Advice on Assessment and Monitoring of Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Creation Schemes

This report provides an evidence-based framework for hydrological, morphological and ecological monitoring and assessment of the success of habitat creation project on estuaries and coasts in Wales, though the authors invite feedback on whether it is thought to be more widely applicable in the UK.

It shows how to develop an initial geomorphological conceptual model to define the key physical and ecological issues, and how the scheme is likely to evolve. This is used as input to a series of decision trees based on the size, location and habitat sensitivity of a proposed project, which are used to determine the degree of monitoring and assessment required. The methods can be used for site selection and design as well as long term monitoring.