Phase 1 surveys (polygons only) have been made available to download from Natural Spaces on 05/07/2017. Caveat for data usage: this is an archived dataset and is no longer updated or maintained. The data is dated - mainly from the 1980’s and 1990’s, it does not comply with the INSPIRE Directive, it is not in the EUNIS classification system and does not assist SNH in reporting on its statutory commitments.The aim of Phase 1 survey is to provide, relatively rapidly, a record of the semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat over large areas of countryside. The habitat classification is based broadly on vegetation, augmented by reference to topographic and substrate features, particularly where vegetation is not the dominant component of the habitat. The nature of the vegetation can provide an effective means of classifying and surveying habitats. Ideally a phase 1 survey should be followed up by a phase 2 survey that looks at plant communities more closely, this should be done using the NVC.For access to GIS colour mapping palettes please see http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4258.
