Phase 2 Lowland Peatland Survey of Wales
Cyfnod 2 Arolwg o Fawndiroedd yr Iseldir yng Nghymru

  • English
  • wel
  • All

This dataset is part of the Phase 2 Habitats surveys conducted across Wales. It consists of a detailed survey of plant communities in lowland peatland vegetation. The survey work was split into two time periods, with the first Phase 2 lowland peatland surveys being conducted between 1977 and 1982. There was then a break between this and the second tranche of surveys which have occurred from 2004 onwards. These more modern surveys were conducted on sites already covered on the 1997-1982 surveys and on newer identified sites. The surveys were conducted at Phase 2 (plant community) level of herbaceous mire habitats predominantly within the lowland environment of Wales.


Key project outputs include site-based assessments of community type, distribution and ecology and evaluative accounts of vegetation and its condition.


Strategic outputs include Area of Search/regional/all Wales synthesis and analysis of data to inform site selection, conservation and restoration.


This part of the Phase 2 survey just includes species datasets collected by Countryside Council for Wales and Natural Resources Wales in-house expert Phase 2 survey team. Peer-based quality assurance is carried out within the team and by NRW/CCW's Peatland Specialist. Regular meetings are held to ensure consistent community and species determination and survey protocol application.


The primary objective of the survey is to characterise and evaluate the vegetation cover of lowland peatlands in Wales to ensure the identification, protection and management of important peatland sites. All Wales coverage although sites vary in size and complexity.


The survey programme is predominantly focussed on lowland mires, i.e. those below the upper functional limit of agricultural enclosure. A few mires above this limit may be considered where they display essentially lowland characteristics or where survey would provide additional critical information for rare communities. The survey encompasses all lowland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) supporting at least one independently qualifying peatland feature. The only exceptions to this are (i) the largest of the raised mires (namely Cors Fochno, Cors Caron, and Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses), and (ii) any sites for which recent reliable information collected in a manner broadly comparable to that of the current survey is already available. Non-statutory sites are included if they have peatland features considered likely to be of individually qualifying status or if they have a notable mire element. A 0.5 ha threshold for individual or groups of communities has been used to help prioritise sites for survey.


GIS layer files within this dataset include: Site boundary (Sites), Vegetation polygons (veg), Mosaic Table, Mosaic Polygons (Mospolys), Habitat (SSSI) Features (features), Quadrats, Photos and Target Note (Notes, points, polygons and text), Deep peat, Peat depth, Candidate sites.


There is a DMS document explaining the GIS layers and data structure called P2 Peatland data structures in ArcGIS.

Survey Reports are also available from NRW.

Roedd y set ddata hon yn rhan o arolygon cynefinoedd Cyfnod 2 a gynhaliwyd ledled Cymru. Mae'n cynnwys arolwg manwl o gymunedau planhigion yn llystyfiant mawndiroedd yr iseldir. Prif nod yr arolwg yw nodi a gwerthuso'r llystyfiant sydd ym mawndiroedd iseldir Cymru er mwyn sicrhau bod safleoedd mawndir pwysig yn cael eu nodi, eu diogelu a'u rheoli. Mae'r holl set ddata wedi'i chadarnhau a'i dilysu'n drwyadl gan arbenigwyr arolygu llystyfiant Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru. Gall cyfansoddiad cynefinoedd newid dros amser o ganlyniad i dueddiadau olynol, rheolaeth tir neu hyd yn oed ddatblygiadau arfaethedig. Felly, ni ellir bod yn sicr bod math o lystyfiant neu rywogaeth yn parhau i fodoli am ei fod wedi'i gofnodi yn y data digidol.


Cydnabyddiaeth


Yn cynnwys gwybodaeth Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru © Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru a Hawl Cronfa Ddata. Cedwir pob hawl. Yn cynnwys data Arolwg Ordnans. Rhif Trwydded Arolwg Ordnans AC0000849444. Hawlfraint y Goron a Hawl Cronfa Ddata.

Identification

Dynodydd
Identifier
NRW_DS98737
Teitl Amgen
Alternative Title
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland peat depth.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland veg.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland sites.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland quadrats.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland photos.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland notes text.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland notes polygon.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland notes point.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland notes line.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland mospolys.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland features.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland deep peat.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland candidate sites.LYR
  • Ph2 Lowland Peatland mosaic.DBF
  • Historic Ph2 Lowland Peatland Features.LYR
  • Historic Ph2 Lowland Peatland Notes Polygons.LYR
  • Historic Ph2 Lowland Peatland Sites.LYR
  • Historic Ph2 Lowland Peatland Veg.LYR
Laith Metadata
Metadata Language
English
Lineage

This dataset contains spatial sites and species data, non-spatial species data and images in JEPG and slide format. Phase 2 vegetation mapping and collection of quadrat data on plant community composition. Additional information is collected on notable species, peat depth, environmental factors, condition, management requirements and conservation evaluation. See Lowland Peatland Survey of Wales Survey Manual Version 2, S.D.S. Bosanquet et al., 2025 (In Prep.) for more information.


Written site accounts are available for each surveyed site. These greatly assist in interpreting the raw data in each case. Characterise and evaluate the vegetation cover of lowland peatlands in Wales based upon a programme of plant (sub-) community level sampling and mapping. All Wales, underpinned by criteria to aid site selection.


The current survey programme is the latest in a series of Phase 2 level surveys of major habitat groups in the Welsh lowlands. These include the recently completed Lowland Grassland Survey, which was undertaken in-house, and commissioned surveys covering lowland heathlands, woodlands, sand dunes and saltmarsh. The current peatland survey programme follows on an earlier pre-NVC assessment conducted between 1977 and 1982 (the Welsh Lowland Peatland Survey) which is dated and inadequate for modern conservation practice. This is the concluding part of a strategic series of Phase 2 level survey programmes across Wales.


Entire dataset has been extensively validated and verified by NRW vegetation survey specialists. Habitat composition may change over time due to successional trends, land management or even planned developments. A record of a vegetation type or species in the digital data is therefore no guarantee that it is still extant on the ground. Bosanquet, S.D.S., Jones P.S., Reed D. K., Birch K.S. & Turner A.J. 2026. NRW Evidence Report No: [XX], [XX]pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor In Prep.
Additional Information

A subset of the non-spatial species data is held in Recorder 6 which dates between 2004 and 2011, and is available to download via the NBN Atlas (see metadata entry NRW_DS123892).
Dyddiad cyfeirnod y set ddata (Cyhoeddiad)
Dataset Reference Date (Publication)
2026-07-28
Perchennog
Owner
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW) -
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
Cychwynnwr
Originator
  Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). Phase II Survey Team -
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
Cychwynnwr
Originator
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW) -
Not Provided
Not Provided
 

Extent

Extent

Hyd
Geographic Extent
Wales (WLS)
N
W
E
S
Map representing the geographic extent of the dataset


 

Vertical Extent

Maint Fertigol
Vertical Extent

Gwerth lleiaf
Minimum value (metres)
2
Gwerth uchaf
Maximum value (metres)
400
System Gyfeirio Cydlynu Fertigol
Vertical CRS
 
 

Distribution

Dosbarthiad
Distribution

Fformat - Math a Disgrifiad
Format Type and Description
  • Database ( Unknown )

    Specification

    [A] Site descriptions and Site Reports are held as Microsoft Word/Excel Format [B] Raw data workbook in Excel format. [C] Phase II habitat map - Paper map (field map over aerial photograph) and digital point data (MapInfo table) [D] ArcGIS ESRI Feature Class of Phase 2 - NVC communities (digital polygons), target notes (digital points), quadrat positions (digital points) - Available on ArcGIS/MyMap?Lle/NRW website as 'Open Datasets' [E] A full set of images produced in JPEG format [F] Record of landowner name and addresses - Available on ISIS Contacts Database {NB mainly for Protected Sites.] [G] Biological Data held in Recorder 6 for 2004-2011 data (this is also available to download via the NBN Gateway - see Resource Locator) [N.B. only a partial dataset, as ran out of money qand staff resources to add new data, which needs to be mobilised at soem future data in whatever format/method NRW now uses.]

Lleolwr Adnoddau
Resource Locator
Web Mapping Service ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )
Lleolwr Adnoddau
Resource Locator
View and Download Data ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )
 

Quality

Ansawdd Data
Data quality

Cwmpas Ansawdd
Quality Scope
Dataset
Dataset
Cydymffurfiad
Conformity
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1089/2010 of 23 November 2010 implementing Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards interoperability of spatial data sets and services
Explanation

This dataset has not been assessed for conformance to the referenced INSPIRE regulation.
Degree
false
Lineage

This dataset contains spatial sites and species data, non-spatial species data and images in JEPG and slide format. Phase 2 vegetation mapping and collection of quadrat data on plant community composition. Additional information is collected on notable species, peat depth, environmental factors, condition, management requirements and conservation evaluation. See Lowland Peatland Survey of Wales Survey Manual Version 2, S.D.S. Bosanquet et al., 2025 (In Prep.) for more information.


Written site accounts are available for each surveyed site. These greatly assist in interpreting the raw data in each case. Characterise and evaluate the vegetation cover of lowland peatlands in Wales based upon a programme of plant (sub-) community level sampling and mapping. All Wales, underpinned by criteria to aid site selection.


The current survey programme is the latest in a series of Phase 2 level surveys of major habitat groups in the Welsh lowlands. These include the recently completed Lowland Grassland Survey, which was undertaken in-house, and commissioned surveys covering lowland heathlands, woodlands, sand dunes and saltmarsh. The current peatland survey programme follows on an earlier pre-NVC assessment conducted between 1977 and 1982 (the Welsh Lowland Peatland Survey) which is dated and inadequate for modern conservation practice. This is the concluding part of a strategic series of Phase 2 level survey programmes across Wales.


Entire dataset has been extensively validated and verified by NRW vegetation survey specialists. Habitat composition may change over time due to successional trends, land management or even planned developments. A record of a vegetation type or species in the digital data is therefore no guarantee that it is still extant on the ground. Bosanquet, S.D.S., Jones P.S., Reed D. K., Birch K.S. & Turner A.J. 2026. NRW Evidence Report No: [XX], [XX]pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor In Prep.
 

Keywords

Allweddair
Keywords

GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0
Math
Type
Theme
Theme

Dyfyniad
Citation

Dyddiad (Cyhoeddiad)
Date (Publication)
2008-06-01
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.external.theme.httpinspireeceuropaeutheme-theme

Allweddair
Keywords

NRW Thesaurus
  • rare plants (scarce plants)
  • habitat classification
  • habitat surveys (habitat monitoring)
  • mires
  • vegetation surveys (vegetation monitoring)(see also biologicalsurveys)
  • site condition monitoring
  • rare species
  • site assessment
  • Peatland Survey
  • peatland ecology
  • lowlands
  • raised bogs
  • vegetation classification
  • lowland peatlands
  • lowland peatlands
  • fens
  • swamps
  • rare plant monitoring
  • Fenland
  • management agreements
  • lowland peatland survey
Math
Type
Theme
Theme

Dyfyniad
Citation

Dyddiad (Cyhoeddiad)
Date (Publication)
2026-07-24
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.converted_nrw-keywords
 

Spatial Reference System

Code
British National Grid (EPSG::27700)
 

Content

Gwybodaeth Cynnwys
Content Information

Proffil CNC
NRW Profile

Elfennau CNC
Custom Elements

NRW Related Title

Lowland peatland survey of Wales : survey manual
 

Constraints

Constraints

Limitations on Public Access and Use

Math o Gyfyngiad
Restriction type
Other restrictions
Other restrictions
 

Access Constraints Directive

Limitations
no limitations
 

Access Constraints Text

Other constraints

Part of this dataset (habitat data) has no access restrictions and NRW may release, publish or disseminate it freely. However part of this dataset is sensitive and restricted as it contains data exempt from general release. The sensitive data is as follows; 1) Plant species listed on the NRW Sensitive Species List. This may only be released at a scale 10km sq. 2) Personal data e.g. names and addresses, other personal details. This information will not be released without permission of those involved 3) Sensitive site data, e.g. information about a site prior to designation. 4) Data with a landowner interest e.g. if a landowner specifically objects to information about their property being released Sensitive data must be kept confidential; general release is not permitted due to risk of harm to the environment or third parties.
 

Use Constraints

Cyfyngiadau Defnyddio
Use constraints type
Other restrictions
Other restrictions
Other constraints

© CNC/NRW NRW does NOT grant permission to third parties to re-use or disseminate the full dataset. A redacted version of the data may be re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence providing it is done so, acknowledging both the source and NRW's copyright. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure the data is fit for the intended purpose.
 

Attribution Statement

Other constraints

Contains Natural Resources Wales information © Natural Resources Wales and Database Right. All rights Reserved. Contains Ordnance Survey Data. Ordnance Survey Licence number AC0000849444. Crown Copyright and Database Right.
 

Licence

Other constraints
Open Government Licence
 
 
 

Metadata

Metadata

Dynodydd Ffeil
File Identifier
4f4c4942-4343-5764-6473-3938373337 XML
Laith Metadata
Metadata Language
English
Math o adnodd
Resource type
Dataset
Dataset
Dyddiad Metadata
Metadata Date
2026-07-29T14:33:12.403Z
Enw Safonol Metadata
Metadata Standard Name
NRW
Fersiwn Metadata
Metadata Standard Version

1.0

Pwynt Cyswllt
pointOfContact
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW) -
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
 
 

Publishing Body

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