A number of schemes have been developed to describe characteristics of flowing and static waterbodies in the UK. Two separate classification schemes are used in FieldNotes:
'The Vegetation communities of British lakes: a revised classification', developed by Dr C. Duigan et al. (2006) for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, provides a standardised system for classifying and naming vegetation community types encountered in standing waters (lakes and pools) in the UK. The revised lakes classification scheme comprises ten major (top-level) groups (A-J), and a single second-level categorisation.
'The Vegetation communities of British rivers - a revised classification' was developed by Dr N. Holmes et al. (1999) for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and provides a standardised system for classifying and naming vegetation community types encountered in rivers and streams in the UK. The revised British rivers and streams Classification scheme comprises four major groups (A-D), which in turn are split into a number of types and sub-types.
The two classifications allow unambiguous and informative formal names to be assigned and helps to place waterbodies in a wider environmental context, facilitating (among other things) storage in environmental information systems and production of maps. A full description of both the lakes and rivers/streams classification schemes, the classification schemes themself and a wealth of related information about freshwater classifications are available on the JNCC website, or by contacting the Joint Nature Conservation Committee at Peterborough.
At the present time there is no robust classification system for canals and small ponds (<0.01ha).
"Vegetation communities of British lakes: a revised classification." Duigan CA, Kovach WL, and Palmer M. 2006. JNCC Publications.
"Vegetation communities of British rivers - a revised classification." Holmes, N.T, Boon, P.J., and Rowell, T.A. 1999. JNCC Publications.