Survey Methods Hub
Resources for freshwater surveys
Are you looking for information or resources on conducting water quality testing or freshwater species surveys? We carry out a range of scientific surveys and offer freshwater habitat survey methods to suit people with different interests and levels of experience.
Habitat assessment
Over more than three decades, we’ve developed groundbreaking survey methods to assess habitat quality. Now, you can use these methods to measure water quality and gather ecological data.
National Pond Survey method
The recommended method for detailed professional assessment of a site.
Predictive System for Multimetrics (PSYM)
Assess the ecological quality of a pond or small lake
Priority Pond Assessment Survey (PASS)
Identify a potential priority pond.
Identify a priority pond
Learn more about the criteria to identify a waterbody as a priority pond.
Pond habitat survey
Use our materials to collect environmental data from ponds between June and September.
Clean Water for Wildlife
Advice and resources on water quality testing.
Species surveys
Download materials to survey amphibians and freshwater plants and invertebrates.
Amphibian surveys
Download surveys to monitor Common Toad, Common Frog and newt populations.
Freshwater invertebrate surveys
Our surveys can help you monitor freshwater invertebrates.
Freshwater plant surveys
Use our resources to survey freshwater and wetland plants.
Citizen science surveys
Get involved in our citizen science surveys and help us learn more about freshwater wildlife.
PondNet Spawn Survey
Help us map amphibian breeding activity across the UK. The PondNet Spawn Survey runs from December to May.
Do the Big Pond Dip
Find out how good your garden pond is for wildlife.
About environmental DNA (eDNA)
Discover how we’re using this cutting-edge technique to monitor freshwater biodiversity.