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Step 7: Visit Sites - Project Template

Part of: Plan Section (Vision → Plan → Reality)
Type: Template/Playbook for Small Plot Restoration
Status: Template - Customize for Your Project

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Purpose​

There is no substitute for physically visiting potential sites. Remote research and data provide important information, but only an in-person visit reveals the true character, opportunities, and challenges of a location.

This is a template. Customize visit planning, assessment methods, and documentation approaches based on your specific project needs and site characteristics.

🎯 Non-Negotiables (Science Consensus)​

These must be followed - they are based on practical and scientific consensus:

  1. On-Site Visit Required: Sites must be visited in person before selection. Remote assessment alone is insufficient.

  2. Permission Required: All site visits must have landowner permission. Trespassing is illegal and damages relationships.

  3. Documentation Required: All site visits must be documented. This is essential for comparison and decision-making.

  4. Expert Input: Site visits should include relevant experts when possible. Expert input improves assessment quality.

  5. Multiple Visits: Multiple visits (different seasons/times) provide better information than single visits.

🔀 Options & Pathways​

Pathway A: Comprehensive Professional Assessment​

When to use: Larger projects, complex sites, when thoroughness is critical, have budget

Approach:

  • Professional assessment team (ecologist, soil scientist, etc.)
  • Comprehensive field assessment
  • Detailed documentation and analysis
  • Professional reports
  • Higher cost but thorough

Pros:

  • Most thorough and accurate
  • Professional validation
  • Credible for grants
  • Comprehensive data

Cons:

  • Higher cost (€1,000-5,000+)
  • Requires professional expertise
  • May take longer

Pathway B: Expert-Guided Team Visit​

When to use: Standard projects, moderate budget, want expert input at lower cost

Approach:

  • Expert consultation on methodology
  • Team conducts visit with expert guidance
  • Expert review of findings
  • Mix of professional and field methods

Pros:

  • Lower cost (€300-1,500)
  • Professional guidance
  • Hands-on learning
  • Good balance

Cons:

  • Less comprehensive
  • Requires coordination
  • May need expert review

Pathway C: Community-Led Visit​

When to use: Limited budget, strong community interest, local knowledge important, educational focus

Approach:

  • Community members conduct visit
  • Local knowledge integration
  • Expert review of results
  • Educational value

Pros:

  • Lowest cost (€100-500)
  • Community engagement
  • Integrates local knowledge
  • Accessible

Cons:

  • May be less comprehensive
  • Requires training
  • May need validation

Pathway D: Hybrid Approach​

When to use: Most projects - balance of professional and community involvement

Approach:

  • Professional guidance on priorities
  • Community involvement in field work
  • Expert consultation as needed
  • Mix of professional and field methods

Pros:

  • Good balance
  • Cost-effective
  • Flexible
  • Engages community

Cons:

  • Requires coordination
  • May need ongoing consultation

📋 Implementation Steps​

Step 1: Plan the Visit​

Logistics:

  • Schedule visits for appropriate season (avoid extreme weather)
  • Allocate sufficient time (full day minimum per site)
  • Plan for multiple visits if possible (different seasons/times)
  • Arrange transportation and accommodation
  • Prepare equipment and materials

Permissions:

  • Confirm access permission from landowner → Contact Landowners
  • Understand any restrictions or sensitive areas
  • Inform local authorities if required
  • Bring written permission if needed

Team Composition:

  • Include ecological restoration expert
  • Include project manager/decision-maker
  • Include community liaison (if available)
  • Local guide who knows the area
  • Translator if language barrier exists

Weather Considerations:

  • Check forecast
  • Plan for rain/sun protection
  • Consider how weather affects site assessment
  • Visit during wet season if possible (shows water patterns)

Step 2: Prepare Equipment and Materials​

Documentation Tools:

  • Camera (good quality, extra batteries/memory cards)
  • Video camera or phone for video documentation
  • Notepad and pens (waterproof if possible)
  • Tablet for digital note-taking
  • GPS device or GPS-enabled phone
  • Compass
  • Voice recorder for detailed observations
  • Drone (if permitted and you have piloting skills)

Assessment Tools:

  • Soil testing kit (pH, NPK, moisture)
  • Measuring tape (long, 30-50m)
  • Binoculars for wildlife observation
  • Plant/tree identification guides
  • Magnifying glass
  • Small sampling containers (soil, water)
  • Flagging tape to mark areas of interest
  • Clinometer (for slope measurements)

Safety Equipment:

  • First aid kit
  • Water and snacks
  • Appropriate footwear (hiking boots)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Insect repellent
  • Mobile phone with emergency numbers
  • Whistle
  • Map and compass (backup to GPS)

Reference Materials:

  • Property maps and boundaries
  • Satellite imagery printouts
  • Previous assessment reports
  • Species checklists for the region
  • Assessment forms and checklists

Step 3: Conduct Site Assessment​

Physical Assessment:

  • Walk entire site systematically
  • Note topography and slopes
  • Assess soil conditions
  • Identify water features
  • Document vegetation
  • Note wildlife signs
  • Assess accessibility

Ecological Assessment:

  • Identify existing species (native vs. invasive)
  • Assess habitat quality
  • Note biodiversity indicators
  • Identify restoration opportunities
  • Document constraints

Infrastructure Assessment:

  • Road and access conditions
  • Existing structures
  • Utilities availability
  • Water sources
  • Communication access

Community Assessment:

  • Meet neighbors if possible
  • Assess community context
  • Note local land uses
  • Understand local dynamics

Step 4: Document Findings​

Photography:

  • Take comprehensive photos
  • Document key features
  • Create photo points for repeat visits
  • Before/after potential
  • Video documentation

Notes:

  • Detailed written observations
  • GPS coordinates for key locations
  • Species lists
  • Condition assessments
  • Opportunities and constraints

Maps:

  • Sketch site layout
  • Mark key features
  • Note boundaries
  • Document access routes

Data Collection:

  • Soil samples for testing
  • Water samples if applicable
  • Species identification
  • Measurements and dimensions

Step 5: Compare Sites​

Create Comparison Matrix:

  • Ecological potential
  • Restoration difficulty
  • Cost estimates
  • Accessibility
  • Community context
  • Legal feasibility
  • Timeline projections

Rank Sites:

  • Best overall match
  • Best value
  • Lowest risk
  • Fastest results
  • Highest impact

💡 Customization Notes​

When using this template for your project:

  1. Site Size: Adjust visit intensity based on site size and complexity

  2. Season: Plan visits for appropriate seasons (wet season shows water, growing season shows vegetation)

  3. Team: Include relevant experts for your specific needs

  4. Documentation: Use documentation methods that work for your team

  5. Timeline: Plan adequate time for thorough assessment

  6. Local Knowledge: Engage local experts and community members who know the area

Remember: This is a template. Your actual project will have specific site characteristics, assessment needs, and resource constraints that make it unique.

Next Steps​

Once sites are visited: → Step 8: Make Shortlist

Remember: There is no substitute for physically visiting sites. In-person assessment reveals opportunities and challenges not visible remotely.

This is a template. Customize it for your project.