Translocations

Through its involvement in projects such as Mitigation Measures for the Nationally Threatened Triangular Club-rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter) and Mitigation Measures for the Legally Protected Species Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), BEC Consultants has built up a thorough knowledge of the genetic, physiological and ecological issues surrounding plant translocations. In addition, BEC staff have delivered lectures to M.Sc. students at Trinity College Dublin on the topic of rare plant translocation.

Population Genetics

An approach to conservation which makes use of population genetics can aid the long term survival of rare plant populations. BEC Consultants has a high degree of qualification and experience in the use of population genetics to aid species conservation. In a project on the conservation of the rare plant species Meadow Barley in the Waterford Region, genetic analysis was used to assist in the choice of receptor site for conserving different sub-populations of Meadow Barley. Genetic analysis was also used in Mitigation Measures for the Nationally Threatened Triangular Club-rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter) to assist with a strategy for the temporary ex situ storage of individuals from different locations along the River Shannon and its tributaries.

Rare Plant Surveys

The rare plants knowledge among senior BEC Consultants staff and the company’s excellent botanical survey skills make it an ideal candidate to carry out rare plant surveys. The abilities of the BEC team to identify possible rare plant sites, carry out detailed vegetation surveys and identify rare plants in the field were utilised in the Rare, Threatened and Scarce Vascular Plant Survey of Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath. The Company also has experience of collecting seeds from rare plant populations, the seeds are collected under licence from the National Parks & Wildlife Service and strict collection guidelines are adhered to. Seed collections are stored within the Irish Threatened Plant Genebank in Trinity College Botanic Gardens. Before the seeds are stored at low moisture content and low temperature, germination tests are carried out to determine the viability of the collected seeds.