Phase 1 habitat survey is a technique for classifying and mapping habitats based on the Handbook for Phase 1 survey (2010). It can be utilised for large areas of countryside, or adapted for smaller sites. Unlike the NVC it is a relatively broad approach which can be used to get an overview, and/or in the early stages of a project.
A Phase 1 habitat survey is very often ‘extended’ to include as assessment of the sites potential to support animal species protected under national or international legislation, and for notified invasive plant species.
Extended Phase 1 habitat survey is frequently used as the basis for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
The Phase 1 system is currently being superseded by the the new UKHAB system in many situations, particularly in the rapidly growing area of Biodiversity Net Gain.
Past Phase 1 habitat surveys (examples)
Hailsham, Wealden District (East Sussex)