A series of annual surveys on a Northumberland nature reserve will be conducted by drone for the first time.
Previous surveys on Northumberland Wildlife Trust's reserves have been carried out by a combination of people on the ground and aerial satellite images, so this is the first time the charity will have used such a device. The surveys on the 327-hectare West Chevington site at Druridge Bay will check habitats, water quality, water levels, flood risk and plant health - with the results being used to contribute to future management plans for the site.
It is hoped that using a drone will speed up the survey work while reducing damage to habitats from footfall, and minimising risk to staff who may slip or fall on any uneven ground. Drone images are also considered to be more precise which is important when analysing plant health and how it is affected by environmental impacts such as climate change and adverse weather.
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Alice McCourt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust conversation officer, said: "Drone technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past couple of years so it made sense for us to start using one for our survey work. The West Chevington site is currently a mosaic of woodland, grassland and lower-quality arable land with a system of ponds, ditches and streams so there will certainly be things worth surveying.
"Once the snow clears and there are plans to create and restore wildflower meadows and grasslands to boost pollinators including bees and butterflies, develop wetlands and watercourses to improve water quality and reduce flooding downstream, and enhance ponds with reed beds to encourage birds and other species.”
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