A selection of previous ecological projects undertaken is listed below.
Ecological Survey and Mapping
Data Analysis and Collation
Appraisal of Conservation Interest
Miscellaneous
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 42 sites throughout "Southern Scotland" in 1999 and 34 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 42 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.
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.
Field survey of badger activity and provision of wildlife consultancy service to obtain licence from SNH to destroy badger sett at Balmacree transmitter site.
Field work and report for survey and appraisal of small (4ha) open ground compartment on a woodland site. Detailed NVC vegetation map on GIS for grassland and scrub habitats, written descriptions of communities and quadrat data. Evaluation of conservation interest and recommendations for management objectives.
Field work and report for survey and appraisal of small (3.8ha) open ground compartment on a woodland site. Detailed NVC vegetation map on GIS for grassland and heath habitats, written descriptions of communities and quadrat data. Evaluation of conservation interest and recommendations for management objectives.
Provision of wildlife consultancy service to obtain licence from SNH to destroy badger sett at Balmacree transmitter site.
The aims of this project were to provide a description of the current characteristics of the remnant of raised bog and to provide an assessment as to the most appropriate management recommendations for methods of bog restoration. Field work included mapping of drainage (6kms of drains, in six catchments, with nine hydrological outputs from the site), levelling of bog surface and drains (103 points with a range in height 2.25m), peat sampling by Van Post scale of peat decomposition, peat coring with a gouge auger (depth of the 'raised area' peat was in the range of 4.05m to 5.75m) and vegetation survey. Management recommendations included removal of approximately 3000 tonnes of conifer plantation and blocking drains by installation of approximately 70 dams to raise water levels.
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.
Ecological assessment to determine whether paintball game use would cause excessive and unacceptable damage to the visual quality and ecology of the woodland. Repeat exercise of the ecological survey and appraisal previously undertaken in 1995 and 1999.
Provided services as an 'expert witness' on badger ecology, giving evidence at Public Local Inquiry into a planning application for a proposed opencast mining development.
An ecological study undertaken to support the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed development at Edinburgh Gate. Fieldwork included Phase 1 habitats, river corridor survey, botanical, riparian mammals and breeding birds. The written report evaluated the nature conservation interest (in local and national terms), identified any impacts arising from the development and recommended enhancement opportunities to benefit wildlife.
Badger survey report undertaken to identify the current status of badger activity at the specified location. Badgers were confirmed present and a search of the site revealed four active setts. Possible mitigation of the proposed development was suggested.
Fieldwork and data entry, locating specified blanket bog features accurately with handheld GPS and mapping onto GIS.
Main surveyor and author for a peat depth survey of raised bog remnant in North Lanarkshire, with 84 cores using a gouge auger taken to confirm the boundaries of 8 blocks of deep peat habitat (35ha). Locations were recorded using GPS and digitised to GIS.
Ecological appraisal in order to inform ESW project to lower coliform discharge onto bathing beach. Fieldwork was undertaken for 14km of lowland river in the Lothians, using River Corridor Survey (RCS) and River Habitat Survey (RHS) methodologies. Data collated for existing information on wildlife habitats and species. Report sections included: evaluation of riparian habitat against SERCON criteria; identification of ecological constraints on possible development or construction works; and identification of opportunities for enhancement of nature conservation interest.
Survey and drafting of report on aquatic and terrestrial habitats present at Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park with regards to the suitability of the location for the management and creation of amphibian habitat. Water quality analysis was undertaken (SEPA laboratory at Riccarton) on samples from standing water habitat at 12 locations (testing for pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and chloride) to determine suitability in relation to the environmental requirements of British amphibian species.
Fieldwork on the initial amphibian survey at the 68ha post-industrial site. Including being a licensee for population survey of the specially protected Great Crested Newt Triturus cristata, using a combination of torching, bottle trapping and pitfall trapping to estimate population size and distribution.
Fieldwork and drafting of report for an NVC survey of the vegetation of the 68ha post-industrial site, recording 20 communities and 194 vascular plant species present on the swamp, fen, grassland, woodland and aquatic habitats.
Survey and drafting of report on the feasibility of the translocation of a Great Crested Newt Triturus cristata population, from a donor location at the former steelworks site to a possible receptor site near Gartcosh railway junction.
Co-author of a management plan for the Country Park, covering 260ha of SSSI, scheduled ancient monument, semi-natural vegetation and recreational facilities in Central Scotland. Existing survey and management information was integrated into one document for the next five year period, comprising 15 main objectives and covering 12 management compartments, including Mugdock Wood, Drumclog Moor and the northern part of the Park.
Ecological survey of two sites in the Portree area, West Highland, covering 45ha and extending from moorland down to the inter-tidal zone. Phase 1 habitats, NVC communities and MNCR inter-tidal community biotypes were identified. Common Bird Census CBC) was undertaken. Discussion of conservation value, possible impacts and enhancement opportunities were given.
Vegetation survey of 54 ha of heath and mire habitat (30-77m altitude) in West Highland, with eight Phase 1 habitats, seven NVC communities (ten sub-communities) and 91 vascular plant species recorded. Possible management impacts were assessed and opportunities for enhancement were identified.
Vegetation survey on 80ha of lowland floodplain in North Highland, with 10 Phase 1 habitats, 17 NVC communities and 184 vascular plant species recorded. Discussions of conservation value, impact assessment and enhancement opportunities were provided.
Projects include the following. Planting gravel-bed for treating factory effluent at Newby Wiske, Yorkshire. Planting gravel-beds for treating visitor centre effluent at Meigle, Perthshire. Planting gravel-bed for treating domestic effluent at Cleadale, Isle of Eigg. Planting macrophyte rafts in surface water run-off ponds at Seafield Bing, West Lothian.