Field data collection - England Ecosystem Survey

We delivered key components of the England Ecosystem Survey, including planning, coordinating and executing 300 vegetation and landscape surveys.

Background

ADAS was tasked by Fera Science to deliver key components of the England Ecosystem Survey (EES), a pioneering initiative under the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme.

The EES is the largest field survey ever undertaken in the UK and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of England’s terrestrial environment. It plays a vital role in the UK Government’s environmental goals, including the 25-Year Environment Plan and net zero targets.

The project required:

planning, co-ordinating, and carry out 300 vegetation and landscape surveys
300 soil sample surveys
180 soil classification surveys
laboratory analyses of samples from 300 monads

Actions taken

Comprehensive project management

We had dedicated teams managing logistics, fieldwork coordination and progress reporting. This work was supported by a live survey tracking system to ensure real-time updates on survey milestones.

Training and mobilisation

All our field surveyors underwent robust training, including online and on-site sessions, to standardise survey methods and the data collection process.

Technological integration

Advanced data collection apps helped us streamline field data capture and ensure accurate and efficient data uploads.

Rigorous quality assurance

Calibration surveys and QA reviews were conducted to ensure adherence to field protocols. These findings were communicated to teams in the field for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder engagement

Early and transparent communication with landowners facilitated site access and mitigated delays.

Outcomes

To date, ADAS has successfully delivered:

a complete dataset capturing the extent, condition, and connectivity of England’s habitats, vegetation, soils, and landscape features
high-quality soil physical and chemical data and eDNA analyses, supporting the understanding of natural capital assets
real-time progress tracking and updates through the survey season, meeting KPIs for survey completion and quality standards.

Impact

The project has provided a robust evidence base to support environmental policymaking and monitoring. The data collected so far will inform the implementation and refinement of national environmental strategies, including agri-environment schemes and climate resilience plans.