Appendix I – Scores assigned to RHS data

Scores assigned to RHS features recorded at spot checks

RHS code / CHANN / SUBST / BANK Mod / Lat_CON
Channel modifications / RS (Resectioned) / 1
RI (Reinforced) / 3
CV (Culverting) / 5
DA (Dam) / 3
FO (Ford) / 1
Bank modifications / PC (Poached) / 1
PC(B) (Poached bare) / 2
RS (Resectioned) / 3
RI (Reinforced) / 5
EM (Embanked) / 1 / 5
BM (Berm) / 3 / 3
Predominant channel substrate / AR (Artificial) / 5

Notes for Channel Geometry (CHANN)

If ‘BM’ not recorded in any spot checks in Section ‘E’, check Section ‘I’

Artificial two-stage channel recorded as present = 3

(if recorded as ‘E’, but BM not recorded in spot checks, ask the surveyors why!!).

Check Section ‘N’

‘dredging’ noted =5

Notes for Bank structure and modifications (BANK Mod)

If the score total is <10’ points, check Section ‘I’

Artificial two-stage channel recorded as present= 3

Each bank noted as having ‘RS’ present = 3

Each bank noted as having ‘RI’ present (whether part or whole bank)= 5.

If ‘BM’ recorded in Section ‘E’ spot checks in absence of ‘RS’ or ‘RI’= 3

If ‘BM’ recorded in sweep-up in Section ‘I’ but ‘RS’ or ‘RI’ not recorded in spot checks= 3

(This situation should not arise.)

Notes for lateral connectivity of river and floodplain; (b) lateral movement of river channel (Lat_CON)

If the total score is <10’ points, check Section ‘I’

Artificial two-stage channel recorded as present= 3

Embankments or set-back embankments recorded as present= 5

Scores assigned to RHS features recorded in section M

ART_STR / Long_CON
Major / Interm. / Minor / Major / Interm. / Minor
Weirs / 5 / 3 / 5 / 3
Sluices / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5
Culverts / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5
Bridges / 3 / 1
Fords / 3 / 3 / 3
Deflectors / 2 / 1

Vegetation type/structure on banks and adjacent land (Land5)

Scores assigned to RHS features recorded at each spot-check, for each bank for land-use within 5m from banktop (these are derived from SERCON – Boon et al., 2002).

Land5
RHS land-use categories / RHS code / Scores
Broadleaf/mixed woodland / BL / 4
Moorland/heath / MH / 4
Wetland (e.g. bog, marsh, fen) / WL / 4
Rock and scree / RS / 4
Rough pasture / RP / 3
Scrub / SC / 3
Open water / OW / 3
Tall herbs / TH / 2
Orchard / OR / 1
Improved grass / IG / 1
Coniferous/plantation / CP / 0
Tilled land / TL / 0
Suburban/urban / SU / 0

Adjacent land-use and associated features (Land50)

Scores assigned to RHS features recorded at section H for land-use within 50m (sweep-up section) Points are awarded for each bank based on the table below (these are derived from SERCON – Boon et al., 2002).

Land50
RHS land-use categories / RHS code / Scores if ‘Present’ / Scores if ‘Extensive’
Broadleaf/mixed woodland / BL / 4 / 8
Moorland/heath / MH / 4 / 8
Wetland (e.g. bog, marsh, fen) / WL / 4 / 8
Rock and scree / RS / 4 / 8
Rough pasture / RP / 3 / 6
Scrub / SC / 3 / 6
Open water / OW / 3 / 6
Tall herbs / TH / 2 / 4
Orchard / OR / 1 / 2
Improved grass / IG / 1 / 2
Coniferous/plantation / CP / 0 / 0
Tilled land / TL / 0 / 0
Suburban/urban / SU / 0 / 0

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