Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - JNCC

Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey

A technique for environmental audit

Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit

Revised reprint 2010 ? JNCC 1993, 2003, 2004, 2007(2), 2010

Preface - 2010 edition

The Phase 1 habitat classification and methodology, as published originally by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1990 and reprinted with minor revisions by JNCC, has been widely used throughout Britain for a diverse range of purposes. It has largely stood the test of time, and continues to be used as the standard 'phase 1' technique for habitat survey across the UK.

The responsibilities of the former Nature Conservancy Council are now held by the three country agencies, Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales, with JNCC now maintaining common standards across the UK.

Only a few minor changes have been made for the 2010 edition of the handbook. Appendix 9 provides a compendium of the main changes and developments since 1990. JNCC has no plans for further development of the Phase 1 standard methodology.

Minor corrections to the JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit (2010 reprint)

Correction to text on page 49 After the text on Hedgerow with trees (J2.3), it should say: Native species-rich hedges (J2.1.1, J2.2.1, J2.3.1). These represent examples of J2.1, J2.2 or J2.3 that are composed moreover of native shrub/tree species, with a relatively high plant species-richness, and a mostly undisturbed hedge bottom flora. Species-poor hedges (J2.1.2, J2.2.2. J2.3.2). These represent examples of J2.1, J2.2 or J2.3 that are composed moreover of non-native shrub/tree species, with a relatively low plant species-richness, and/or a disturbed hedge bottom flora. And it should say Fence (J2.4) rather than Species-rich hedges (J2.4) [this aligns the text to the codes shown in Appendix 1 and 2]

Minor correction to text on page 59, Appendix 1 J2.3 should read hedges with trees rather than hedges and trees

Minor correction to text on page 63, Appendix 2 J2.1.1, J2.2.1, J2.3.1 should read native species-rich rather than species-rich

JNCC, February 2016

Contents

Part 1 Operational guidelines

1 Introduction

1.1

History of Phase 1 survey

1.2

Rationale of Phase 1 survey

1.3

Outline of methodology for Phase 1 survey

1.4

The purpose of Phase 1 survey

2 Planning a Phase 1 survey

2.1

Choice of survey system

2.2

Use of aerial photography and satellite imagery

2.3

Choice of scale for mapping

2.4

Use of existing information

2.5

Use of public appeals

2.6

Survey preparation

2.7

Staffing requirements

2.8

Selection and training of surveyors

2.9

Equipment and office requirements

2.10

Transport requirements

2.11

Publicity

3 Field and office procedures

3.1

Fieldwork organisation

3.2

Mapping in the field

3.3

Preparation of the final map

3.4

Reproduction of habitat maps

3.5

Measurement and analysis of habitat areas

3.6

Sampling procedures

3.7

Area estimation by the line-intercept method

3.8

Digitisation

3.9

Accuracy

3.10

Interpretation of Phase 1 survey maps

3.11

Evaluation

3.12

Use of hierarchical alphanumeric habitat codes

4 Urban surveys

4.1

Choice of scale

4.2

Target notes

4.3

Habitat classification

4.4

Survey procedure

4.5

Phase 2 survey

5 Using the colour code mapping system

5.1

Use of colour

5.2

Additional codes

6 Target notes

6.1

Importance of target notes

6.2

Target note content

6.3

Target note format

6.4

General descriptions

7 Data storage

7.1

Survey products

7.2

Habitat maps

7.3

Habitat area data

7.4

Target notes

Page

7 7 7 8 8

9 9 9 11 11 11 11 12 14 14 15 15

16 16 16 16 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 21 22

23 23 23 23 24 24

26 26 26

27 27 27 27 28

29 29 29 29 29

8 The survey report

30

9 Comparison of Phase 1 survey classification with other classifications

31

9.1

The SSSI habitat mapping scheme and the NCC/RSNC

classification

31

9.2

The Draft Phase 1 Habitat Mapping Manual

32

9.3

The National Vegetation Classification

33

Part 2 Field Manual

35

1 Habitat classification and coding.

37

2 Habitat definitions

38

A Woodland and scrub

38

B Grassland and marsh

39

C Tall herb and fern

41

D Heathland

41

E Mire

42

F Swamp, marginal and inundation

44

G Open water

45

H Coastland

47

I Rock exposure and waste

48

J Miscellaneous

49

Acknowledgements

50

References

51

Appendices

1 Phase survey habitat classification, hierarchical alphanumeric reference

codes and mapping colour codes.

53

2 Habitat codes for use on monochrome field maps and fair maps

61

3 Dominant species codes

64

4 Key words and status categories for target notes

67

5 Hypothetical examples of target notes

70

6 Standard recording forms

71

7 The NCC/RSNC habitat classification

75

8 Relationship between Phase 1 habitat categories and National Vegetation

Classification Communities in British Plant Communities Volumes 1-5

77

9 Technical developments and other changes since 1990 - key points

79

Additional references for Appendices 8 and 9 only

80

Part 1 Operational guidelines

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