The step point (or transect) method is the recommended method for measuring the proportion of native and non-native groundcover across an area when self-assessing the conservation value of groundcover.
Download this printable guide for use in the field.
Download field sheet to record your observations
Identify a patch of ground that is representative of the native groundcover within the proposed clearing area.
Walk 100 steps in a straight line (transect) across the selected patch.
At each step, record the groundcover type at the tip of your boot, using these categories:
Repeat steps 2-4 in at least four other representative patches within the proposed clearing area. Make sure to include any significant variability across the proposed clearing area.
Calculate the average of each column by dividing the total count for each column by the number of assessment lines.
To calculate the overall percentage of groundcover in the proposed clearing area, divide the average from Column A (native) and the average from Column B (non-native).
To calculate the percentage of the groundcover that is native vegetation, divide the average of Column A (native) by the overall groundcover percentage from the previous step (sum of Column A and Column B) and then multiply by 100.
Average percentage of groundcover = Av. Column A + Av. Column B.
RESULT: _______% Is the result equal to or greater than 10% ground cover?
Average percentage of native groundcover as a proportion of total groundcover = Av. Column A ÷ (Av. Column A + Av. Column B) X 100
RESULT: _______% Is the result less than 50% native groundcover?
Native groundcover can be identified as low conservation value if:
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