Analyse data from field surveys and report findings

This standard covers analysing and reporting the findings of field surveys in accordance with the survey plan and specifications. It could also apply to findings from surveillance or monitoring and could be part of a wider assessment. You may have collected the data yourself or it may been collected by others. Findings may be used to advise others on habitat management, creation, restoration or translocation.

Surveys may be of the following subjects: landscape and marine features; flora and fauna, including species population assessment; habitat type and condition and human impact on the environment. Most surveys will involve both primary and secondary sources of data.

This standard is suitable for all those involved with the analysis and interpretation of data from field survey work. It is increasingly likely to involve electronic data analysis e.g. Geographic Information System (GIS).

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1. check there is sufficient valid and reliable data prior to the start of the analysis
2. check data has been collected in accordance with the current data protection legislation, the survey plan and specifications
3. confirm data analysis methods to be used in accordance with the survey specifications
4. analyse field survey data using all available, relevant and current information
5. justify your interpretation of field survey data using rational argument and supporting evidence
6. take action where the analysis of data reveals problems with its sufficiency, reliability or validity
7. produce accurate, unbiased results and conclusions
8. make recommendations that are realistic, relevant and clearly defined
9. seek feedback on survey interpretations prior to reporting, where necessary
10. produce a report of findings that is accurate, complete and in a format that conforms to the survey plan and specifications
11. confirm that your report contains the required supporting data in accordance with the survey plan and specifications
12. confirm that your report presents information and conclusions in a manner that the recipients will understand
13. make the report available to the relevant people within the required timescale in accordance with the survey plan and specifications
14. confirm that the presentation is suitable for the audience, where there is a requirement to present the report
15. reply to requests for further clarification and explanation of the report clearly and accurately within the specified timescale
16. maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with current data protection legislation, the survey plan and specifications and the requirements of your organisation
17. record issues of copyright and intellectual property rights

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1. how to organise data for analysis
2. how to assess the sufficiency, validity and reliability of data
3. the relevant legal limitations on the collection of data
4. the limitations of different data sources
5. the actions to take when there are problems with sufficiency, validity and reliability
6. the data analysis methods to be used in accordance with the survey plan and specifications
7. the different quantitative and qualitative analysis methods and their relative advantages and disadvantages
8. the analysis and evaluation techniques that produce accurate and unbiased results
9. the limitations of different interpretation and evaluation methods
10. the significance of survey results in relation to the report findings and recommendations
11. the specifications for the format of the report and the required supporting data
12. the timescales within which reporting must take place and the reasons for this
13. the ways of reporting and presenting information in a manner that the recipients will understand e.g. graphs, diagrams, photographs
14. the relevant legal implications of the report findings
15. the importance of obtaining feedback on the analysis and interpretation of survey findings prior to reporting and who this should be obtained from
16. the relevant people to receive copies of the report
17. who else may need to be informed of the findings e.g. local Biodiversity Action Plans, records offices
18. how to present the report to an audience in a suitable manner, where there is a requirement to present the report
19. the means of obtaining and handling feedback from the recipients of the report
20. the current data protection legislation and the importance of confidentiality and sensitivity of information
21. the importance of professional ethics in analysing, making recommendations and reporting findings from field surveys

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Data collection methods could include: written, oral, aural, electronic, visual

Data analysis methods could include use of mathematical calculations such as average, range, standard deviation, use of biodiversity metrics, modelling, data analysis software

Survey: a one-off activity to collect data for a prescribed purpose e.g. baseline survey

Surveillance: a repeated survey building up a picture that can detect change but does not trigger action

Monitoring: repeated observations building up a picture that can detect change and trigger action

Sources of data:

• primary
• secondary

Types of data:

• qualitative
• quantitative

National and industry guidelines for surveys include:
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Phase One Habitat Survey; British Trust for Ornithology Breeding Bird and Wetland Bird surveys; Bat Survey Guidelines; UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme; Environment Agency River Corridor or Joint Nature Conservancy Committee Intertidal surveys.

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3

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2025

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANEnC5

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Access Officer, Conservation Officer, Ecologist, Environmental Management Officer, Head of Environment, Property Manager, Ranger

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5119

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survey; data; analyse; findings; report

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