There is a long history of monitoring the UK’s wildlife and today new technologies are reshaping how, what and where we can monitor, supporting the protection and enhancement of our biodiversity. 

At Thamesmead RSK Wilding are assessing the effects of urban regeneration interventions considering: 

• Habitats: UK Habitat Classification surveys are enabling not just the habitats present but their condition to be assessed with the findings of these surveys guiding biodiversity friendly management practices
• Invertebrates are ideal indicators of the ecological status of a site. Historically species identification has been a painstaking and highly specialised process but at Thamesmead we are using the latest in DNA analysis methods, metabarcoding, to allow rapid assessment of the species present.
• Acoustic Monitoring has become increasingly effective while costs have rapidly decreased. At Thamesmead we are using AudioMoths to monitor bats and birds and a range of automated analysis process to identify the species using the site.

In addition, we are undertaking a detailed review of current and potential monitoring methods suitable for urban environments. This will support guidance that encourages the widespread monitoring of biodiversity across London with a toolbox of monitoring methods. Find out more here.