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.
Durham Fen Inventory Project & Woodland Resource Survey
This Durham Biodiversity Partnership project included project management of the fen inventory project as well as NVC survey and CSM condition assessment of fen and other wetlands, and CSM condition assessment of semi-natural woodland. This ambitious project surveyed, mapped and evaluated these habitats within the Magnesian Limestone Natural Area of Durham, and made a range of site management recommendations. An important element of the project was developing fen definitions and designing a user-friendly condition assessment methodology appropriate for Durham's wetland habitats.
Upland SSSI condition assessment monitoring in Upper Teesdale for Natural England
Ptyxis Ecology completed CSM condition assessment and Farm Environment Plans of 15 farms in Upper Teesdale, comprising 14 SSSI units covering approximately 1,400 hectares. Habitats covered included blanket bog, wet heath, alkaline fen (M10 flushes), upland flushes (M6 variants), upland calcareous grassland and upland hay meadows. The methodology included using the recently derived favourable condition tables (FCTs) and amending the habitat maps with corrections where appropriate.
Condition assessment in the English uplands - Natural England research contract
This project involved condition assessment using the SNH blanket bog condition monitoring method for Natural England (subcontracting for ADAS). This was a research project investigating the condition of blanket bog sites subject to agri-environment schemes throughout England and comparing sites within and without of SSSIs. Ptyxis surveyed 12 large upland sites in the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park, including the remote 8,300 hectare Kielderhead and Emblehope Moor SSSI.
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.
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.
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.
Bryophyte survey of SSSI woodland
PTYXIS was commssioned by Natural England to conduct both a detailed bryophyte survey and to update an NVC survey of Thornton Ellers SSSI in the Vale of York. The aim of the bryophyte survey was to investigate whether increased ammonia atmospheric deposition from a nearby pig farm would have a detrimental impact on the bryophyte flora of the wood. Reporting included comparing the survey results with data from comparable sites in the vicinity and research on atmospheric pollution impacts on bryophytes. The NVC survey mapped woodland communities to a fine level of detail and included 10 types of woodland and scrub, compared to the 3 types identified in the previous NVC survey. Various management recommendations were also made.
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