A system for evaluating rivers for conservation (SERCON): Development, structure and function

Abstract

1. SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for Conservation) is a broad-based technique for river evaluation, designed to be applied with greater consistency than present methods, and to provide a simple way of communicating technical information to decision makers. Its applications include the identification of important rivers for conservation and potentially the monitoring of river rehabilitation schemes. 2. SERCON has been developed for use within the whole of the UK. Rivers are evaluated as a series of contiguous stretches termed ECSs (evaluated Catchment Sections). Although catchment characteristics are included in the assessment, the principal focus of SERCON is on the physical, chemical and biological features of river channels and banks, riparian zones, and associated floodplains. 3. SERCON evaluates data on 35 attributes, grouped within six conservation criteria: Physical Diversity, Naturalness, Representativeness, Rarity, Species Richness, and Special Features. Eleven human impacts are also assessed. Each attribute (or impact) is scored, then weighted and combined by SERCON to produce a composite index for each criterion. Users may also record 'Additional Features of Importance', although these do not form part of the scored data entry. Unscored background data on physical features, catchment characteristics, and water quality provide the context for each evaluation. 4. Guidance is provided on how scores and indices should be interpreted, and where they fit into a SERCON classification (A-E) of conservation quality. 5. SERCON may be used either in conjunction with a printed manual, or as a PC version in Microsoft Windows(TM). The latter incorporates an extensive photo gallery as part of the on-screen Help facility, and can provide a range of output reports, including both text and graphs.