Research Areas
Earth science research
Research activity in the area of earth science, geomorphology, soil science etc, in support of both site based protection and developmental control.
Biodiversity research
This is a particularly broad research area and has many overlapping areas. It fundamentally relates to the gathering of scientific information to underpin the work of conserving the natural heritage of Northern Ireland. Particular research elements will include detailed research in support of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy. It also includes large repeat environmental audits, such as the Northern Ireland Countryside Survey and a proportion of the work carried out within the Natural Heritage Research Partnership.
Monitoring of protected sites
This is largely the procurement of monitoring support, where this cannot be done in-house. It includes all habitat types and may be carried out in conjunction with other biodiversity related research activities. It also includes elements of research required to validate current condition assessment methodologies.
Site management research
Investigations into best practice for site management often happens at a UK level. This research area deals with the practical application of science to habitat and species management on protected sites. There is some overlap with the Biodiversity programme area and often individual projects address many aspects with applied site management the end result.
Landscape, countryside and socio-economic research
This includes research into the impact of development, socio-economic benefits of biodiversity, ecosystem approach, assessment of effectiveness of protected areas, market research and other countryside wide policy research. There are links to some aspects of Broad Biodiversity research e.g.Northern Ireland Countryside Survey.
Access
This includes a variety of research on recreation in and access to, the countryside. Also included in this area is research associated with visitor appreciation and enjoyment.
Impacts of global environmental change
This programme area includes modelling the potential effects of climate change, changing patterns of land use etc. Such research will usually be carried out in conjunction with other funding and research bodies.
Data management
This includes development areas surrounding data storage infrastructure and ongoing support structures for large data sets e.g. Site monitoring data, CEDaR, the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) and GIS. It also includes the purchase of software and mapping licenses and aerial photography.
Technology development
Development of existing and introduction of new technologies, e.g. web mapping, web based database interfaces, GPS etc in support of the data we collect, analyse and disseminate.
