water transition mire. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 87 polygons assigned to 18 NVC communities and 25 sub-communities, with 88 sample quadrats sorted into 22 frequency tables. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Belmaduthy Dam' SWT Wildlife Reserve (19.5ha) was undertaken (including Dam Wood SSSI and SAC), consisting mainly of lowland heath, alkaline fen and juniper scrub. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 31 polygons assigned to 11 NVC communities and 12 sub-communities, with 64 sample quadrats sorted into 15 frequency tables. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Hermand Birchwood' SWT Wildlife Reserve (9.6ha) was undertaken (including Hermand Birchwood SSSI), consisting mainly of wet woodland and remnant raised bog. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 28 polygons assigned to 10 NVC communities and 11 sub-communities, with 61 sample quadrats sorted into 14 frequency tables. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Linhouse Dean' SWT Wildlife Reserve (22.1ha) was undertaken (including Linhouse Valley SSSI), consisting mainly of ash woodland, lowland heath, valley fen and lowland grassland. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 70 polygons assigned to 17 NVC communities and 22 sub-communities, with 85 sample quadrats sorted into 18 frequency tables. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Possil Marsh' SWT Wildlife Reserve (31.4ha) was undertaken (including Possil Marsh SSSI), consisting mainly of basin mire (schwingmoor type), fen woodland and open water transition. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 93 polygons assigned to 21 NVC communities and 23 sub-communities, with 105 sample quadrats sorted into 28 frequency tables. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
An NVC survey of 'Tummel Shingle Islands' SWT Wildlife Reserve (40.3ha) was undertaken (including Shingle Islands SSSI and SAC), consisting mainly of alluvial woodland, lowland calcareous grassland, lowland neutral grassland and pioneering shingle vegetation. The vegetation was identified and mapped as 89 polygons assigned to 12 NVC communities and 15 sub-communities, with 81 sample quadrats sorted into 17 frequency tables. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution and extent of corresponding 'EC Annex 1 habitats' and SSSI feature habitats' were identified.
A 'veteran tree survey' of the 'ancient wood pasture' on the Glen Finglas Estate, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs. 51 random sample plots (50m x 50m size) spread over 250ha of lightly wooded glen (160-490m altitude). 512 trees were assessed against veteran tree crtieria; with species, girth size, tree form, veteran characteristics, GPS location and digital photographs recorded for each tree. The information recorded was entered into a GIS compatible database. Population estimates for ancient and veteran trees were given. Threshholds were suggested for girth size and veteran tree scores indicative of particular nature conservation interest
A vegetation survey of the of Isle of Coll (7,489ha), including 3 SSSIs, 2 SACs and 2 SPAs, on the west coast of Scotland. The vegetation was identified and mapped, mainly comprising moorland and sand dunes, but including the whole of the Hebridean islands of Coll and Gunna. 2445 polygons were assigned to 69 NVC communities and 116 sub-communities, with 451 target notes, 413 digital photos and 457 quadrats recorded. Notable vascular plant species were recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS. The distribution of EC Annex 1 habitats was identified, including 7 coastal habitats and nine upland habitats.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for Site Condition Monitoring of coastal habitats on SSSIs, SACs and Ramsar sites. Data recording for attributes and targets, establishment of monitoring transects and photographic record for 'maritime cliff', 'shingle', 'sand dune', 'machair' and 'saltmarsh' habitats. 32 SSSIs, 8 SACs and one Ramsar site, encompassing 53 notified features and 102 sub-features. Routes for 87 walks (299kms) and 332 transects (16.7kms), 453 slide-film shots and 3,436 digital images. Supplementary reports were provided for the 224 targets that were not met. Line and point data was recorded using GPS and transferred to GIS..
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.
Botanical survey of approximately 150ha of sand dune system on the Classiebawn Estate part of the 'Bunduff Lough and Machair/Trawalua/Mullaghmore' SAC. Appraisal of the rarity of the plant species recorded and the representative-ness of the fixed dune grassland community composition.
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 Site Condition Monitoring of 'lowland grassland' and 'fen, marsh and swamp' features on SSSIs. Data recording for attributes and targets, establishment of monitoring transects and photographic record for acid grassland, neutral grassland, calcareous grassland, valley mire, short fen, tall fen, swamp and reedbed habitats. 18 SSSIs, encompassing 31 notified features and 37 sub-features. 70 fens field-forms and 24 grassland field-forms, 103 print-film shots and 561 digital images were recorded. Supplementary reports were provided for the 112 targets that were not met. Line and point data was recorded using GPS and transferred to GIS. SATs and CM Forms were completed for the 18 SSSIs.
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.
Field survey and report for rare plant survey across seven 1x1km squares of upland habitat at the "Bizzle", "upper Hen Hole", "Braydon Burn" and "Bellyside Burn" parts of The Cheviot, Northumberland (390-760m altitude). A 'target' list of 24 notable vascular plant species were accurately recorded using GPS and data digitised to ArcView and Mapinfo 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.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for heather condition monitoring of coastal heath habitat at Earlshall Muir SSSI in Fife. Repeat exercise on baseline fieldwork undertaken five years ago, with data recorded within each of eight 20x20m permanent quadrats.
Fieldwork undertaken as part of a team of upland vegetation surveyors, mapping NVC communities on the proposed SSSI extension in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales. Mapping of 30km squares of upland habitat (250-630m altitude), 438 polygons were assigned to 24 NVC communities, with 96 quadrats, 337 target notes and 289 digital photos recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Fieldwork undertaken as part of a team of upland vegetation surveyors, mapping NVC communities on the candidate Special Area of Conservation site in the North Pennines. Mapping of 16km squares of upland habitat (270-789m altitude), 271 polygons were assigned to 25 NVC communities, with 69 quadrats, 168 target notes and 149 digital photos recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Field visits to 23 'open woodland' sites in the Trossachs, as part of the Scottish Wood Pasture Inventory project. Candidate sites provisionally identified by GIS deskwork were visited to confirm their status. The 'wood pasture' status of each site was confirmed by identifying and photographing the presence, type and condition of veteran trees; with additional information recorded for ground flora, adjacent habitat and land-use.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for Site Condition Monitoring of coastal habitats on SSSIs, encompassing 25 notified features on 17 sites spread around the coast of Scotland. Data recording for attributes and targets, establishment of monitoring transects and photographic record for cliff slope and top, shingle, dunes, saltmarsh and machair habitats. Line and point data was recorded using GPS and transferred to GIS.
Fieldwork, data entry and report writing for Site Condition Monitoring vascular plants on SSSIs, encompassing four Red Data Book species and 14 Nationally Scarce species, at Glen Coe SSSI. Size and distribution of species populations were identified and recorded, along with environmental parameters and photographic record. Point data was recorded using GPS and transferred to GIS.
Fieldwork and report writing for an NVC vegetation community survey of the raised bog habitat at Red Moss on the Balerno Common SSSI. Six NVC communities were assigned on 40 polygons covering 22ha, with 46 target notes, 27 quadrats and 44 photographs recorded. Survey data for polygons and points was digitally captured on GIS.
Fieldwork undertaken as part of a team of upland vegetation surveyors, mapping NVC communities on the proposed extension to the Eryri (Snowdonia) Special Area of Conservation site, North Wales. Mapping of 16km squares of upland habitat (150-994m altitude), 293 polygons were assigned to 27 NVC communities, with 97 quadrats and 205 target notes recorded. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Field surveyor and co-author, with responsibility for the NVC component of the project, on a vegetation survey of 3700ha of upland habitat (300-1151m altitude) in the West Highlands, with 30 communities and five nationally scarce vascular plant species recorded. Survey data was digitised 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 co-author on a rare plant survey of approximately 60ha of upland habitat on the "Summit" and "Hen Hole" at The Cheviot, Northumberland (450-815m altitude). A list of 14 notable vascular plant species being accurately recorded using GPS and data digitised to ArcView and Mapinfo GIS.
Fieldwork to record peat depth, NVC communities and physical characteristics data on 56 sites throughout "Southern Scotland" in 1999 and 76 sites in "Sutherland, Caithness & Orkney" in 2000 as part of the ongoing SBBI programme.
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.
Field surveyor and co-author with responsibility for NVC survey of approximately 2500ha of upland habitat (300-771m altitude) in Central Scotland, with data recorded for 459 polygons, 115 target notes and 101 quadrats (assigned to 54 NVC sub-communities). Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
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.
Field surveyor and co-author with responsibility for NVC of 1100ha of upland habitat (300-847m altitude) in Central Scotland, out of an overall NVC survey area of 115km
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.
Survey of 84 sites (540x540m square) spread across the Western Isles, West Highland, East Highland and Grampian, with vegetation and environmental parameters recorded and NVC communities mapped.
Field surveyor and co-author of NVC survey of 1520 ha of moorland and woodland habitat in East Highland, with 21 NVC communities and 192 vascular plant species recorded. Evaluation of nature conservation value was undertaken and potential woodland cover (as a result of ecological succession) was identified. Survey data was digitised onto GIS.
Surveyor and minor author for an NVC survey of an island NNR (approximately 10,800ha) on the north-west coast of Scotland. Annotated 1:10,000 scale maps, photographs, target notes, floristic tables and habitat impact assessment field indicators were provided.
Surveyor and author of NVC survey of 23ha of meadow habitat on the Northern Isles, with 11 NBVC communities recorded on crofting in-bye, management strips. A series of 105 permanent random re-locatable quadrats were established using SNH specified methodology of nested quadrats.
Field survey and co-author for heather condition survey of 370ha of maritime heath on the Fife coast. Data was recorded from 100 quadrats (20x20cm) in 8 plots (20x20m) in order to establish a baseline against which the results of future management can be monitored.
NVC survey of approximately 100ha of crofting township, much of it meadow grassland, on the north-west coast of Scotland, with 20 NVC communities (28 sub-communities) and 179 vascular plant species recorded. Conservation importance and management implications were discussed.
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.
Surveyor and co-author of NVC survey of 120ha of Country Park (150-180m altitude) in Central Scotland, with 21 NVC communities and 191 vascular plant species recorded. A discussion of nature conservation value and management options was provided.
Summer Warden for 1620 ha of upland habitat (sea level to 446m altitude) in Argyll. Responsibilities included wardening, management and administration of the site. NVC survey and mapping of 900ha of coastal and upland habitat, comprising 30 communities (41 sub-communities). Monitoring of the RDB plant population of Oxytropis campestris (Yellow Milk-vetch). Moorland Breeding Bird Survey covering 1600ha, seabird counts of coastal cliffs (from eight view-points) and Schedule 1 rare breeding bird return.
Biological recording on 5900ha of upland habitat (sea level to 743m altitude) in the north-west of Scotland. Responsibilities included a base-line survey of woodland remnants along 11km of loch-side slopes, recording 6 NVC woodland sub-communities in 265 discrete fragments of canopy. Moorland and coastal vegetation survey recording 20 Phase 1 habitats and 14 moorland NVC communities, including mapping of past and present muirburn and red deer counts. Schedule 1 rare breeding bird returns.
Surveyor and author for a vegetation survey of 125ha island habitat (sea level to 171m altitude) on the north-west coast of Scotland, with 18 Phase 1 habitats, 20 NVC communities and 159 species of vascular plant recorded.