We provide information and expert advice on a wide range of botanical matters including:
- Identification of important sites, habitats and species. For example, Ben put together the bryophyte and terrestrial habitat lists for the Scottish Executive’s ‘Scottish Biodiversity List’ (https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scottish-biodiversity-strategy/scottish-biodiversity-list) and worked as part of a small team to develop a system of assessment of bryophyte floras in relation to hydroelectric development (https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/planning-and-development/advice-planners-and-developers/renewable-energy-development/hydroelectric-power/hydroelectric)
- Assessments of habitat extent, condition, etc, at a national level. For example, we collated data from various sources in order to make summary assessments of the extent and condition of each of several terrestrial habitats in the UK, as part of the Red List of European Habitats project (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/redlist_en.htm)
- Assessments of the effects of land use on vegetation. These are included in most of our botanical survey reports, and we have also been commissioned to produce additional reports focusing specifically on these matters, to guide future land management decisions (for example at the National Trust for Scotland’s property at Torridon in Wester Ross, and at the Trees for Life property at Dundreggan in the mid-west Highlands).
- Design of botanical survey and monitoring methods. For example Ben was commissioned by East Lothian Council to advise on the selection of species to monitor, and to design appropriate monitoring methods, at five of their sites.
We have also provided information for public inquiries and for magazine articles.