NatureMetrics & Solutions
- How can NatureMetrics help me and my organization?
- Which countries do you work in?
- What solutions does NatureMetrics offer?
- I’m new to measuring and reporting my impact on nature, can you help?
- Can you help me meet my goals across positive nature impact, regulatory disclosure, biodiversity reporting initiatives and stakeholder communications?
- I need to compare sites and progress over time to support informed decision making
- How many kits and which tests (assays) do I need for my survey area?
- I want to track restoration success over time, can you help?
eDNA
- What is eDNA and why is it relevant?
- How can I place an order for eDNA kits and tests?
- Is there a minimum number of kits I have to buy?
- How do NatureMetrics’ eDNA kits and tests work?
- What types of eDNA kits do you offer?
- What species can you detect? Which species tests (assays) are available?
- Does NatureMetrics take the samples?
- Do I need to be professionally trained to use your kits?
- What will I see in my eDNA report?
- How do I get my samples to the NatureMetrics labs?
- What is a sample manifest?
- How long does it take to get my results?
- How do I get access to my reports?
- PO’s and ordering
- What are the benefits of using a pump kit versus manual hand-operated kits?
- What are barcoding kits used for?
- Can the bivalve and mussel multi-species tests be used in marine environments?
Shipping & Logistics
- Am I responsible for sampling, exports and permits paperwork?
- Can you assist with obtaining any necessary permits for taking the samples and exporting them to your labs?
- How does shipping work?
- Can I ship my samples to your labs in more than one shipment?
- What if my samples get lost or damaged during transit?
- Can I get a refund for unused kits?
How can NatureMetrics help me and my organization?
Understanding and reporting on nature impact is now essential to business success and conventional monitoring won’t meet future needs. NatureMetrics will help you with your nature strategy and transition plans, understand your nature risks & opportunities, report effectively and transparently against upcoming targets and translate complex information into meaningful and actionable insights.
Which countries do you work in?
We offer a global solution. Our eDNA services have been deployed in over 100+ countries. No matter where you are based or how many countries you operate in, our team can support you in your engagement with biodiversity.
Our multi-species (metabarcoding) tests (assays) can be used in any country. Our single-species (qPCR) tests (assays) are more region-specific.
What solutions does NatureMetrics offer?
No matter where you are on your journey to making the best decisions for nature, we are here to help.
Nature Strategy consulting services
Whether you require support and advice on understanding how to take your first steps to engage with nature or want to know how to take your impact reporting and nature-positive strategy to the next level – regionally, or globally – our Nature Strategy team can help you. Find more information here.
eDNA
If you are ready to do on the ground monitoring, our eDNA offering is the ideal solution for you. We are home to the world’s most comprehensive suite of eDNA tools. We provide both multi-species (metabarcoding) and single-species (qPCR) tests (assays) (including great crested newt), allowing you to detect species across the whole breadth of the natural world, from bacteria to blue whales. Find more information about this solution here.
Insights
Our interactive Insights is the world’s first biodiversity monitoring tool, powered by eDNA. Packed full of cutting-edge metrics and analyses, it allows you to understand, monitor and report on your biodiversity impact, for even the most complex projects. Whether you’re working across multiple sites, countries, or continents, our Insights product delivers actionable metrics, with Boardroom-ready clarity and impact. Book a call with our team now and see what our Insights can do for you.
I’m new to measuring and reporting my impact on nature, can you help?
Definitely, our Nature Strategy Service is designed to help you develop a strategic plan to understand, measure, disclose and redress your impacts on the natural world. Speak with us here.
Can you help me meet my goals across positive nature impact, regulatory disclosure, biodiversity reporting initiatives and stakeholder communications?
Yes. Want to understand how to drive innovation in your nature positive strategy while monitoring biodiversity and mitigating risks? Want to identify gaps in your corporate strategy and disclosure, including voluntary and regulatory requirements (GBF, SBTN, TNFD, CSRD)? We have a team of specialists available to support you and offer tailored guidance in finding the best solution to your needs. Speak with us here.
I need to compare sites and progress over time to support informed decision making.
Our Insights product will provide you with insights on evolutionary diversity, species richness, invasive species and IUCN threatened species. It will automate data analysis and support decision making with measurable easy to understand metrics and indicators. Speak with our team to know more.
How many kits do I need for my survey area?
As an initial indication of how many kits are needed to monitor biodiversity in your projects or assets you can refer to the table below.
Number of kits | Terrestrial/Marine (hectares) | River length (km) | Number of ponds/small lakes (<5 hectares) | Number of large lakes (5-2000 hectares) |
20 | 400 | 130 | 6 | 2 |
50 | 2500 | 330 | 16 | 5 |
100 | 10,000 | 660 | 33 | 10 |
If you'd prefer to speak with us we have a dedicated Survey Design team ready to work with you on answering this question. No matter the size of your project, our team will ensure you get the most robust results with the most efficient use of your budget. Speak with our Survey Design team to make the most of your investment by saving time, reducing risk and maximize return on investment. Learn more about Survey Design here.
I want to track restoration success over time, can you help?
Yes, we can. We work with over 70% of terrestrial habitats based on the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology, enabling easy comparison and aggregation of multi-species tests at site, project, and portfolio level. Our approach aligns with frameworks such as the TNFD and CSRD. Learn more about our Restoration Tracker Soil and book a call with our team discuss further.
What is eDNA and why is it relevant?
All living things leave traces of their DNA in the environment. We use this environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect either individual species (e.g. European eel), or whole groups of species (e.g. vertebrates), from small samples of tissue, soil, sediment and water. The detection of these species allows us to monitor biodiversity and understand the health of ecosystems. eDNA can be used to detect species that are challenging to detect by more conventional methods.
How can I place an order for eDNA kits and tests?
Book a call with our team here and we’ll support you with placing an order.
If you know which kits and tests you need, and have a NatureMetrics login, please place your order directly through our eDNA store.
Is there a minimum number of kits I have to buy?
No.
How do NatureMetrics’ eDNA kits and tests work?
You purchase the relevant kits and tests (assays) from us for the habitats in which you are surveying. If you're unsure how many kits or tests to purchase, we have a dedicated survey design team ready to assist.
Kits are shipped to you, and you then head out into the field to take your eDNA samples. Our kits (other than our tissue kits) are used for both collecting your eDNA sample, and for preserving the eDNA, storage and transport of your sample to our labs.
When your samples are ready for collection, we arrange the transportation of your samples to our labs, where they are then analyzed according to your tests (assays) selection. Your final reports are issued through the NatureMetrics Intelligence Platform.
What types of eDNA kits do you offer?
We have 8 different types of kits available:
- Aquatic (freshwater and marine)
- Aquatic bacteria (freshwater and marine)
- Aquatic x9 filters (freshwater and marine) - for use with the DOT-NM autosampler
- Soil (terrestrial)
- Sediment (marine)
- Barcoding from swab (fish)
- Tissue samples (freshwater, terrestrial or marine samples of tissue, body parts or whole invertebrates).
- Great crested newt (for UK licensing)
Find all the information about it here.
What species can you detect? Which species tests (assays) are available?
We have a variety of tests (assays) available from a range of sample types (e.g. freshwater, soil etc.). We suggest checking with our team to see which combination of sample types and tests are best suited to meet your needs. You may need to combine tests to get the best available data from your samples and the best answer to your questions. We provide two different sorts of tests (assays):
Multi-species for detecting a broad range of species, e.g. mammals (using a technique called metabarcoding).
Single-species for detecting a single specific species, e.g. Zebra mussel (using a technique called qPCR).
To view our currently available tests (assays), please visit this link.
Does NatureMetrics take the samples?
No. We provide you with all the information you need to be able to use our kits and take the samples. Find our kits instructions here.
Do I need to be professionally trained to use your kits?
Not at all, anyone can use our kits and take samples. Our eDNA kits have easy to follow instructions and all the materials you need are included in our kits instructions here.
What will I see in my eDNA report?
Click here to view relevant info.
What is a sample manifest?
Click here to view relevant info.
How do I get my samples to the NatureMetrics labs?
We will transport them to our labs. NatureMetrics handles the shipping of kits to you and the shipping of samples to our labs. When your samples are ready for collection and you have completed your sample manifest, please book the transport of your samples here. If there is more than two weeks between the sampling being taken and it being shipped to our labs, please ensure your samples are placed in a freezer.
How long does it take to get my results?
Current turnaround times are detailed here.
Please note that turnaround times begin only when all samples to be reported have been received in our labs and the related sample manifest has been completed in full.
How do I get access to my reports?
All users with access to a project will be notified by email when reports for that project are ready to view.
To access any eDNA reports issued before July 1, 2024, login to our Portal. Please note that great crested newt (for UK licensing) reports are accessible only via the Portal.
To access all eDNA reports issued after July 1, 2024 login to the NatureMetrics Intelligence Platform. If you're setup as an Organization Admin or a Project Admin, you can invite other users. Users are assigned to individual projects (as defined on your Project Portfolio page on the Platform).
PO’s and ordering
If your organization requires the use of a PO, take into consideration the information below:
Orders placed via our sales team: we are unable to complete your order until the corresponding PO and any related terms have been received.
Orders placed via the eDNA store: where the option of payment via invoice has been selected, orders are processed and kits shipped immediately. You must provide us with your PO as soon as the order is placed, so we can invoice promptly.
What are the benefits of using a pump kit versus manual hand-operated kits?
Pump kits make sampling water quicker and easier, as well as potentially allowing a higher volume of water to pass through the filter. It is usually preferable to use a pump kit over a manual kit where multiple samples are being taken, or sampling is taking place in marine environments (where it is possible to filter higher volumes of water on average). Manual kits are preferable for clients who will be sampling in remote locations where charging points are not accessible, as well as citizen science projects and other small-scale projects.
What are barcoding kits used for?
Barcoding kits can be used to swab individual fish to sequence their DNA. This is useful for providing local reference DNA sequences for fish multi-species (metabarcoding) projects, in particular for geographical regions that lack adequate reference DNA sequences in publicly available databases. This can improve the number of species-level identifications for a fish multi-species (metabarcoding) project. Species identification is provided by the client prior to sequencing. The barcode we use spans both the Fish and Vertebrate tests ('assays'), so can be used for fish metabarcoding projects using either (or both) of these tests.
Can the bivalve and mussel multi-species tests be used in marine environments?
No, our freshwater unionid mussels and freshwater bivalves (excl. unionid mussels) tests are validated for use in freshwater environments only.
Am I responsible for sampling, export and permits paperwork?
Yes. Before sampling, always ensure you have permission from the landowner to enter their land, take samples and remove these samples from their land.
Ensure you have the necessary export permits and paperwork in place to allow your samples to be shipped out of the country in which they were taken. NatureMetrics handles the shipping of samples back to our labs, but we are unable to assist with export permits. Without export permits in place, we are unable to ship your samples to our labs.
We recommend seeking guidance from a regulatory expert or a specialized service provider to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements. If you're using tissue kits please review the need of CITES as well.
Can you assist with obtaining any necessary permits for taking the samples and exporting them to your labs?
NatureMetrics handles the shipping of samples back to our labs, but we are unable to assist with export permits or permits required for the taking of samples. We recommend seeking guidance from a regulatory expert or a specialized service provider to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements.
How does shipping work?
We handle both the shipping of your kits out to you and the shipping of your samples to our labs. Please do not ship samples back to our labs yourself, always contact us to arrange the shipping.
Delivery times
Once your Order Form is signed and submitted to NatureMetrics, we'll initiate the delivery of your kits.
UK
Mainland England & Wales: 2 working days. Order before 11am UK time for next day delivery.
England & Wales (islands), Scotland (mainland) and Northern Ireland: 3 working days
Scottish Highlands & islands: 5 working days
Europe: 5 working days
Ontario province, Canada: 3 working days. Order before 11am EST for delivery in 2 days.
Rest of Canada and USA: 5 working days
Rest of the world: 14 working days
This shipping times will vary if you order directly through the eDNA store, please consult the menu Shipping there for details.
Can I ship my samples to your labs in more than one shipment?
Yes but additional shipping charges will be incurred.
What if my samples get lost or damaged during transit?
Contact our customer support team here. We’ll contact our courier partners directly and do our best to support you resolving these situations.
Can I get a refund for unused kits?
Unused kits and tests are non-refundable. Unused kits can be returned to NatureMetrics to safely dispose of chemicals.
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