National Trust for Scotland Mar Lodge Montane Scrub Surveys 2016-2018

Quality Control

Method steps

1. A systematic sample of natural regeneration and scrub on the Mar Lodge Estate between altitudes of approximately 450 to 950 metres was taken by walking transects running north to south at 100 metre intervals. A 12-figure grid reference at the southern point of each 50 metre transect section was generated with the aid of geographical information software (GIS). These points were then loaded into hand-held GPS devices to allow accurate location in the field (±3 metres accuracy). Transects were split into sections of 50 metres long, and a corridor 2.5 metres either side of the transect searched for seedlings, saplings and montane scrub. The following data was collected for each transect section: surveyor initials; 12 figure grid reference of southern point for transect section (pre-determined); sample number (pre-determined); date; species of natural regeneration or scrub; height relative to vegetation (count for individuals below, at or above); browsing (count for individuals with 0, <25%, 25-75% or >75% shoots browsed); species of herbivore (based on signs of occupancy within each section); herbivore responsible for damage; damage other than browsing. For mat-forming species (creeping willow Salix repens, dwarf birch Betula nana and juniper Juniperus communis) a count of individual bushes and an estimate of the overall percentage cover within each transect section was recorded. All surveyors were competent botanists.