The brief
Thomson was commissioned by Teignbridge Borough Council, as part of the Southwest Strategic Coastal Monitoring Programme, to map four invasive non-native plant species and two further non-native plant species identified at 23 sites. This covered over 24 km2 of coastal habitats found within Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The target invasive species were Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis), Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) and montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora), and two other species – Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) and Tresco rhodostachys (Ochagavia carnea).
What we did
The principal approach was to use recent aerial imagery to identify and map the target species present in the area of interest.
An experienced ecologist within the geospatial team took the lead on processing the aerial imagery data, mapping the extent of the target species into an ArcGIS geodatabase and writing up the final report detailing our methodology, results and the legal status of the invasive non-native species identified in this study.
From inspection of the aerial imagery and photographs collected as part of an earlier study, non-native plant species were identified as being present at 11 of the 23 sites studied.
The outcome
The written report along with GIS data was supplied to the client. Subsequently the report has been circulated amongst the Southwest Strategic Coastal Monitoring Programme partners and other interested parties.
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Teignbridge Borough CouncilLocation
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South West England
Services offeredConfidently identifying non-native species from aerial imagery proved challenging but through the combined ecological and aerial image interpretation experience of our GIS team we were able to identify and map the distribution of six non-native species with an area of 23 km2.Thomson project manager, invasive species monitoring, South West -
Our other projects
We cover all aspects of environmental consultation – from smaller surveys through to strategic projects.
At Thomson, we strive to deliver a pragmatic and innovative approach to environmental compliance.
Working in partnership with our clients, our team of environmental specialists ensures objectives are met, with maximum efficiency for our clients, and minimal impact on the natural world.
