3. The basic approach
3.1 In developing common standards for site
monitoring it is important to define what is meant by monitoring.
In these standards we distinguish between surveillance and
monitoring.
3.2 Surveillance relates to a
continued programme of surveys systematically undertaken to provide
a series of observations over time. Such programmes of repeated
observations are very valuable for establishing the trends in the
components of nature conservation at different geographic scales.
Surveillance programmes and survey information both contribute to
the national audit of wildlife which serves a range of different
purposes including informing decision making, policy development
and empowering individuals and groups to make wise choices about
the natural environment. Surveillance programmes can benefit from
agreed standards but this is not dealt with further in this
paper.
3.3 Monitoring is, in contrast
to surveillance, the making of an observation to establish whether
a standard is being met. This can be established in a single visit
or observation and does not require information collected over
time.
3.4 The purpose of site
monitoring is essentially to:
- Determine whether the desired condition of the feature(s) of
interest for which the site was designated is being achieved. This
can enable judgements to be made about whether the management of
the site is appropriate, or whether changes are necessary.
- To enable managers and policy makers to determine whether the
site series as a whole is achieving the required condition, and the
degree to which current legal, administrative and incentive
measures are proving effective.
3.5 Standards for site
monitoring need to be sufficiently robust so that they can be
implemented consistently across the UK by the different agencies,
yet also be able to cater for the different operational practices
and systems that have evolved in each country. The framework of
standards ensures that the minimum requirements are defined and are
able to be delivered within the resources available. The detailed
operational development of these standards is the responsibility of
each of the country agencies. The standards must enable us to
monitor all of the habitats, species and earth science features
protected within the SSSIs and ASSIs, including those of importance
in the Natura 2000 network and Ramsar sites.
3.6 The bulk of the monitoring
effort is likely to be undertaken by local conservation officers in
the course of their day to day duties although in some situations,
for example in the marine environment, other specialists may be
required. The framework is designed to enable staff to undertake
the assessments required bearing in mind the wide variation in
types of site, interest features, knowledge of natural changes
which occur and even the variation in the expertise and experience
of staff. The standards facilitate quick and simple judgements but
are also sufficiently robust to provide the required level of
quality control and assurance that the assessments of site
condition are accurate and consistent across the country.