A few examples of recent contracts are set out below. Contact us for more details of these or for a copy of our experience schedule.
PTYXIS, working through Ecology Consultancy Ltd, provided a detailed assessment of the species and habitats present on this 200 hectare site.
We completed:
This large-scale survey used the methodology for Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) hedgerow condition assessment in the 2nd edition of the Hedgerow Survey Handbook (Bickmore 2006).
PTYXIS was involved in the survey sampling design and guiding the client, Durham County Council, on aspects of survey methodology and project management. The survey comprised 25 1km squares, surveying nine hedges in each square each day and included identification of critical species such as rose hybrids. We also produced a technical report on the new methodology for Defra and provided surveying training for the project officer. Read more about this survey and another project that we are involved with for Durham Wildlife Trust here.
PTYXIS has an on-going contract with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to conduct botanical monitoring of neutral grassland at 8 upland hay meadow sites over 3 years.
The monitoring aims to evaluate the impact of restoration work on both seed donor and receptor sites. Our role includes input to design of monitoring scheme in consultation with Newcastle University and the surveying involves completing 18 1x1m quadrats per day.
As part of the Ecology Chapter of an Environmental Statement for a 14 turbine wind farm, we completed a NVC survey ranging over approximately 6 square kilometres of upland heathland, acid grassland, blanket bog and other mires.
36 NVC communities, sub-communities and intermediate/undescribed communities were mapped and described. 12 species of Sphagnum were identified and notable populations of several vascular plant and bryophyte species located. We also provided advice on (the limited!) possible mitigation for the impact of the development on the mire communities identified.
PTYXIS completed a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of this 100-hectare disused limestone quarry, working through GSL and Glen Kemp.
The vegetation at the site comprises several Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority woodland and calcareous grassland habitats. We identified several rare and critical vascular plant species, including 4 Alchemilla species, as well as bryophytes and macrolichens.
We also provided management recommendations and designed a robust condition assessment monitoring regime. The next stage of the project involves producing a detailed CG9 grassland restoration feasibility study, using the hay strewing technique.
The Woodlands Farm Trust aims to restore this 40 hectare site to a working, sustainable organic farm. New and existing biological survey data were combined to prepare a management plan which included a detailed description of the grassland, woodland, hedgerow, wetland and wasteland habitats present, their context and management history.
Survey work included full botanical surveys of the 62 comparments comprising the site. Prescriptions included a costed action plan to maintain, or restore, key habitats, together with a recommended monitoring programme and a 5 year schedule of works.
We completed a charophyte survey of 7 lochs in Argyll and Bute for Scottish Natural Heritage, including identification of the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species Chara curta, and produced a detailed report with management recommendations.
Fen Inventory Project and woodland resource survey, Durham
We have successfully tendered for this Durham Biodiversity Partnership project. Our role includes project management of the fen inventory project as well as NVC survey of fen and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) condition assessment of woodland. This ambitious project aims to survey, map and evaluate these habitats within the Magnesian Limestone Natural Area of Durham, to fulfill BAP targets. An important element of the project is developing fen definitions and designing condition assessment methodology appropriate for Durham's wetland habitats.
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