Field Surveys

A key component of the BNG baseline assessment, our condition assessments evaluate the quality of existing habitats against the Defra Biodiversity Metric criteria. Using structured methodologies, we assess habitat distinctiveness, connectivity, and ecological function. This allows us to provide accurate calculations for biodiversity unit gains or losses, ensuring development plans integrate meaningful and achievable enhancements.

Whether you are a developer with a river running adjacent to a proposed development or have land with a stream running through it where you want to discover potential for BNG offsetting you will need a River Condition Assessment (RCA). The RCA incorporates the Modular River Physical (MoRPh) survey to assess river health. Understanding a river’s condition is essential for identifying appropriate river restoration techniques and ensuring compliance with BNG requirements.
The RCA evaluates multiple condition indicators, each assigned a positive or negative score based on survey findings. Identifying negatively scored indicators highlights areas for targeted river restoration, helping to enhance river health and contribute to BNG objectives.
This specialist survey requires certified assessors, and the majority of our field ecologists and BNG staff hold this accreditation. With a highly qualified team, we have the expertise and capacity to deliver large-scale RCA projects with confidence and efficiency.