Habitats & Botany | Phase 2 Botanical and NVC Surveys

Phase 2 botanical surveys are recommended where botanical interest has been identified on a site (possibly via an Extended Habitat Survey), in particular if the habitat may qualify as a Priority Habitat at a national or local level.

The standard survey methodology that is used to conduct these surveys is the NVC (National Vegetation Classification) which is accepted as the UK standard across the environmental sector. However, not all vegetation can be classed into NVC types, such as on brownfield sites, therefore Phase 2 botanical surveys may be more appropriate.

Results of an Extended Habitat Survey may be used to initially establish habitats that are present on site; the Phase 2 surveys then develop upon this baseline data and may further sub-divide these habitat stands dependent on detailed species composition.

NVC Surveys

Full NVC surveys sample each vegetation type present on site. Sampling involves using quadrats of transects, within or along which, plant species are recorded; the ground cover of each plant species is also assessed using recognised scales (such as DOMIN). Scores for frequency (the number of samples within which a species occurs) and abundance (the range of cover in samples) are compiled. The result data is then compared with published tables and descriptions to assign to NVC communities and where possible sub-communities.

Phase 2 Surveys

Phase 2 botanical surveys, whilst still utilising quadrats and transect surveys, will produce a less detailed botanical list than NVC. However, they will yield a more complete plant list for a vegetation type or habitat stand, including rare or other notable species, than an Extended Habitat Survey. Recording is often done using the quicker and more subjective DAFOR scale to note abundance (Dominant Abundant Frequent Occasional Rare). Therefore, it is often useful for site condition monitoring.

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