Countryside Survey
UK results published 18th November
Countryside Survey is a world leading study of change in the UK countryside. The UK results from the 2007 Countryside Survey are to be published on 18th November. The results will be made publicly available via the project website in the form of an electronic report. For more information visit www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk
Countryside Survey was established in 1978 and has since been carried out at regular intervals in 1984, 1990, 1998 and most recently 2007. The project samples and studies the countryside using rigorous scientific methods, allowing comparison of recent results with those from previous surveys. In this way, the survey provides a unique means of detecting the gradual and subtle changes that occur in the UK’s countryside over time.
Countryside Survey comprises two parts: the Field Survey and the Land Cover Map. The Field Survey involves an in-depth study of a sample of 1km squares in the countryside, recording information on Broad and Priority habitats; linear and point features; vegetation cover; freshwaters and soils. The Land Cover Map is a digital dataset, showing the stock and distribution of land cover and Broad Habitats across the UK at a ‘field-by-field’ scale.
The UK results from the 2007 Survey will address many key questions about change in the countryside, including:
- Has botanical diversity in the countryside changed?
- Has the length and condition of hedges changed?
- Has the area and condition of habitats changed?
- Have there been detectable effects of air pollution and nutrient inputs on vegetation and soils?
- Have climate change impacts been detected in the UK countryside?