A good understanding of existing ecological values forms the basis of nature conservation and responsible environmental planning. A one-off survey gives an insight into the species present in an area and can provide essential information for policy decisions.

The addition value of monitoring

Monitoring provides a method of assessing changes over time, such as due to natural processes and human interventions. Monitoring can also be used to evaluate processes in relation to targets. The simplest monitoring programmes involve repeat standardised surveys. In other cases the area may have to sampled to ensure suitable information is gathered.

Monitoring species, groups or locations

In addition to the monitoring of specific species, we can also provide monitoring of various groups or for certain locations. This might include a number of species deemed to be important indicators of the ecological quality or the monitoring of certain areas. This includes smaller areas such as a wildlife tunnel or fish ladder (also known as fish stairs or fishway) or larger areas such as river banks or the analysis of the quality of a waterbody.

Monitoring may also cover very large areas, such as the North Sea or part thereof. For such monitoring there are usually very specific aims. Further information can be found under the Impact Assessment pages.

Often monitoring is carried out as part of a legal requirement. Such inventories and monitoring must meet the appropriate legal requirements. For example we can carry out monitoring under the Water Framework Directive and for bats and birds under wildlife protection Acts. Further information can be found under the Legislation and Regulations pages.

Our experience includes: 

• the design of monitoring programmes
• establishing monitoring protocols
• undertaking of surveys and monitoring
• data analysis (including statistical and GIS analyses).