It is essential to indicate on the form whether spot-check one (1) is at the upstream or downstream end of the site; tick one box only.


Ten spot-checks must be completed at regular intervals (c50m) along the 500m site.


At each spot-check, stand on the bank and look across the channel and indicate in each box, in each column, the material, modifications and features present. In shallow rivers, and where safe to do so, surveyors may choose to enter the channel to improve accuracy of recording bed character and features of the opposite bank. ! Risk assessment is vital before entering the channel.


All boxes in sections E and F must be completed (i.e. entries must be made in ALL boxes in the column representing an individual spot-check) before moving on to the next spot-check. At least one box in Section G must also have an entry for each spot-check. Each entry must be made clearly using the unique abbreviations shown in the spot-check key and described below.



Bank

Permanent side to the river channel. For recording purposes the bank starts at the water’s edge (and excludes marginal depositional features such as bars) and gives way to the ‘banktop’ where the break of slope allows cultivation or development to take place.


Left and Right banks

‘Left’ and ‘right’ banks are determined by facing downstream.