Botanical Surveys

Why are plant communities surveyed?

Plants are often overshadowed by animals in the media when talking about protected species, however, in the UK alone, 186 plant species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 8). They are highly important for providing habitat, food, and other ecosystem services.

When do I need to have a botanical survey?

As part of our Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) we map and identify habitat types and provide you with a comprehensive list of flora on your site. However, this survey may highlight the need for a more detailed survey due to an unusually diverse plant community or because your site contains habitats of interest, such as calcareous grassland or fen. 

Detailed botanical surveys can be carried out in spring and summer, typically between the months of May and September. 

What does Abrehart Ecology offer?

At Abrehart Ecology we offer professional, skilled, and efficient botanical survey work. We undertake in-house fieldwork and expert report writing, with our employees.

Abrehart Ecology is experienced in carrying out specialised surveys on sites of particular botanical interest. This includes wide-scale National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys covering the Alde-Ore Estuary and saltmarshes on the Suffolk Coastline. Toby has FISC Level 5, contributed to the Flora of Suffolk (2010) as one of the main recorders, and regularly leads tours across Europe - where he acts as lead botanical guide.