We are specialists in plant identification and vegetation survey. The botanical team is led by Dr Richard Carter who lectures on vegetation survey and assessment at the University of Reading (where he set up the M.Sc. course on this subject). We offer teaching in these areas, and conduct surveys in scientific research and applied contexts, especially EIA and also conservation management.


We believe that vegetation survey requires excellent plant identification skills, and strive to improve in this area through constant practice and training. These skills ensure scientifically adequate data, minimize the risk of missing rare plants, and enhance the cost-effectiveness of surveys. On this foundation we have built expertise in NVC surveys (see below) and a wide range of special surveys.

Detailed surveys. We design one-off surveys for scientific and commercial purposes (e.g. fine-tuning of pipeline routing) and carry out detailed analysis using multivariate classification and ordination methods (e.g. DCA, CCA, TWINSPAN).

Botanical monitoring. We design botanical monitoring schemes using NVC methods and more detailed programmes of recording in sampling plots or permanent quadrats.

Hedgerow surveys. We have our own robust protocol for surveying and assessing hedges in relation to The Hedgerow Regulations 1997, and since 1998 we have surveyed literally thousands of hedges for this purpose. We also use HEGS and other standard protocols.

River corridor surveys. We use standard methods enhanced by visual identification of NVC types.

Rare plant surveys. We are able to survey for, map, and advise on the management of rare plants.

Invasive plant surveys. We survey for and advise on control of Japanese Knotweed etc.


Our botanists conduct well-focussed sampling, using a wealth of experience to discern different patches of vegetation and judge their NVC affinities in the field(so that no NVC types are missed, and unusual stands receive special attention). We routinely use a range of methods including computer-matching to identify NVC types reliably. We avoid simplistic pigeon-holing into NVC types, and identify transitions or anomalous types if appropriate. We use Continental vegetation classification schemes to enhance NVC interpretation and describe non-NVC vegetation, especially urban ruderal vegetation. Our GIS team map NVC types, preferably by overlay onto aerial photographic images.




We have done hundreds of initial surveys for widely differing projects all over the UK. We believe that well-conducted initial surveys are the bedrock of focussed and cost-effective project-inputs, whether to local development, EIA, conservation management, or habitat creation:

flagging-up issues that might affect project acceptability or progress - allowing reconsideration of proposals prior to investment, preparation for the planning process, and early solution of problems by further survey, consultation, and mitigation design; and

pin-pointing ecological priorities - allowing good design of further surveys, avoiding expense on the inessential, yet satisfying planners and consultees to reduce risk of late-in-the-day demands for extra survey.


Our GIS team produces high-quality P1HS mapping in GIS software.

For ecological description at extended P1HS level, we map our own enhanced range of P1HS habitat categories, e.g. for urban rough-land types not separated by standard P1HS codes.

We advise use of air-photo images in P1HS as it greatly improves accuracy, and may soon be a best-practice requirement.

We routinely handle the logistical and reporting difficulties common to extended P1HS surveys of linear developments such as pipelines and railways in excess of 100 km.


At RSK Carter Ecological we tailor initial surveys to the purpose in hand.  The P1HS protocol has wide currency and we do not depart from it lightly.  But it is not always what clients need, e.g. when a slightly more in-depth approach may eliminate further surveys. We have the expertise to make and implement well-founded, case-by-case judgements on modifications to standard survey protocols.