Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve Biodiversity survey by Ramsay - Stagg, Dylan https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj Survey of Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill local nature reserve (LNR) using invertebrate sampling as an indicator of biodiversity. en-us 2021-05-12 14:06:42 UTC 2024-05-19 04:44:55 UTC hello@padlet.com Study design 40508052 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517585890
To effectively study biodiversity across the LNR a range of sampling techniques will be deployed. ]]> 2021-05-12 14:13:30 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517585890 Justification for approach 40508052 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517587349 Sweep netting: 
The LNR provides ample room for use of sweep netting. This can be used in open areas especially the summit of Blackford hill and will establish an understanding of terrestrial inverts.

Vegetation bashing: 
As the area is dominated by scrub sweeping will bring out a range of invertebrates that would otherwise be missed.  This method is  also easier than trying to dig pots into the ground. This will also cause less disturbance to visitors and reduces the likely hood of damage caused to equipment by visitors.]]> 2021-05-12 14:13:48 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517587349 Location Considerations 40504829 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517669495 As the Hermitage of Braids is a public area it is important that all survey activities do not disturb local residents and must take in to consideration the use of the area by members of the public.
Therfore all surveys will take place during the day and no equipment will be left on site. ]]> 2021-05-12 14:31:40 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517669495 Transects 40504829 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517689311 transects will be mapped along set routes through the Hermitage of Braids to survey a variety of habitats. The same route will be walked by a surveyor on a weekly basis (weather dependent) and all species of butterflies and bumblebees will be recorded.
Surveyors will require a net and ID guide for accurate ID. 

The transect will be conducted in similar weather conditions and between a certain temperature range in order to make results comparable.]]> 2021-05-12 14:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517689311 Sweep netting 40508052 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517732383 Researcher(s) are equipped with nets and aim to collect samples of invertebrates. They can then be killed or set free once the relevant data is collected. 

- This can be used on open areas across the site. ]]> 2021-05-12 14:44:58 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517732383 Vegetation bashing 40508052 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517734679 Vegetation bashing: Using a basher (pole, rod or stick) the researcher hits the vegetation while holding a (net, umbrella or large sheet) underneath the vegetation. Inverts therefore fall out of the scrub and can be collected for further research.   

- Sampling can be carried out across the areas of scrub on Blackford hill. ]]> 2021-05-12 14:45:28 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517734679 Map of Survey Areas within the Hermitage of Braids 40504829 https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517755341 Yellow = Vegetation Bashing, Red = Pollinator Transects, Blue = Sweep Netting]]> 2021-05-12 14:49:59 UTC https://padlet.com/40508052/wum0em9puazthucj/wish/1517755341