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APPENDIX 1 - ESA SURVEY (AE02)- OVERALL PROTOCOL
VERSION FOR FIELD USE
(Version 1)
A1.1Background
A1.1.1This project is to make an ecological characterisation of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas of England by carrying out a survey of approximately 500 farms.
A1.2Objectives
A1.2.1There are five objectives:
1To obtain national estimates of the extent of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Broad and Priority Habitats (formerly known as Key Habitats) under Countryside Stewardship Agreements
2To obtain national estimates of vegetation character, and hence ecological quality of all Agreement land
3To obtain national estimates of vegetation character, and hence the ecological quality, of BAP Priority Habitats on Agreement land
4To analyse the distribution of areas and vegetation characteristics of agreement land (with special reference to Priority Habitats) with regard to geographic location, agreement age and type, and other factors as appropriate
5To establish a baseline for the future evaluation of changes in ecological quality.
A1.3Sample selection
A1.3.1The target sample size is 500 agreements, sampled from all English ESA agreements, regardless of age but stratified by groups of management tiers that reflect different habitats. Note that the sample refers to land under agreement, not the whole farm; also, in some cases there are more than one agreement per farm. DEFRA will supply a list of 500 agreements, with a list of reserve agreements, which have been sampled at random from the total population of all agreements entered into up until December 2001.
A1.4Staffing
A1.4.1Each survey team will comprise two people, with botanical skills and experience in Broad Habitat surveying between them.
A1.4.2Field training will take place for 2001 surveying staff in June 2002 and for 2003 surveying staff in May 2003.
A1.4.3The field teams (each of 2 staff) will be co-ordinated by Dr Carey at Monks Wood during 2002 and 2003. Safety issues will be dealt in accordance with the NERC Field Safety Handbook, and are detailed in this Protocol.
A1.5Before the survey
A1.5.1CEH staff will visit DEFRA regional centres to obtain copies of agreement maps and management prescriptions for each farm to be visited. This will be carried out during 2002.
A1.5.2Each survey team will be supplied with (a detailed equipment list is given in Annexe 5)
The protocol, including annexes
Vegetation recording sheets one per quadrat
A list of random numbers
A transparent grid, marked with co-ordinates
A 35 mm camera with databack
Equipment for a 200 m2 quadrat
Tape measures, compass and other field equipment (see appendix)
and, for each agreement,
A copy of Schedule 1 from each agreement for annotation and mapping of habitats; this is referred to as the base map. It will be enlarged to A3
A copy of Schedule 2 from each agreement to identify fields in agreement and their management prescriptions.
A palmtop computer fitted with a GPS system and GIS software to map habitats directly in the field.
A1.6Field methods
A1.6.1The objectives of the field survey are to map the Broad and Priority Habitats of the agreement, and to locate and record a permanent vegetation quadrat in every agreement, and in each Priority Habitat in every agreement.
Timetable:
A1.6.2All survey to be completed before the end of October 2003, with a target of around 100 agreements to be surveyed before mid-October 2002.
Arranging the visits:
A1.6.3CEH will contact the farmer shortly before the planned visit to arrange to field survey; this call follows up the letter from DEFRA.
On reaching the site:
A1.6.4The surveyors will report to the farmer, unless previously agreed otherwise with the farmer. The agreement land will be walked round its boundaries in order to make a broad assessment of the site and to aid mapping. If there is no scale on the map (as may be the case on some of the older agreements), then this will be determined by measuring the distance (using tapes) from one definite feature marked on the map to another and added to the map.
Broad and Priority Habitat mapping:
A1.6.5All the land under agreement will be identified to Broad and Priority Habitat level. Broad habitats will be identified using the “Key to vegetation and land cover codes” (Annex 2) produced for Countryside Survey and updated for this project. Priority habitats will be identified using the list included as Annex 2 which can be used as a rule based table. Priority habitats can be defined as subsets of the broad habitats. There is no agreed key for the recognition of BAP Priority Habitats as yet, but they can be recognised by subdivision of the Broad Habitats on the basis of Priority Habitat characteristics, the NVC and expert knowledge. The Broad habitats and Priority habitats will be marked on the map using the codes in Annexes 1 and 2, which broadly follows Countryside Survey 2000 methodology. Frequently, each parcel of land on the map will have a single code. However, where two or more habitat types exist in the same parcel of land, the boundaries will be determined visually and mapped using the GIS/GPS system; note that these boundaries will not be used to measure future change.
A1.6.6A pen sketch will be made for each agreement giving a brief description in terms of setting, management and surrounding land use etc (see Annexe 4).
A1.6.7Features smaller than a minimum mapable unit (400m2) which might have a significant effect on the habitat, are Priority Habitats or are features important to the landscape will be “Target Noted” (Annex 3). Target Notes will be numbered consecutively for each agreement. If the target note refers to a feature, it will be marked as a cross on the map and the number written beside it. If the target note adds extra information to an area of broad or priority habitat, e.g. an area of calcareous grassland with more scrub than the other areas, then the target note number will be placed next to the habitat code on the map for that area. Text for the target note will be written on a separate sheet.
Selection of vegetation sample areas
A1.6.8There will be one randomly-placed quadrat (Random Quadrats) on each agreement.
A1.6.9There will be one quadrat on every Priority Habitat (Habitat Quadrats) found on each agreement. Therefore, if the agreement consists of a single Priority Habitat, then there will be a single quadrat, which serves as both a Random and a Habitat quadrat.
A1.6.10All quadrats are 200 m2, i.e. 14.14 m on each side, except for those that are in priority habitats that are smaller than 14.14 x 14.14. For the latter case (which will include most if not all examples of the Cereal Field Margin Priority Habitat),the innermost nest of the quadrat, ie 4 m2 , will be used - again, refelcting CS2000 methodology.
A1.6.11The position of the Random Quadrat is determined in advance of the field visit. It is located by overlaying a grid on to the map of the parcel, and selecting the co-ordinates of the south corner of the quadrat using the random number tables supplied. If the position means that the quadrat cannot be fitted in, it is relocated. This ensures that position is random across the area of the agreement.
A1.6.12The Habitat Quadrat will be positioned after the field mapping has been completed, and all areas of each Priority Habitat identified. If there are priority habitats not represented by the Random Quadrat, then each must have a quadrat located within them.
A1.6.13The above method is used; i.e. use random numbers to identify grid co-ordinates for the south corner of the quadrat. This is done in the field, using a transparent grid and random number tables.
A1.6.14The quadrat is laid out using Countryside Survey protocols, and the specially-designed plot equipment. The selected position of the south corner is located using tape measures, and is set up using survey poles with strings to form the diagonals of the square, oriented carefully north-south and east-west, ensuring that they are at right angles. The positions of the nested quadrats are given by different coloured strings linking the appropriate positions on the diagonals. They give squares of sides 2, 5, 7.07, 10 m, all centred on the centre of the main plot.
A1.6.15(IMPORTANT: the plot strings stretch with use. Their length should be checked and adjusted if necessary, at weekly intervals.)
A1.6.16The species recording sheet design is based on Countryside Survey sheet. It gives the most common 200 plant species (including mosses and lichens), with space for others. The species in the centre 2 x 2 m square are recorded first, either by ticking off the name on the list, or adding the new name if not present. A “1” should be entered into the Q column, and the estimated cover, in 5 % bands, recorded in the second column. Then, the second nested quadrat is examined, and any new species are noted, with the number “2” in the Q column. No cover estimate is given. The procedure continues until all quadrat sizes are recorded. Only after a final check is made for any missed recordings is a final cover estimate given for all species with over 5 % cover for the whole 200 m2 quadrat. Unlike CS 2000, the % cover of bryophytes, litter and bare ground will also be noted for both the inner and whole 200 m2 quadrat.
A1.6.17Details of the plot should be entered at the top of the recording form according to the prompts given. Any additional comments, including a brief description of the plot, should be entered in the space provided.
Permanent marking the quadrat
A1.6.18The tested Countryside Survey method is used. The position of the quadrat is noted on the map. Wherever possible, the position of the southern corner of the quadrat in the field is marked with a metal plate, aligned at 45 degrees to the soil surface and sloping away from the plot to give maximum likelihood for relocation with a metal detector. Elsewhere (notably wetlands and cultivated land) a plate is inserted at the nearest field boundary, along a cardinal line, and the distance from centre to plate measured. On occasion it may be more appropriate to use a landmark rather than a boundary.
A1.6.19In all cases, the position of the quadrat and marker plate(s) should be sketched on the reverse of the recording sheet, and annotated with distances (measured with a tape) and, if measurements are not possible, compass bearings (not corrected for magnetic deviation). All distances and bearings should be taken from the centre of the plot to easily recognisable, and permanent, features in the surrounding landscape.
Photographing the quadrat
A1.6.20Each agreement site with key habitats will be photographed from the ground, using 35 mm print film, showing the relationship between the sampled quadrat(s) and surrounding land. The position and direction of the photograph will be marked on the quadrat form. Two photos will be taken of each quadrat, one along a N-S line and one along an E-W line through the quadrat. Each photograph should show a weatherwriter clearly labelled with the agreement number and quadrat number. The databack on the camera should be set to the correct date.
A1.7Data presentation, analysis and interpretation
Data entry
A1.7.1For each agreement, the maps will be downloaded from the palmtop computers, with each polgyon given the BAP Habitat code, and the botanical data entered and validated to CS2000 standards.
Analysis of coverage of BAP Habitats
A1.7.2Total area per BAP Broad Habitat, and total area, mean area and shape of Priority Habitats will be measured for each agreement using GIS. These statistics will be analysed in terms of location, agreement type and other factors (with close reference to the analyses of scheme uptake), to help identify patterns of variation within the data. This will allow the construction of national estimates of the extent and distribution of Broad and Priority Habitats, with appropriate standard errors.
Overall vegetation assessment
A1.7.3The random quadrats will be analysed in terms of distribution of Countryside Vegetation Classes and BAP Habitat classes for comparison with CS2000 outputs (if available in time) to allow a general, statistical comparison between the vegetation under agreement and the vegetation in the wider countryside.
Vegetation per BAP Priority Habitat
A1.7.4Species data will be presented, especially of BAP Action Plan species. The vegetation of each Priority Habitat will be analysed using techniques developed for CS2000, which allow for the reporting of quadrat data in terms of National Vegetation Classification (NVC), BAP Habitat Classification and the ITE Countryside Vegetation System (CVS). Each will be undertaken:
1Analysis in terms of BAP Habitats, using CS2000 protocols which interpret BAP Habitat from vegetation data. These analyses should be consistent with the field mapping; the degree of consistency therefore provides valuable quality assurance;
2Analysis in terms of NVC, which may be of policy value to English Nature and others;
3Analysis in terms of CVS allows comparison of vegetation character and quality on agreement land, for comparison with the results of CS2000 (if available). Note that because of differences in methodology, a formal statistical comparison cannot, however, be made.
A1.7.5The main reporting of vegetation will be in terms of the range of vegetation quality per Priority Habitat, in comparison with national estimates from CS2000, taking into account regional variation due to species distributions. The target notes will be used to help interpret outlying data points.
Data archiving
A1.7.6All field sheets and negatives will be stored in a fire-resistant store, and photocopies and prints kept at another CEH station. All digital data will be archived electronically at two CEH locations. The maps and metal plates will allow precise relocation of field quadrats. The maps, photographs and notes will be archived to inform any follow-up survey. Note that the formal analysis of change as part of a future resurvey should be based on vegetation change in the quadrats, rather than on the maps (especially in unenclosed areas).
APPENDIX 1.ANNEX 1:KEY TO VEGETATION & BROAD HABITAT CODES
1a / Vegetation consisting of over 75% herbaceous species / 2
1b / Vegetation with over 25% cover of woody species / 20
1c / Vegetation with over 25% cover of dwarf shrubs, less than 1m / 25
1d / Saxicolous (on rock) and chasmophytic (in crevices), non-coastal vegetation cover less than 50% with residual cover being rock. Includes species such as Cryptogamma crispa, Cystopteris fragilis and Asplenium trichomanes / Inland Rock (BAP 16)
2a / Vegetation consisting entirely of Bracken / Dense Bracken (BAP 9)
2b / Vegetation with scattered Bracken - not a primary code (demote to secondary) should be used in conjunction with a primary code usually BAP8 acid grassland / Scattered Bracken
TN and go to 3
2c / Vegetation consisting of crops (including grass leys in arable rotation) and including crop margins / Agricultural crops (BAP 4), (cereal margins BAP 4H)
2d / Vegetation not as above / 3
3a / Vegetation containing halophytic species / 4
3b / Vegetation not as above / 5
4a / Vegetation consisting virtually entirely of halophytes, usually on mud often much bare ground. / Saltmarsh (BAP 21)
4b / Vegetation with some halophytes present usually on sea cliffs / Maritime (BAP 18)
4c / Vegetation growing on sand dunes including yellow dunes, grey dunes and slacks[1]. / Sand dune (BAP 19)
4d / Generally linear vegetation, just above the high-tide mark, consisting of a few specialised species such as Cakile maritima, Agropyron junciforme and Elymus arenarius / Strandline (BAP 19)
5a / Tall vegetation with no evidence of recent management and usually more than 25cm in height. / 6
5b / Vegetation cut, grazed or with evidence of management usually less than 25cm in height. / 10
6a / Terrestrial vegetation growing on lowland peat soils often with or without scattered Alder or Willow. Species include Carex paniculata, C. acutiformis, Iris pseudacorus, Phragmites australis, Eupatorium cannabinum,Lythrum salicaria, Scutelaria galericulata. / Fen (BAP 11) / M5-M10,M13-M14, M21-M30, S2,S5-S7, S24-S28
6b / Aquatic vegetation where macrophytes persist as emergents within standing water . Species include Typha spp., Ranunculus fluitans, Phragmites australis. / Aquatic macrophytes
BAP 13
6c / Vegetation fringing open water often developed as a narrow (<0.5m wide or <0.25ha in extent) part of a hydrosere between standing water and upslope vegetation. Species include Valeriana officinalis, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Oenanthe crocata. / Aquatic marginal vegetation
BAP 13
6d / Acid indicators present (e.g. Agrostis curtisii, Rumex acetosella) with a high proportion of bare ground, often associated with cleared forestry. / 15
6e / Not as above / 7
7a / Mature vegetation consisting entirely of long-lived perennials with little or no open ground / 8
7b / Seral vegetation containing arable weeds with some long-lived perennial species usually with some open ground present / 9
8a / Vegetation with over 50% grass cover, Arrhenatherum, Dactylis and Elymus repens usually dominate. / 28
8b / Vegetation with less than 50% grass cover with species such as Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica and Filipendula ulmaria. / Fen, Marsh, Swamp (BAP 11)
9a / Vegetation consisting mainly of annual weeds. Open ground usually conspicuously present. Actual species composition dependent upon starting point. / 29
9b / Vegetation containing some annual weeds but consisting mainly of long lived perennials including some grasses. Some shrubby species maybe present as infrequent juveniles. / 29
10a / Vegetation well dominated by palatable grasses with a rich or poor suite of accompanying herbs on fertile, circumneutral soils. Calcareous or acid grassland species absent. Indicators include Trifolium repens, Stellaria media, Cerastium fontanum, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus repens. / 11
10b / Calcareous indicators present / 12
10c / Acid indicators present / 13
10d / Vegetation dominated by unpalatable grasses e.g. Arrhenatherum, Elymus and Dactylis / 28
11a / Palatable grasses and clover usually (see below) predominate mainly Lolium, Phleum, Dactylis, Cynosurus, Holcus and the larger Festuca spp. Agrostis capillaris and Anthoxanthum odoratum maybe present at the less fertile end of the gradient. In wet situations rushes, Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus geniculatus and Festuca arundinacea may be abundant. Varies from pure grass to moderately species rich grassland but herb-rich grassland indicators are always infrequent or absent. Some fields may be dominated by Ranunculus and/or Trifolium. / 21