Phase 1 surveys aim to map habitats at their most basic level. Primarily a botanically-based survey, it also aims to identify any particular areas of increased biodiversity value.

The UK Habitat Classification has been introduced as an alternative to Phase 1 mapping, at least on development sites and for the Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.

Where previous surveys have identified a habitat as being potentially important for its botanical diversity, a more detailed Phase 2/National Vegetation Classification survey may be required to categorise its vegetative type and determine its subsequent importance.

We have considerable experience of phase 1 and NVC surveying and are familiar with a wide range of vegetation types and habitats. The majority of our NVC work is used to aid the management of wildlife sites, although we do carry out NVC work for proposed developments when required to do so. We can also offer advice on appropriate local and national species planting on landscaping projects.

Our high level of plant identification skills allows us to carry out NVC work to the highest standards.

Types of Phase 1 and NVC work we have carried out.

  • Phase 1 and NVC surveys for a number of development types, including residential housing near to protected sand dune plant communities and wind-farm proposals on priority upland mire and heathland habitats
  • Detailed Phase 1 and NVC surveys of farms in the Severn-Vyrnwy floodplain (floodplain communities)
  • Detailed Phase 1 and NVC surveys of disused Shropshire quarries (including more challenging limestone grassland communities)
  • NVC upland grassland, mire and heathland surveys on several sites in the Shropshire hills, Ceredigion and Merioneth (SSSIs and other sites)
  • NVC woodland and meadow surveys in the Ironbridge Gorge and meadows in the Telford area (SSSIs and other sites)
  • NVC surveys of Shropshire mires and Worcestershire woodland rides used by the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly
  • Phase 1 and NVC farmland surveys for input into agri-environmental schemes

Contact us about Phase 1 and NVC surveys

Survey Calendar