Vegetation Classification system

The National Vegetation Classification Scheme used in FieldNotes was developed by Dr J. Rodwell (Unit of Vegetation Science, Lancaster University) for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and provides a standardised system for classifying and naming vegetation community types encountered in the UK.

The National Vegetation Classification scheme is a 'phytosociological' classification - classifying vegetation solely by the component plant species. The Vegetation Classification Scheme comprises twelve major vegetation types (which are denoted by letter codes) and a variable number of community and sub-community categorisations. The classification allows unambiguous and informative formal names to be assigned and helps to place vegetation communities in a wider environmental context, facilitating (among other things) storage in environmental information systems and production of vegetation maps.

A full description of the National Vegetation Classification scheme, the classification scheme itself and a wealth of related information is available on the JNCC website, or by contacting the Joint Nature Conservation Committee at Peterborough.

References and further Information

"British Plant Communities. Volume 1. Woodlands and scrub." Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) 1991. Cambridge University Press.
"British Plant Communities. Volume 2. Mires and heath." Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) 1991. Cambridge University Press.
"British Plant Communities. Volume 3. Grassland and montane communities." Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) 1992. Cambridge University Press.
"British Plant Communities. Volume 4. Aquatic communities, swamps and tall-herb fens." Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) 1995. Cambridge University Press.
"British plant communities. Volume 5. Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats." Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) 2000. Cambridge University Press.

"National Vegetation Classification: User's handbook."; John S. Rodwell. 2006. JNCC Publications (ISBN: 0-86139-636-7).
This publication is also available as a free download from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website (pdf format).

"Review of coverage of the National Vegetation Classification." Rodwell, J.S., et al. 2000. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report No. 302. Rodwell, J.