Lecture 5 - Baseline Studies 2

Why High-Quality Baseline Data is Needed

accuracy and validity

prevents legal challenges

supports decision-making

R v Cornwall County Council (1999)

The Baseline: A Fixed Status Quo?

must account for natural EN variation over time

‘do nothing’ scenario to consider how EN would naturally change

Key Sources of Baseline Data

map databases

biological records centre

Local EN groups

Remote sensing

Field Surveys

Types of Baseline Surveys:

Phase I

broad, initial

qualified ecologist

standardised system for ease of comparison

quick and cost effective

Types of Baseline Surveys:

Intensive Ecological Surveys

quadrats/transects

consistent sampling across habitats

Types of Baseline Surveys:

Species-Specific Surveys (Legally Protected Species)

targeted

Categorising Environmental Baseline Data:

Species Info

dominant - top of foodchain

flagship - public appeal

keystone - critical ecological roleCategorising Environmental Baseline Data:

Categorising Environmental Baseline Data:

Habitat Information

ecological value

species abundance and biodiversity

national/international importance

social perception

Challenges/Weaknesses of Baseline Studies

specialist bias

inaccessibility

species visibility

surveying time issues

Spatial Considerations

IEEM - 2km

Linear projects may require wider

Pollution and noise travel differently

Objective vs Subjective Data in Baseline Studies

objective - noise, air quality

subjective - landscape, visual impact

Baseline Studies Go Beyond Ecology…

traffic analysis

noise

health and social data

economic

archaeology and heritage