During 2017 Tracks Ecology provided a range of bespoke services to a client looking to create a new broadleaved woodland, located on the west coast of Scotland. Initial baseline ecological surveys combined with high resolution mapping from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV/drones) Tracks Ecology produced a highly detailed and geospatially accurate habitat map. This allowed ecological constraints to be accurately taken into account during the woodland planning stage. In addition the accurate mapping of bracken enabled contractors to plan control measures accurately. The digital elevation models (DEM) obtained from the aerial mapping also provided a very useful 3D model to aid planning with the ability to assess slope and aspect with precision.
Once the woodland had been planned and approved the ground works (including fencing, ploughing and mounding) were undertaken. To ensure that the works were undertaken as proposed and provide an accurate measure of distances and areas, a second aerial mapping mission was undertaken. The results from this second mission also provides a baseline for monitoring the future development of the woodland in years to come.
“The professional input of Tracks Ecology at every step of my woodland creation project has been invaluable. From a detailed and thorough Phase 1 habitat survey, which included accurately measured areas of bracken, gorse and deep peat, through to post ground preparation mapping, with fence lines and areas of mounding and ploughing clearly measured, Tracks Ecology provided an accurate and indisputable evidential baseline for woodland planning, contractors, grant applications and claims. Invaluable on many levels.”
If you would like to discuss potential projects in relation to ecology, aerial imaging or GIS then please do not hesitate to get in touch for a chat.