A Phase 1 Habitat Survey is the standard technique
for classifying and mapping UK habitats, developed in the 1970’s by the
Joint Nature Conservation Committee. This type of survey standardizes
the recording of habitat types and includes target notes on ecologically
important features of a site. A Phase 1 Habitat Survey can be carried
out at any time of year, but it is better and more accurately done in
spring or summer when vegetation is more readily identifiable.
The phase 1 habitat survey consists of:
- Desk study – obtaining pre-existing ecological data relating to the site
- Field survey
- Written report
- Map – produced to JNCC standard phase 1 habitat survey classification. This classifys the basic vegetation types and shows them in a colour coded schematic format.
An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is slightly more
detailed and includes surveying the site for the potential presence of
protected fauna and flora species or habitats.
The results from an extended phase 1 habitat survey may highlight the need to carry out further, protected species investigations, which may be subject to seasonal constraints (See Survey Season Guidelines).