Nature Map

The South West Nature Map shows the best areas to maintain and expand terrestrial wildlife habitats at a landscape scale.

Nature Map:

• Selects landscape scale blocks of land which we have called Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs)
• Was produced using the best available biodiversity data, local expert knowledge and the South West Wildlife Trust's Rebuilding Biodiversity methodology.
• Selects SNAs that will contain a mosaic of habitats, building on existing core areas and co-existing with other land uses, such as agriculture and recreation.
• Includes principle rivers as important linear features for biodiversity.

Nature Map can be used to:

• Identify where most of the major biodiversity concentrations are found and where targets to maintain, restore and re-create wildlife might be best met.
• Formulate sustainable choices for development, for example through Local Development Frameworks and the Regional Spatial Strategy.
• Assist in targeting the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
• Develop partnerships and projects for biodiversity in the region.
• Provide a focus for projects that will help biodiversity to adapt to climate change.