A simple method of assessing ecological value and ecoloqical damage

Abstract

Giving land an ecological value is a problem in many student projects. This paper suggests a method which is suitable for a range of abilities Any methods used by students for evaluating the ecological or conservation value of an area under study need to be relatively simple, as it is unlikely that they will have a specialist knowledge of ecology. The most frequently used criteria in site evaluation are difficult to apply at secondary education level, and a method has been developed which relies only on recognition of major habitat types and landscape features. The example used is a comparison of two possible sites for location of a sewage treatment works, and a ‘total ecological score’ is obtained for each site. This can then be used to calculate possible ‘units of ecological damage’ in the event of a development on the land. Damage can also be categorized as reversible or irreversible to allow for reinstatement and mitigation work. Students can then incorporate these estimates as part of a wider impact analysis and decision-making process and the methods can be applied to any development.