Our field team undertakes and assess a wide variety of environmental work and conditions, from Ecological Walkover surveys, to Habitat Suitability assessment for specific species and life stages.
Ecological Walkover survey is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of walkover surveys conducted in the field to assess various physical conditions and habitats for a variety of different drivers. Most works we undertake are within the river corridor and are relevant to the aquatic communities that reside in these environments. Our field staff carry out walkover surveys for:
Ecological assessment of habitats
We employ field techniques to map habitat features and their locations. This results in production of detailed mapping and reporting regarding the extent and exact location of the various features, enabling landowners to plan restoration schemes, assess remedial works or provide evidence of improvements. Part of this work involves River Habitat survey (RHS) techniques. RHS is a system of classification used to describe geophysical and natural features that occur in different systems.
River restoration surveys
Our experience in this field dates back >15 years. This is the first part of a process designed to assess baseline condition prior to the restoration design stage, and indeed, informs part of the design stage itself. The baseline is also used to compare pre and post works and as part of the assessment of objective achievement.
Fishery habitat and restoration assessment
We assess fisheries that support an active angling presence for possibilities to develop the environment to better suit the aquatic community but with the target fish species also in mind. We are experienced in assessing conditions and providing advice and plans for both for salmonid and coarse fish fisheries, benefiting target species as well as enhancing the wider aquatic community and that of the river corridor.
Fish and eel habitat suitability assessment
Assessment of habitats suitable for different species of fish requires ecological as well as fishery knowledge. Our field staff possess both. We are able to produce detailed assessments of existing fish habitats as well as potential areas for improvement. We generate traditional and GIS mapping baseline reports to clients requirements
Fish passage and barrier assessment
Our in-depth knowledge of fish biology and fisheries ecology, coupled with extensive field experience, means we are well placed to provide realistic and accurate assessment of fish passage, whether for coarse or salmonid fish species or eel and elver.
Lake and stillwater habitat assessment
We carry out assessment of lakes and stillwaters in order to quantify their habitats and the suitability of these for the aquatic communities that reside within. We provide advice and recommendations for habitat improvements and design and implement project to this effect.