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.
•    Ecological surveys of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
•    Site and species monitoring.
•    Environmental Impact Assessment.
•    Ecological Impact Assessment.
•    Ecology EIS sections.
•    Appropriate Assessment.
•    Preparation of Natura Impact Statement.
•    Habitat management, restoration and creation.
•    Bare peat restoration - Geo-jute/Geogute installation.
•    Restoration of bare peat - Heather Brash cutting & application.
•    Technical advice during design and construction.
•    Guidelines on best e cological practice.
•    Expert evidence at oral hearings.
•    Specialist advice on wetland habitats (bogs & fens).
•    Advice on wetland management, natural history & wise-use.
•    Design and implementation of ecological research projects.
•    Public awareness campaigns and educational training.
•    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 Restoration and Re-instatement

We can provide best practice advice on a range of habitat improvement and restoration techniques. This includes the design and monitoring of site restoration and biodiversity enhancement plans.

We have worked on a number of habitat restoration projects on a variety of habitats including Raised Bogs, Blanket Bogs and Fens using techniques such as drain blocking and removal of invasive species.

Most recently, we have compiled a biodiversity enhancement plan for Reenagross Woodland Park in Kenmare, Co Kerry. A wide range of measures, such as the control of invasive and non-native species, have been proposed to enhance the ecological interest of the oak woodland site.

Reinstatement of Bare Peat Surfaces

The need for regeneration of exposed bare peat areas on wind farm sites, and degraded blanket bog sites is very important and is a key requirement in mitigating against adverse ecological impacts on peatland sites. It reduces erosion, improves water quality and aids recovery of unique habitats that have taken thousands of years to form. We are able to advise on best practice techniques on restoration of bare peat areas using various techniques including Geo-jute/Geogute application and installation and establishment of heather using brash cutting and application.

We carry out post-construction monitoring of vegetation recovery in areas impacted by development. Our services advise and design the most appropriate measures necessary to aid the re-instatement of semi-natural habitats.

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.

Other monitoring work that we have carried out includes post-construction habitat recovery and bird surveys of operational wind farms.

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 Ireland 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.

Nature Photography Service

Wetland Surveys Ireland has a large photographic archive and can offer a wide range of copyright free photographic images of Irish wetlands, bogs, fens and the plants, animals, mosses and lichens that are recorded in these habitats, together with images showing the threats faced by these wetland habitats, for use in publications, reports, media articles or digital presentations. 

To see a selection of the images available check out the link below (you will be directed to the Google Picasa site of Peter Foss where the images are held). 

Check out our Wetland Images

If you would like to use any of these images and require high resolution format images please contact Peter Foss for details of terms and rates.