The following is a brief summary of Phase I Habitat Mapping.
Full details can be found in "Handbook for Phase I habitat survey"
published by JNCC.
Phase I habitat mapping is a system of habitat classification and representation
designed for use in rural and urban environments through Great Britain.
In this system of mapping, habitats to found in Great Britain are given
a unique code, either alpha based, alphanumeric or coloured. A standard
set of colours (either as solid colour, hatched or cross-hatched) and
codes are used so that maps and information are transferable between various
users. follow this link for a full list of
the accepted colours and manufacturers.
Habitat Types
Over 100 different habitat types are recognised from semi-natural broad-leaved
woodland through to caravan sites and buildings. follow
this link for a full list of the Habitat Types
Preparing a Phase I Map
Before commencing a field survey to the area to be mapped should be defined
on a base map, preferably at a scale of 1:10,000. Aerial photographs of
the site should be examined and any obvious features marked on the base
map. Upon visiting the site, an overview of the area should be obtained
by walking the boundaries and interior. This will enable familiarisation
with the site. Any boundaries between habitats not shown on the survey
map should mapped. Each habitat should be coded on the map using whichever
system is chosen - colour, alphanumeric or pure numeric. Dominant plant
species within each habitat should be included using the accepted codes
- generally the initial letter of the generic and specific names (e.g.
Ap for Acer pseudoplatantus, Sycamore). Any features, which require further,
more intensive survey, or special notes (ponds which may support great
crested newts, or a badger sett for example), should be indicated with
a target note and numbered. A target note is indicated by a red dot within
a red circle.
Map Recording Sheet
A Map Recording Sheet should accompany each field survey sheet. Information
to be included on the sheet should include the following:
- Survey Title
- Site Name
- Grid Ref
- Orig Ref No.
- Surveyor(s)
- Survey Date
- County and VC No.
- L.A. District
- Area surveyed
- Notes to include use of aerial photographs, source of supplementary
information and other relevant details.
- Areas (or length) of each habitat survey
Target Notes
Target Note Sheets should be compiled for each Target Note made and should
include the following information:
- Survey Title
- Site Name
- Grid Ref
- Orig rgf No.
- Surveyor(s)
- Survey Date
- Conservation Code
- SSSI Code (if any)
- County and VC No.
- L.A. District
- Habitat Type and Description
- Justification for Target Note
- Species Present and Abundance especially nationally scarce, notable
etc.
Photographs
Photographs of the site should be taken and the location of the photographs
and the direction they were taken in should be noted on the field survey
map.
Final Phase I Map production
Upon completion of the field survey, a final copy of the Phase I map
should be prepared. The information noted during the field survey should
be transferred to a clean 1:10,000 scale map, with habitat coloured as
per the JNCC guidelines. Target notes should be added and the target note
sheets written or types up so that they can readily be understood.
Phase 1 Habitat Mapping - Colours
Only the standard colours in the Berol Verithin series should be used.
These are obtainable from most good art shops or direct from Berol Ltd,
Oldmeadow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4JR
- VT 01 Black
- VT 32 True Green
- VT 55 Scarlet Red
- VT 05 Indigo Blue
- VT 45 Magenta
- VT 66 Terracota
- VT 08 Sky Blue
- VT 46 Orange
- VT 80 Canary Yellow
- VT 25 Flesh
- VT 49 Pink
- VT 89 Yellow Ochre
- VT 31 Green
- VT 51 Purple
follow this link for a list of recent projects
and clients
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