Results from test surveys of the recently published system are used to provide an introduction to the identification and mapping of UK National Vegetation Classification (NVC) types. The affinities of the 18 woodland and seven shrub are shown in a circle diagram and their occurrence is related to base status in diagrammatic representations of the main dry-ground and wet-ground woodland types. Examples of the layout of the NVC summary tables are presented for a type without and with sub-communities, as well as examples of regional and treatment-induced variants. There then follow instructions for producing a set of quadrat results, which must be taken from a homogeneous stand, and a further section on points which have caused difficulties when starting to learn the NVC system. Improvements to NVC mapping are suggested, and comparisons with the Stand Type classification are made. -J.W.Cooper
