StaPrepare a report analysis (this is I need to do for assignment) Does rail traffic frequency affect the trackside flora at the East Kent Railway? (this is the title) Background information for the trackside flora investigation Ecology and Conservation East Kent Railway Field trip 2014 Track investigations The East Kent Railway is situated on 2.5km of track. The track can be split into three sections (figure 1). The first section, which runs from Shepherdswell to the first railway gate, is in regular use by trains. The second section runs from the first railway gate, through the Golgotha tunnel to Eythorne station. This section is used less frequently (around twice a week). The third section, known as 'wigmore lane' is very rarely used. Figure 1. three sample sections on the East Kent Railway Sampling Each group will sample every 100m, on the north bank, on the south bank, and on the track itself. At each sample point, to sample the two banks place a single quadrat at random on the bank (through it behind your head). Identify everything that you can and estimate percentage covers (talk to each other a lot while doing this). To sample the track your quadrat sides will be formed by the rails, and will be 20 sleepers long. Identify what plants you can and estimate number of plants. Safety The survey has been planned to exclude the possibility of students being on the track at the same time as trains. However stay vigilant, pay particular attention to the safety briefing that you will receive from the railway operating staff and if they tell you to do something then do it immediately. You must wear your Hi Viz jackets at all times. In order to enter the Golgotha tunnel you need a hard hat. I do not have 40 hard hats, and there are no plants to survey in the tunnel anyway. Therefore do not go near the Golgotha tunnel. Finally take your time both with the survey and with moving from one sample point to another. Your safety is more important than a full set of results.