WFD Cycle 2 River Macrophyte Classification

This dataset is a subset of "WFD Classification Status Cycle 2" and contains classification data for macrophytes in rivers. Macrophytes are fresh water plants that can be seen with the naked eye. They can be used to indicate the ecological status of a river. Metrics on river macrophyte composition, abundance and richness are run through the LEAFPACS2 classification tool. The actual (observed) scores for these metrics are compared with a predicted score (reflecting a river in pristine condition). The comparison of the observed to expected scores is known as an Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR). EQRs are used to produce a macrophyte classification (High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad) of the water body for Water Framework Directive (WFD) purposes. Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. All rights reserved.