Identification info

Metadata Language

English

Character set

UTF8

Dataset Reference Date (Creation)

2011-02-08

Dataset Reference Date (Revision)

2015-01-26

Identifier

BRY

Credit

These data include contributions from the British Bryological Society (BBS) and Biological Records Centre (BRC).

Maintenance and update frequency

As needed

GEMET - Concepts, version 3.1, 2012-07-20

• biosphere, organism, plant (biology), cryptogam, bryophyte

GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0

• Energy resources

• Agricultural and aquaculture facilities

• Habitats and biotopes

• Species distribution

Limitations on Public Access

Other restrictions

Other constraints

Available under the Open Government Licence - https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/.

Acknowledgment: Contains NatureScot information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Use constraints

Other restrictions

Other constraints

When these data are used in publications and lectures, the British Bryological Society (BBS) and Biological Records Centre (BRC) should be acknowledged. When the data are used by ecological consultants, statutory agencies or record centres other than BRC, then BBS and BRC should be acknowledged. If ecological consultants or record centres other than BRC supply the data to third parties, the source of the data should be made clear, along with an acknowledgement to BBS and BRC.

Spatial representation type

Vector

Topic category

• Environment
• Inland waters

 

Code

EPSG:27700

Code

EPSG:4326

Code

EPSG:4258

Distribution Information

 

Data quality info

Quality Scope

Dataset

Statement

The full methodology is described in SNH Commissioned Report 449b: Bryological assessment for hydroelectric schemes in the West Highlands (2nd edition) - https://www.nature.scot/doc/naturescot-commissioned-report-449b-bryological-assessment-hydroelectric-schemes-west-highlands-2nd.

In summary, the points indicate the mid-point of the assessed section of a watercourse. These stretches are classified into five categories (A-E) as follows:

A. The watercourse has been surveyed and has a score of six or more points. This means that sections of the watercourse supports a rich nationally and internationally important flora of uncommon hygrophilous oceanic bryophyte species (marker indicates approximate centre point of assessed reach). There is a high risk that hydro-development may not be appropriate on this watercourse (SNH may object or provide advice to SEPA with regards a CAR abstraction license). Further survey may help locate stretches of watercourse that do not support important bryophyte populations, but this is normally not the case where the entire watercourse is a steep wooded ravine. Early engagement with SNH (and SEPA) is highly recommended in line with our 'Planning for Development - Service Statement'.

B. Targeted bryophyte survey required. The general area has been surveyed and has a score of six or more points (i.e. a rich flora of uncommon hygrophilous species), but the indicated watercourse and its environs form only a part of the site. The site species list may include records made well away from the watercourse, and this watercourse may be one of two or more watercourses within the site. Some of the records contributing to the site score may not therefore be from this particular watercourse and may not be relevant for consideration in relation to a proposed hydroelectric scheme. Targeted survey for the 29 water-loving oceanic bryophytes (listed in SNH Commissioned Report 449b) is therefore required. This survey should cover the entire length of watercourse that would be subject to altered flow.

C. The watercourse has already been surveyed by expert bryologists and has a score of between 0 and 5 points. No further bryophyte survey is necessary in relation to a proposed hydroelectric scheme and the impact of reduced flow on bryophytes can be scoped out of further consideration.

D. The watercourse has a score that is less than six points and is either unsurveyed or only partially surveyed by expert bryologists. However, maps and aerial photographs show topography and/or woodland that suggest potential for a site score exceeding six points. Targeted survey for the 29 water-loving oceanic bryophytes (listed in SNH Commissioned Report 449b) is therefore required. This survey should cover the entire length of watercourse that would be subject to altered flow.

E. The watercourse has a score that is less than six points and is either unsurveyed (score = 0 points), or in a few cases partially surveyed. Maps and aerial photographs show a gentle watercourse gradient and/or little or no ravine topography or woodland, so it seems unlikely that the bryophyte flora present will score as much as six points (the threshold for category A assessment). No further bryophyte survey is necessary in relation to a proposed hydroelectric scheme and the impact of reduced flow on bryophytes can be scoped out of further consideration.

Note: All uncategorised watercourses (those that are not depicted on the 1:250,000 OS map or to the east of the assessed area) should also be treated as Category E.

 

Metadata

File identifier

b196c08f-4489-4755-bbbd-8d67160d46cc XML

Metadata Language

English

Character set

UTF8

Resource type

Dataset

Hierarchy level name

dataset

Metadata Date

2025-01-08T13:44:01.521Z

Metadata standard name

UK GEMINI

Metadata standard version

2.3