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South West Nature Map - uses

We expect the map to be used by the region’s decision-makers, organisations and businesses to:

1. identify where most of the major biodiversity concentrations are found and where targets to maintain, restore and re-create wildlife might best be met
2. formulate sustainable choices for development, e.g. through Local Development Frameworks and the Regional Spatial Strategy
3. assist in targeting the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme
4. develop partnerships and projects for biodiversity in the region
5. provide a focus for projects that will help biodiversity to adapt to climate change

1. Identify where most of the major biodiversity concentrations are found and where targets to maintain, restore and re-create wildlife might best be met

There are priority wildlife habitats spread throughout the South West region. The Nature Map identifies Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs) where most of the major concentrations of these are found. SNAs will contain a number of different habitats, where the aim is to build on existing core areas through restoration and expansion to create large mosaics of habitats. The principal rivers are also included on the Nature Map as important linear features for biodiversity.

The SWRBP has recently revised the wildlife habitat targets for the south west region, using the best available data and a long consultation process with biodiversity experts. A summary (download of summary of targets) of these targets and the full report (download of targets report) on the review process can be downloaded. The SNAs represent the best areas for meeting these targets through landscape scale projects.

It is important to stress that land outside of SNAs also contains wildlife sites and species that are important in their own right. There are many different tools and mechanisms in place that contribute to their conservation, and Nature Map is a significant addition to the wider strategy for biodiversity conservation in the region.

To find out what habitats and species are known to be inside and out of SNAs please contact your local record centre.

2. Formulate sustainable choices for development, e.g. through Local Development Frameworks and the Regional Spatial Strategy

The draft Regional Spatial Strategy (link to SWRA website) identifies the SW Nature Map as an important tool in identifying opportunities for biodiversity enhancement in local development documents. The SWRBP is producing guidance for local authority forward planners on how this can be best achieved.

3. Assist in targeting the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme

The Strategic Nature Areas identified in Nature Map can be used to assist in targeting the new ESS.

For further information please contact Phil Tolerton, Regional Biodiversity Co-ordinator, Rural Development Service, Phil.tolerton@defra.gsi.gov.uk, 0117 959 8544.

4. Develop partnerships and projects for biodiversity in the region

The South West Nature Map shows the best areas to maintain and expand (through restoration and/or re-creation) terrestrial wildlife habitats at a landscape scale. The South West Regional Biodiversity Partnership is now looking at the delivery of biodiversity projects at this larger scale within the Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs). Projects already exist in some SNAs, but in others new partnerships need to be formed to take forward new projects.

The Partnership have identified regional advocates for the Nature Map. If you would like further information about the Nature Map, such as how to get involved with regional delivery, how Nature Map fits in with your work or to request a presentation, please contact any of these regional advocates.

If your query is about Nature Map at the local level, including delivery of projects on the ground, then you should contact your local Nature Map advocate.

Examples of existing projects within SNAs are being collated and will be made available as case studies on this website.

5. Provide a focus for projects that will help biodiversity to adapt to climate change

The SW Nature Map provides a tool for assisting biodiversity to adapt to the pressures of climate change. The SWRBP are working through the Biodiversity Sector group of the SW Climate Change Impacts Partnership to ensure that delivery of projects through the Nature Map will consider the full implications of climate change.