Research and Development
Q. What is research and development?
A. Research and Development can be defined as the scientific backbone of Natural Heritage. Research is conducted by our own staff, academic institutions or by other means, and the following development holds the scientific information together which involves the use and management of the data collected in research. The future of R+D is outlined in our Natural Heritage Research and Development Strategy (PDF 466kb).
Q. What are the main areas covered in R+D?
A. The main areas of research covered by R+D are:
- Earth Science
- Biodiversity
- Monitoring of protected sites
- Site management research
- Landscape, countryside and socio-economic
- Access
- Impacts of global environmental change
- Data management
- Technology development
Q. What is Biological Recording?
A. Biological Recording is information on where a species is found, when it was recorded and by whom. Knowledge of the species and where it has occurred is vital for conservation activity including statutory site declaration, biodiversity priority setting and wildlife protection.
Q. How are sites monitored?
A. Sites of specific conservation value are initially assessed prior to their protection. This assesses the underlying geology, habitat and species in situ. Once these sites have been designated, continual monitoring is required to ensure correct management and protection is being followed. Continual monitoring is conducted by our terrestrial habitats team, marine and freshwater team and birds team.
Q. What is the Northern Ireland Countryside Survey?
A. The Northern Ireland Countryside Survey (NICS) was initially set up to assess the distribution of land habitat types and land use in Northern Ireland. It is accomplished using the survey of a large number of quarter kilometre squares, and the extrapolation of the habitats found in these squares onto areas within similar climate, elevations as well as topography, vegetation, hydrology, settlement, geology and underlying soil. Changes in habitat are tracked using repeat surveys. NICS 2000 was the first repeat year and the results demonstrated large and significant changes in habitat types and land use pattern.