Local Nature Recovery Strategy opportunity mapping
This map is a part of Herefordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy's work to identify areas throughout the county that are a priority for nature recovery. The map will form a part of a wider strategy that will cover all of England. This project is being developed to form a new spatial strategy for nature brought forward within the Environment Act 2021. The areas highlighted are in accordance with the government's making space for nature report that indicates that existing wildlife sites should be bigger, better, and more joined up.
This map has been created using data from the Biological Records Centre, local experts, national databases. The current iteration of the map is a draft version, and we will be looking to amend the map depending on feedback we receive from ongoing data sources.
The areas that are indicated show existing priority habitat, opportunity areas for woodland, and open habitat. The colour coding of the map indicates if the areas are high, medium or low priority depending on their potential for nature recovery. The map also has an overlay that demonstrates where the land can be also restored into wetland. This occurs where the priority areas overlap with the wetland overlay to demonstrate where there is potential for wet woodland or open wetland
The map also indicates areas of traditional orchards that can also be used as stepping stones or wildlife corridors.
This map was created using least cost path analysis. This involved assigning every land type and habitat a score depending on how easy it is for species to move through it. This was then identified as a number to divide against distances of 500m, 1000m and 1500m that represent the distance travelled by a species. These measurements were applied to existing sites of priority habitat present within Herefordshire. Some areas have been intentionally given a lower score as we may wish to prioritise other interests that are present. Examples of such locations could be sites of historical importance, and agricultural land. It is important to note grade 1 and 2 agricultural land has been given a lower score in recognition of the importance of food production. The resulting data has then been broken down across the three primary habitat types - woodland, open habitat and wetland. Once applied to the map it demonstrates where the best locations for nature recovery would be.
We are seeking to update the map to reflect the feedback received from our public surveys. For the map to be the best tool that it can be, we need as many people as possible to fill out our survey and to share your local knowledge. The information gathered will allow us to make alterations based on the information we receive. The data will also be used to help shape the priorities and measures that will be included in the written section of the strategy. These will provide more in depth guidance on the habitat type each area would be best suited to.
Have your say
Complete the opportunity mapping survey
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If you require support or assistance to complete our questionnaire please email NatureRecovery@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 260586.
Nature Recovery Strategy map
