Vascular plant survey and questionnaire data evaluating the e-Surveyor mobile application across calcareous, neutral and improved grassland habitats, UK, 2024

The data was collected at seven field workshops, with different citizen science groups ranging from 4-10 participants in size. Participants were those with an interest in biological recording, wildlife applications or were members of a practical conservation group. At each workshop, participants were introduced to the e-Surveyor application (https://esurveyor.ceh.ac.uk/) before being asked to undertake a "Record a habitat" survey. Each participant recorded their own 25 m2 plot independently, though a small number of plots were recorded by two participants. Each plot recorded by a participant was also surveyed by 2-3 professional expert botanists that worked independently to ensure an accurate full inventory list was collated.

Experts recorded a simple abundance using the DAFOR scale (Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional or Rare) for each vascular plant present, and recorded whether it was flowering. To understand more about the participants' experience of using the application and potential future uses, we created a paper-based questionnaire which was given to participants after completing their 25 m2 survey at the workshop. Paper data sheets were digitised into Excel and were checked for any anomalies.

This dataset is under embargo and will be made available by 31 October 2026 at the latest   Find out more »