Countryside Survey
Countryside Survey is the biggest and most comprehensive survey of the natural resources of the UK’s countryside. The Countryside Survey provides evidence-based data that informs Government about the status of our countryside and feeds into new policies.
There are two parts to the Survey: the Field Survey and the Land Cover Map.
- The Field Survey involves an in-depth study of a sample of 1km squares in the countryside.
- The Land Cover Map uses data from satellites to form a digital map of the different types of land cover and vegetation.
The Survey has been repeated at intervals since 1978. Over 60 scientists have recently completed the data collection part of the Field Survey for the fifth Countryside Survey during the summer 2007. This involved visiting and making measurements England, Wales and Scotland. A complementary survey was carried out in Northern Ireland over the same period. The data is currently being analysed in preparation for a UK report that will be published via the new website in November 2008.
Previously, Countryside Survey reported at UK level, but in response to requests from the devolved countries, the 2007 Survey has been increased in size to enable reporting by country as well as for the whole of the UK. Reports for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be prepared individually.
The Survey’s design, implementation, data analysis, interpretation and reporting is guided by a Steering Group, with representation from each of the partners. Defra provides contract management and has been strongly engaged in the project development and management of the survey.
If you would like to find out more, please try the links to the Countryside Survey website, which has been completely re-designed and updated as part of a communications package to increase awareness of the survey and to encourage uses of the data.
Useful links
http://www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk/
The following links refer to useful pages within the countryside survey website:
- How Countryside Survey contributes to planning and policy
- Countryside Survey news letter reporting on field survey, completed in summer 2007
- Countryside Survey technical information leaflet for stakeholders and policy makers
- Countryside Survey general information leaflet for general public/ landowners
- Countryside Survey - Newsletter
- Land Cover Map
- Peer reviewed paper about the method of production of the new land cover map
Page last modified: 04 June 2008