Wetland Surveys Services

The partnership offers a range of services to clients in Ireland and overseas, specialising in the following areas:

•    Mapping of habitats, site data and species distribution.
•    Guidelines on best ecological practice.
•    Habitat management, restoration and creation.
•    Technical advice during design and construction.
•    Ecological surveys of terrestrial and aquatic systems.
•    Environmental impact assessments.
•    Site and species monitoring.
•    Expert evidence at oral hearings.
•    Specialist advice on peatland habitats, natural history,

management and wise-use.

• Design and implementation of ecological research projects.

• Public awareness campaigns and education courses.
• Nature photographic service.

Ecological Services

Our team of highly experienced ecologists have the necessary expertise to carry out a wide variety of surveys of habitats, flora and fauna. This includes detailed assessments of both terrestrial and aquatic freshwater habitats and species on sites of all sizes.

We have undertaken surveys on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, local authorities, local environmental groups, engineering firms, and private developers. Our work is carried out to the highest standards of scientific accuracy and using best available technology. We use advanced tools for the management and analysis of data, having the capability to rapidly analyse results. We produce maps and reports of publication quality. We place special emphasis of delivering results on time and within budget.

Habitat Mapping

We use GIS for the production of maps and for the management of spatial data. By using digital sources such as aerial photographs, published maps and satellite imagery along with field survey results, we produce publication quality digital maps with a high degree of accuracy. Our experienced GIS team have mapped on many different scales from small scale species or plant community distribution to larger scale distribution of habitat types or land-use. We follow the Heritage Council guidelines in the production of habitat maps. Our digital maps are produced using ESRI ArcView software and are compatible with other GIS software and AutoCAD. We also have experience of working with MapInfo GIS software.

Site/Species Monitoring

We have experience in monitoring a range of freshwater wetland habitats and species.

Our team can establish baseline data for monitoring change in hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, fauna or other natural features, for any site. This is done using techniques such as standard quantitative sampling, aerial photography, GIS and fixed point photography. Using the results of sampling and aerial photography we can produce detailed vegetation and site maps which can be used to track changes over the monitoring period.

An example of habitat monitoring which we have carried out is the assessment of Red Grouse Habitat throughout Ireland. Impact of grazing and other land-uses on over 100 peatland sites was mapped using GIS. In addition, permanent vegetation relevés were established to enable future monitoring of changes in vegetation and land use management.

Water Quality/Hydro-chemical Sampling

We carry out base-line sampling of watercourses. Using invertebrate animals as biological indicators we assign a Q-value (index of water quality) following standard Environmental Protection Agency biological assessment techniques. We can also design and implement long term water quality monitoring programmes for specific ecological sites and large scale infrastructural projects.

Wetland Surveys Ltd. can arrange the analysis of many water chemistry parameters by accredited laboratories which we work closely with. In addition, we carry out detailed analysis of water chemistry and relate the results to different ecological features which may aid in determining the effects of environmental impacts.

Please use the link below to contact Wetland Surveys Ireland
Consultancy Service