Habitats as recording units in ecological survey: a field trial in Caernarvonshire, North Wales.
Abstract
The occurrence of 46 types of habitat in Caernarvonshire was recorded in terms of percentage occurrence and percentage cover within defined areas and the results were examined using association analysis. The habitats fell into 7 major groups suitable for survey mapping; these were (1) acidic grassland together with surface rocks, gorse/heather heath; (2) gorse heath, poorly drained grassland; (3) walls, some permanent grassland, scattered trees, bracken; (4) improved grassland together with stone walls, woodland, buildings, roads; (5) arable land, hedges, fences; (6) arable land, hedges, fences, railway embankments; (7) beach, gorse/bramble scrub. The technique was considered suitable for ecological studies, land use planning and conservation studies.