Nature Map

Today our Priority Habitats are a mere remnant of their former extent, existing as isolated havens in a fragmented landscape, in which many species struggle to survive. While much has been achieved through the BAP process to date, our Priority Habitats are still in decline through loss and fragmentation, inappropriate management, environmental pollution, and a range of other pressures which now includes climate change. Larger, good quality and connected habitats are vital to reverse this decline.

In addition, the long term survival of species populations at a landscape-scale is dependant on three connected factors: habitat patch size, the degree of isolation of patches, and habitat quality. Therefore, conservation success depends on all three of these factors being addressed.

The Nature Map for Gloucestershire represents an ecological network for the future. The selected landscape-scale blocks of land called Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs), show where the characteristic habitats that typify the county can be expanded and linked to help wildlife survive in an uncertain future.

In order to successfully conserve a viable natural environment for the future we need to take into account the ecosystems on which biodiversity and ourselves depend. Ecosystem processes such as water purification, air quality maintenance; climate regulation and flood protection are essential for life and are interconnected with our landscapes. Healthy functioning ecosystems providing significant services and goods (such as soil, food and water) from which we all benefit can only be safeguarded if we rebuild our fragmented landscape; SNAs give us a focus for action.

The Gloucestershire Nature Map forms part of the South West Nature Map and was created using the Rebuilding Biodiversity in the South West methodology. This science-based methodology provides a structured framework for the creation of a robust ecological network, spanning the county and beyond.

The first stage in the process is the identification of lead Priority Habitats which define the landscape character of the county and which have also undergone severe fragmentation or loss locally. Natural Areas have been used to determine the selection of Priority Habitats.

The next stage is defining viable habitat structure and size which results in the following broad targets for the maintenance of habitats in an SNA.

For patch-forming habitats, the SNA composition should contain: 30% lead Priority Habitat, 30% other semi-natural habitat and 40% other land uses.

For matrix habitats, the SNA composition should contain: 60% lead Priority Habitat (plus other embedded lesser examples of semi-natural vegetation), and 40% other land uses.

The final stage of the process is to refine the candidate SNAs using local knowledge and expertise and other base maps such as geological and/or soil map data.

It is important to emphasis that SNAs do not represent a statutory designation, they simply indicate areas where there are substantial opportunities to make positive changes for biodiversity. The Gloucestershire Nature Map is a biodiversity opportunity map and no constraints or obligations are placed on land within SNAs, outside those which already have a statutory or local designation.

The Gloucestershire Nature Map will be regularly reviewed and SNA boundaries may be updated as a result of better habitat survey information being acquired. Local Nature Areas for other Priority Habitats and Species may also be developed to highlight important target areas for conservation.

A focus on SNA's does not mean that areas outside the boundaries have no biodiversity or that biodiversity here should not be maintained or enhanced. It is a way of showing where conservation effort and limited resources can be targeted to acheive the best results for biodiversity and us.

Concentrating work on SNAs will ensure we create and maintain large viable blocks of semi-natural habitat. Working outside SNAs, while helping to conserve local pockets of wildlife, will not deliver biodiversity conservation at the same scale as focusing effort within them.