SECTION J: EXTENT OF TREES AND ASSOCIATED FEATURES


Due to the importance of trees and associated features, these warrant individual attention and are recorded in more detail in this section.


TREES

Distribution along each bank for the entire 500m length is recorded using five descriptive categories. These are not meant to represent an accurate distribution pattern for individual sites, but to provide an overview. Recent aerial photographs can provide an extra check.

For each bank tick one box only for the nearest distribution ‘match’ based on the categories in the figure below.  ONE BOX FOR EACH BANK MUST BE TICKED.




ASSOCIATED FEATURES

These are habitats, or features, associated with trees. In each case, one box per feature must be ticked. 


Records are made on their occurrence within, or along, the total 500m length of the site. Record ‘None’ when <1% occurrence (absent, or not present in >=5m of channel length); ‘Present’ if 1-33% occurrence (present in 5-165m of channel length); and ‘E’ when >= 33% occurrence (present in >=165m of channel length).


For the three features marked with an asterisk (*), presence can be ticked even if they do not occur in >1% of the site.



Shading of channel

Extent of direct, overhead, tree canopy shade. Do not include shade from culverts and bridges.

Example of Shading of the Channel 

*Overhanging boughs

Large (forearm-size or larger) tree boughs which arc horizontally over, or dip close to, the water surface.

 Examples of Overhanging Boughs


*Exposed bankside roots

Large (forearm-sized or larger) exposed roots and associated cavities. These can provide a good location for otter holts.

Example of Exposed Roots


*Underwater tree roots

Exposed underwater tree or shrub roots. Alder and willow roots are distinctive examples.

Example of Underwater Tree Roots


Fallen trees

Uprooted or collapsed tree(s) that are still attached to the bank, either alive or dead.

Example of Fallen Trees - note attachment to the bank


Large woody debris

Whole trees or large trunks and branches swept downstream and lodged in the channel or on the banks.

Examples of Large Woody Debris