Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

The Phase 1 Habitat classification and field survey technique is a standardised national system developed by the Nature Conservancy Council to record habitats and semi-natural vegetation. Phase 1 surveys are a quick way to get a large amount of information about an area in terms of its habitats and botanical species present.

The surveys assess the potential importance of the site for nature conservation and highlight any habitats of interest and/or species present. This provides a basis for determining whether the site needs further survey or consideration for further protection.

All land within the site boundary will be systematically surveyed to identify specified habitat types using the Phase 1 classification system comprising of 10 broad high level categories and further sub-categories.

Target notes will highlight features of concern or interest i.e. invasive species, signs of protected species. A full species list will be taken of each habitat type with each plant species recorded on the DAFOR scale (Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional, Rare).

All habitat types will be noted on a site map along with the location of any target notes. A grid reference will be recorded for each target note location using a GPS handset as this may provide the basis for selection of sites for further survey.

A report will then be written up and a map produced to describe all habitat types found, explain all target notes and outline recommendations.