Table 2. The size and shape of plots used for surveying different habitat types within the NPMS. See [58] for more detail. S = square; L = linear.
| NPMS habitat | Plot area (m2) | Plot shape | Plot dimensions (m)a | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland | 100 | S | 10 × 10 | - |
| Hedgerows | 25 | L | 25 × 1 | - |
| Dry heathland | 25 | S/L | 5 × 5 or linear equivalent | - |
| Grassland | 25 | S/L | 5 × 5 or linear equivalent | - |
| Rocks and scree | 25 | S/L | 5 × 5 (horizontal), 12.5 × 2 (vertical) | - |
| Bogs and wet heath | 25 | S | 5 × 5 | Can include bog pools |
| Marsh and fen | 25 | S/L | 5 × 5 or linear equivalent | Small mires/springs included if >50% of plot |
| Freshwater | 25 | L | 25 × 1 | From high water level |
| Saltmarsh, dunes, machair, shingle | 25 | S | 5 × 5 | Excludes pioneer saltmarsh and strandlines |
| Maritime cliffs and slopes | 25 | S/L | 5 × 5 or linear equivalent | Excludes the cliffs themselves |
| Arable field margins | 25 | S | 25 × 1 | Ground flora only |
aThe linear equivalents for a 25 m2 plot are: 4 × 6.25 m; 3 × 8.3 m; 2 × 12.5 m; 1 × 25 m.