National Vegetation Classification (NVC)

National Vegetation Classification Survey

If there are any rare habitat types on your development site, you need to deal with them in the right way, in line with how the planning process operates.

An initial site check could flag complex greenery, and if it does, there’s a chance that you could come up against delays or objections from the local authorities.

With an assessment of national vegetation classification (NVC), you will get the granular detail you need to clear these hurdles and confirmation of exactly what is growing on your land.

Using data from the site and our input on what to do next, your planning application can be submitted without any fear of rejection.

What is National Vegetation Classification?

Also known simply as NVC, the national vegetation classification is a system used to identify and categorise the semi-natural greenery across Great Britain.

It was originally commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) to create standardised descriptions for every type of vegetation in the country.

Unlike basic surveys, the new classification allows a hierarchical taxonomy that groups plant species into specific NVC communities, and it ensures that ecologists and developers are on the same page and speaking the same language.

What is the Purpose of an NVC Survey?

Based on the comprehensive classification of the habitat directory and a site visit for the rigorous recording of all foliage, an NVC survey translates a site’s greenery into usable data.

A national vegetation classification survey is effectively a risk management map to support your development. It identifies, categorises and separates the high-value priority habitats that need to be addressed from the lower-value vegetation that won’t be affected.

Grouping natural assets on the site into specific NVC communities can help with gathering the evidence needed for calculating biodiversity net gain (BNG) and collecting information for an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Why Would a National Vegetation Classification Be Needed?

You will need an NVC survey if an initial ecology report flags priority habitats on the site or if the planning project sits on or near designated sensitive sites.

Common examples include ancient woodland, local wildlife sites (LWS), Ramsar sites, sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), special areas of conservation (SAC) and special protection areas (SPA).

Throughout the country, nature conservation agencies ensure that national vegetation classification (NVC) is considered any time a development could impact any type of sensitive or protected site. Across the UK, such agencies include Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

With the existing scheme derived from years of research, it is seen by regulators as a vital monitoring tool for safeguarding woodland communities and open habitats.

Overview of the National Vegetation Classification System

When it comes to undertaking a national vegetation classification survey, it is standard to use a general approach adopted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

By using the key common standards developed by ecological organisations and regulators, the assessment and report will be capable of dealing with any disputes from the local council.

Stages in an NVC Survey

From researching existing records and physically visiting the site, to recording species of vegetation and creating the assessment report, steps in a national vegetation classification survey include:

1. Desk Study

Researching existing records of the various types of vegetation that could appear on the site and planning a strategy for evaluating the location.

2. Field Mapping

Visiting the area to separate the landscape into each of the vegetation types and identifying any particular parts of the site that need a closer or more extensive inspection.

3. Sampling

Leaving quadrats across the site to gather detailed floristic data, ensuring we avoid over-scrupulous selection of the area to prevent an inaccurate representation of the location’s foliage.

4. Analysis

Comparing field findings against our own knowledge and the floristic tables published in the NVC users’ handbook from Cambridge University Press, especially in the case of awkward data where it’s difficult for the species to be systematically named.

NVC Equipment and Technology

A mix of traditional botanical tools and modern digital technology is used for an NVC survey to be completed correctly, such as:

• High-Accuracy GPS
• Quadrats
• Botanical Keys
• GIS Software

Seasons and Timings for NVC Surveying

Regardless of the ecology survey you need, timing is important, and you need to plan ahead to prevent any avoidable delays.

Certain ecology surveys can be carried out throughout all months of the year, whereas others are limited by the behaviours of the species.

With national vegetation classification (NVC), surveys are strictly seasonal because plants need to be seen during the flowering stage. The optimal window is generally between April and August, as it’s at that point where plants are in full bloom and easiest to find.

Due to the time constraints of surveys to support planning, it is always advisable to arrange an NVC survey as early as possible. Otherwise, it could impact your development schedule and leave you with frustrating delays.

Ask for National Vegetation Classification Support

Specific plant species can cause a developer or planner to deal with more red tape standing between them and the goals of their project.

Whether you are working with woodland communities or priority habitats, our team can help you with any vegetation types and planning requirements.

Every original project aimed at developing a rural site is bound to impact the standard of biodiversity. Using the team at Arbtech to guide you, however, a NVC survey will support your goals and move your planning project to the next stage.

Book an NVC Survey with Arbtech

Our surveys and reports are created and released quickly, the insights we provide meet the conditions of local planning authorities, and our findings fit British plant communities’ requirements.

If you want help with national vegetation classification on your development site and need an NVC survey that can stand up to the scrutiny of even the harshest of local councils, get in touch with the ecology team at Arbtech.

Everyone who contacts us can get a free quote by emailing, calling or filling out a quote form on our website. Just give us as much information about your site as possible, and we can guide you with what to do next.