About this unit

This unit is about developing and using systems to monitor environmental change, and reporting on the results of such monitoring. The term ‘monitor’ is given a wide interpretation as it extends from the informal monitoring which takes place during day to day operations to the more formal monitoring of specific aspects of the environment. For the first element you must be able to develop and use monitoring systems by choosing indicators which measure environmental change. The second element is concerned with the recording, interpretation and reporting of the results in order that future action can be determined by decision-makers.

Throughout the unit, you are expected to appreciate the importance of monitoring, whether it be as an early warning of adverse environmental change, or of the effects of planned or unplanned management. Monitoring is also an essential check that the organisation’s policies and plans are working in an effective and efficient way.

For the purposes of this unit, the following definition of monitoring should be applied:

Monitoring:
Monitoring is making observations with sufficient precision to determine whether a required condition is being met. As opposed to...

Survey:
Survey is a one-off activity to collect data for a prescribed purpose. Or...

Surveillance:
Surveillance is a repeated survey to assess the condition of a site or feature on that site.

You are likely to be monitoring indicators which may relate to changes in the condition of the environment - for example, the width or depth of eroding footpaths, the growth of vegetation in a newly enclosed area, the decline in bird song at set sampling times, or changes in the invertebrate population of a stream as a result of pollution. Indicators may also relate to the efficiency and effectiveness of policies, plans and their implementation.

» Element EC22.1 Monitor environmental change

» Element EC22.2 Report on environmental change

Element EC22.1 Monitor environmental change

What you must be able to do:

1. select indicators for monitoring environmental change on the basis of available information and past experience
2. consult with the appropriate people in the process of selecting and agreeing indicators
3. ensure that your selected indicators are measurable and are listed accurately
4. develop and use systems for monitoring in accordance with agreed technical criteria, operating costs and time specifications, and other organisational requirements
5. produce guidelines for the use of monitoring systems that are clear, in an appropriate format, in suitable language, and available to all users
6. regularly assess the monitoring systems and propose any modifications after feedback and further analysis
7. follow relevant health and safety, and other, relevant legislation during system development and use

This standard covers:

A. monitor:

• landscape and landscape features
• wildlife and wildlife habitats
• effectiveness of habitat management
• effects on landscapes and wildlife of visitors and others
• features of historical, archaeological and cultural importance
• access network

What you must know and understand:

• the importance of developing and using systems to monitor environment change
• methods of identifying relevant indicators for monitoring environmental change
• principles of monitoring against indicators
• sources of research data and information to monitor environmental change
• where and how to obtain relevant additional data and information
• which individuals and organisations to consult when selecting and agreeing indicators
• types of systems to monitor environmental change and their use
• organisational requirements in relation to the monitoring systems adopted
• methods of communicating guidelines clearly and in a format suitable for users
• the types of changes which may take place in the environment and the causes of these changes
• the need to review the monitoring systems and how this can be best achieved
• your responsibilities under the relevant health and safety, and other, legislation

Element EC22.2 Report on environmental change

What you must be able to do:

1. record all monitoring data legibly, comprehensively and in a format and language specified by the monitoring system
2. use all available, relevant and current information when interpreting monitoring data
3. ensure that interpretations of monitoring data are justified using rational argument and supporting evidence
4. produce reports on environmental change in a format, style and language which helps decision-making and conforms to organisational procedures
5. ensure that your reports are relevant, accurate and concise and are supported with records of the raw data
6. make explicit your conclusions and recommendations for action within the monitoring report
7. actively seek feedback from recipients of the report

• landscape and landscape features
• wildlife and wildlife habitats
• effectiveness of habitat management
• effects on landscapes and wildlife of visitors and others
• features of historical, archaeological and cultural importance
• access network

• techniques for recording data on environmental change
• ways in which records may vary according to the nature and objectives of the monitoring activity
• sources of information relevant to the interpretation of monitoring data
• types of supporting evidence which may be used
• effective ways of reporting results from monitoring activities
• ways in which the form, style and language of a report should vary according to the different recipients
• appropriate ways of presenting data to support a monitoring report
• reasons for selecting particular ways of presenting data
• means of obtaining and handling feedback from the recipients of a report
• the importance of reporting on environmental change

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