Seven methods of sampling vegetation were examined in detail, all based on surveying 1km squares. From these, three design options are recommended for subsequent field-testing. Recommendations are made regarding the selection of target species, the classification of habitats, the geographic stratification of the squares, the collection of a key set of vegetation and habitat parameters, the optimal time to survey, and the statistical implications that need to be considered for the recommended methods. Additionally, the relative costs, opportunities and constraints of implementing surveillance scheme programmes were considered by the project team, as well as the implications of delivering such a scheme with a network of volunteers.
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