South West Nature Map
7.17 The South West Nature Map, produced by the South West Regional Biodiversity Partnership, was created through regional consultation using the best available biodiversity data, local expert knowledge and the South West Wildlife Trust’s Rebuilding Biodiversity methodology. It selects landscape scale blocks of land, known as Strategic Nature Areas, to improve habitat networks and to sustain wildlife within them.
7.18 Nature Map can be used by the region’s decision-makers, organisations and businesses to:
- Identify where most of the major biodiversity concentrations are found and where targets to maintain, restore and re-create wildlife might best be met at a landscape scale.
- Formulate sustainable choices for development; e.g. through Local Development Frameworks and the Regional Spatial Strategy.
- Assist in targeting the new 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.
The South West Nature Map as well as county level maps can be downloaded here. More information about Nature Map is available from the South West Regional Biodiversity Partnership, 2006.