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Nature Map
What is the Nature Map?
Until now conservation through the BAP process has been largely site based. The need to maintain restore and create habitats was well recognised in each of the separate Habitat Action Plans but there was no strategic approach, Nature Map provides this Strategy.
The Nature Map for Gloucestershire shows where the characteristic habitats that typify the county and support its wildlife can be expanded and linked to help wildlife survive in an uncertain future.
Today our priority habitats are a mere remnant of their former extent, and exist as isolated havens in a fragmented landscape, in which many species struggle to survive, due to small populations being vulnerable to local extinction. While much has been achieved through the BAP process, species are still in decline and habitats are still being lost. Larger, connected habitats are vital to reverse the decline.
Now our wildlife faces an even bigger threat - Climate Change. In order for wildlife to survive it needs to be able to establish viable and sustainable populations. Our fragmented landscape works against this happening, so recreating more habitats and linking existing isolated sites has always been the objective of nature conservation. But now achieving this objective is crucial if our wildlife is to survive the impacts of Climate Change. The Nature Map for Gloucestershire is also an 'Adaptive Strategy'.
It is estimated that by mid-century for many species their "climate space" (the climatic conditions to which different species are adapted) will have shifted by an average of 400 km north. In order to survive many species will have no alternative other than to follow their climate space.
How was Nature Map put together?
By first identifying the county's wildlife "hotspots" in respect of UK BAP priority habitats, blocks of land were identified which provided the best opportunity for creating and linking these key wildlife habitats. These blocks of land are called "Strategic Nature Areas" (SNAs) and their size and number is dependant on habitat type. SNAs are areas where it is "ecologically feasible" to create the target habitat.
At this stage Nature Map is a vision and does not consider other land use constraints. Fortunately Nature Map allows for other land uses within SNAs because it is only necessary to restore a percentage of each SNA (up to 60%) to the target habitat to create viable and connected habitats through which wildlife can move. It is important to emphasise that SNAs are not formal designations but simply represent ecological opportunities. There are no constraints or obligations placed on land within SNAs.
How do we make Nature Map happen?
The implementation of Nature Map is a long-term goal but everyone can contribute towards it becoming a reality. These are some of the ways it will happen:
Decision makers at all levels will include the objectives of Nature Map in their policies and strategies
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( 158KB; PDF document) |
The Gloucestershire Local Area Agreement sets out how Gloucestershire is planning to adapt to climate change. Visit the Gloucestershire County Council website to find out more.
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Agri-environment schemes will target SNAs as a priority
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The Gloucestershire Biodiversity Partnership will focus their efforts on achieving Nature Map targets
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Land managers will manage their land to achieve Nature Map objectives
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Communities will develop local projects to contribute to the bigger picture
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Individuals will help wildlife in their gardens and also make it clear to the politicians who represent them that helping wildlife adapt to climate change matters.
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