Site Assessment

Invertebrate Scoping Surveys

An invertebrate scoping survey is typically conducted when specific habitat features within a site are recognised as potentially significant for invertebrates, often identified during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. During an invertebrate scoping survey, every part of the site and its features are assessed for their potential to support invertebrates. Elements like open grassland, bare ground, ponds, woodland edges, and hedgerow structures are examined thoroughly to determine their capacity to host significant invertebrate communities or attract specific noteworthy species. This may lead onto further surveys being needed to capture the invertebrate communities present.

General Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrate Surveys

I can conduct comprehensive surveys for both Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrate species, adhering to standard protocols and employing various survey methods tailored to the project’s needs. We provide a detailed species inventory and identification of collected invertebrate samples, along with assessments of impacts and corresponding recommendations.

For terrestrial invertebrates, techniques such as sweep netting, spot sampling, beating, grubbing, pitfall trapping, light traps, malaise traps, and suction sampling may be employed. Kick sampling and pond netting are the primary methods used for aquatic invertebrates.

Species specific surveys targeting particular species of interest. These could be related to development purposes, charitable organisations, or inquisitive landowners.

Targeted surveys for Longhorn Beetles can also be carried out.

I have provided talks and workshops for the the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), various Wildlife Trusts, The Biological Recording Company, The Field Studies Council (FSC), and Local Interest Groups. These have been on conservation issues, species identification for various abilities, and on the ecology of invertebrates.