AtkinsRéalis Ireland was commissioned to conduct a habitat survey within the Blarney Electoral District, an area of 431 km2.
Scope of Work
– The primary objective of the survey was to:
– To carry out a survey of habitats within the Blarney Electoral District (ED)
– To map semi-natural habitats identified to level III of Fossitt (2000) classification scheme
– To survey, map and provide supplementary information relating to all habitat listed on Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) that occur within the survey area
– To survey, map and provide supplementary information relating to sites of local biodiversity value and ecological corridors with the survey area
– To produce a GIS database of habitat mapping and other data
Methodology
Preliminary mapping of habitats on MapInfo GIS was completed using aerial photography, vector mapping and several GIS databases, including NPWS designated areas, soils and forestry cover (FIPS). Additional information on habitats and notable species was collated from extensive consultation with government bodies, NGOs, academics, consultants and others with local knowledge. A search for habitat data in the published literature and unpublished reports, such as EIS’s, was also completed. Targeted field validation of preliminary mapping was performed to finalise habitat classification according to the Heritage Council habitat classification system (Fossitt, 2000) following the draft Heritage Council Guidelines (2002). Field surveys also assessed current and potential conservation value of habitats and threats to biodiversity. Field and desktop results were evaluated, and habitats and habitat complexes of greater than high local conservation value were identified as areas of local conservation value.
Outcome
The GIS database included three separate layers for polygon features, linear features and point features, respectively.
The percentage of the study area occupied by semi-natural habitat types not including built and cultivated land (ED, BC and BL), or improved grassland (GA) is 8.9% (based on a total study area minus ca. 3.7% cover of public roads). Hedgerows and treelines together cover 4,664km while the total length of rivers within the study area is 572.3km.
Client:Cork County Council