National Vegetation (NVC) & Ground Water Dependent Terrestial Ecosystem Surveys

GLM Ecology carry out National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys, sometimes referred to as a Phase 2 survey. The NVC is a method of classifying natural habitat types within the UK according to the vegetation that they contain and its community. The NVC survey technique is the standard method used for assessment of important vegetation communities. It allows the identification and mapping of NVC plant communities which is recommended on sites of higher conservation value. This allows for a greater level of detail and is required for site management, impact assessment purposes and conservation interests. A more detailed site overview of habitat complexity can be provided by comparing site habitats and comparison of plant community types, including those of conservation value with local, regional and national communities.

Specific types of communities such as wetlands are of special interest to SEPA and are considered to be groundwater dependant terrestial ecosystems (GWTDEs) and are subsequently protected under the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003. We can carry out the relevent surveys and produce a digitised map enabling the developer to identify areas of conservation concern and carry out appropiate mitigation.

All NVC and GWTDEs surveys are mapped and digitized to a high standard by GLM Ecology using GIS software, giving a clear and accurate presentation of plant community data.