Multivariate land class and land cover correlations in Northern Ireland

Comparison of the scaled hierarchical structure of a multivariate land classification of Northern Ireland, with land class ordinations based on field-derived land cover, has been made. Land class distribution on the land cover ordination was reflected in the hierarchical structure of the land classification. This correlation contributes to a validation of the land classification as a sample stratification for landscape ecological survey. Land class ordination gave insight into the distribution of ecological resources in the landscape. Upland land classes showed the greatest degree of separation, indicating a greater heterogeneity of land cover compared with the lowlands. The lowland land classes showed much less spatial separation on the ordination, a characteristic that probably relates to agricultural intensification. The distribution of the lowland land classes on the ordination was correlated with climatic, geological and landform gradients. This indicates regional differences in the farmed landscape and demonstrates the value of the land classification for stratifying landscape ecological survey and developing countryside management strategies.