Our Head of Science, Dr Andrew Buxton has been working with researchers from the University of Kent and partner institutions on a project to develop advanced data analysis techniques for environmental DNA (eDNA) survey outputs, and we are delighted to share it’s now been published in the open access publication Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice.

This research takes the first steps in extracting more usable ecological information from single species eDNA samples, developing statistical methodologies to consistently report the amount of DNA in a sample, and enabling further inferences to be drawn than just species presence. We are very excited to have been involved with this work and look forward to seeing the ecological inferences that can be drawn because of this advancement.

As we commission the collection of over 1000 eDNA samples every year for our District and Organisational Licensing schemes, we will be using this advancement to better understand the outcomes of our work.

Our conservation strategy is grounded in scientific rigor. We collaborate with leading university researchers and NGOs to ensure that the underlying mechanisms of NatureSpace’s schemes are built on the best available evidence and scientific principles. By supporting the advancement of knowledge and technology, we can ensure that NatureSpace’s workstreams deliver the greatest outcomes for nature.