eDNA Monitoring · Aquatic & Terrestrial
Nature leaves Traces.
From a single sample, we can identify species presence, monitor biodiversity, assess water quality, or track sources of pollution. More efficient, more affordable, and more informative than many conventional surveys. Built for the people working to understand and protect the natural world.
Scale
Local to Landscape
Simple sampling techniques for single sites up to catchment scale
Turnaround
4–6 wks
from collection to actionable reporting
Environments
Aquatic & terrestrial
freshwater, marine, soil, sediment, bulk invertebrates
Footprint
Sustainable
workflow and minimal single-use plastic
Our position
The need to understand ecosystem health and biodiversity, in river catchments, coastlines, and managed land, has never been greater. We believe that the necessary tools should be accessible to those working to restore the natural world.
We build easy-to-use eDNA monitoring services that simplify biodiversity monitoring, pollution tracking, and ecosystem health assessment. Our services successfully deliver data-driven insights to catchment managers, water companies, ecologists, NGOs and researchers, at the right price, at every scale.
Services
Flexible services.
Simple platform.
Whether you’re tracking the source of pollution, assessing freshwater health, or mapping biodiversity across an entire landscape, Trace provides the scientific rigour, without the complexity. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us about custom projects.
A clear choice
Better data.
Deeper understanding.
Faster action.
01
Powerful & scalable
An eDNA sample can detect dozens of taxonomic groups, from bacteria to fish. Catchment-scale sampling campaigns become a reality, not an ambition.
02
Faster to insight
No weeks wasted making sense of analyses. Our reports arrive ready to inform action. Better data, deeper understanding, sooner.
03
Unmatched service
Sample processing led by scientists who understand the sector. More data per sample than alternative providers, with data from 13 taxonomic assays as standard. Accessible and dynamic pricing.
04
Built for everyone
Kits optimised for non-experts. Personalised service to assist with project requirements, sampling, and interpreting results. Molecular monitoring accessible to all.
How it works
From sample, to report,
in four steps.
01
Collect
Sample the environment
Water, soil, sediment, or bulk invertebrates. You or we collect samples using our purpose-designed kits, built for non-experts.
02
Extract
Isolate the DNA
In the lab, genetic material shed by every organism in the sample is carefully extracted and preserved.
03
Sequence
Identify signatures
Advanced sequencing matches DNA fragments to reference libraries; identifying species, and mapping communities.
04
Report
Deliver the insight
Actionable, data-driven reports in your hands in 4–6 weeks. Plain-English summaries backed by the full scientific dataset.
What our clients say
Working with Trace allowed us to gather data across multiple phyla for the same cost as other services offering much more limited analysis (e.g. only vertebrates). Having a full picture of all the various lifeforms living in and around the river has provided us much more valuable data and insights.
Natasha Furlong
Co-Lead · Ching Action Group
Work with us
Ready to get started?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our scientists. We’ll discuss your project, recommend the right service, and send a no-obligation quote.
Case studies
Molecular monitoring in action.
From the field
Latest insights.
Getting the most out of your eDNA Survey: How to plan your sampling strategy
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Faecal Contamination of UK Rivers: It’s Not Just About E. coli Anymore
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