A rapid assessment tool for locating habitat extension areas in a changing landscape

A rapid ecological network assessment tool and its use in locating habitat extension areas in a changing landscape

Journal for Nature Conservation (September 2011), 19 (4), pg. 236-244 

Nicola McHugh; Stewart Thompson

This paper deals with spatial targeting of habitat extension area in the South Midlands of the UK. Even though the focus is on UK the  ideas discussed in this paper has relevance in other areas also. It could kick start similar projects in other countries.

Habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, isolation of habitat patches and reduced connectivity are hampering the way our landscapes function. Built development is a big villain. The authors of this paper say a conservation planning tool which considers these vexatious issues in tandem with planned landscape level change, whilst incorporating species and habitat specific details, is necessary if we are to ameliorate the ecological impact of built development.

The researchers developed a landscape scale modelling for a case study area in the South Midlands of the UK. The aim was to investigate spatial targeting of habitat extension areas. Ecological networks and ecoprofiles were employed to guide the location of these extension areas. The ability of extension areas to contribute to landscape functionality was determined spatially.

Habitat extension areas identified by the approach increased the existing ecological network size by a factor of over 2.7:1. The extended areas were able to deliver the majority of habitat creation targets set out in regional Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs).The authors say 100% of wetland, unimproved grassland and broadleaf and mixed woodland creation targets were met, whilst 75% of the lowland heath target could be achieved.

The researchers signs off with the following words “Semi-natural habitat mosaic areas of over 3700 ha which incorporated habitat of more than one type were identified, with such areas determined to be of importance in achieving landscape improvements for a wide range of species. We conclude that rapid assessment tools such as that employed in this research will have increased utility in conservation planning as the British landscape continues to experience both sustained and elevated levels of built development pressure.”