ECOFACT undertake habitat assessments on a routine basis for projects in the terrestrial environment. Freshwater and marine habitats are also subject to habitat mapping, following many of the same methodologies. Accurate identification of the botanical communities present within a study area allows for the preparation of detailed habitat maps and an evaluation of the relative conservation importan
ce of these habitats in respect of a specific site, region or, indeed, international context. Habitat classification in Ireland primarily follows the Heritage Council's publication 'A Guide to Habitats in Ireland' (Fossitt, 2000). ECOFACT habitat assessments utilise desk study resources including OSI historical six inch mapping, updated 1:20,000 and aerial photography, reference data on species distribution and satellite imagery to build a picture of a particular site or region, prior to undertaking the field survey element. ECOFACT can provide detailed digital habitat mapping which allows for an evaluation of the status and conservation value of habitats recorded on site, with emphasis on integrity or fragmentation, pressures and evidence of non-native invasive species.
