The Nature Recovery Dorset maps will be a visual tool that helps deliver more activities for nature by showing:
- activities that may be most beneficial for nature in different areas
- the best opportunities where future effort and funding should be targeted
To understand what the opportunities are and where, maps will also be created of:
- areas that are already important for nature
- projects and initiatives already happening in Dorset
- places where recovering nature can also have other environmental and health benefits
Some of the maps being produced are required by Defra as part of the local nature recovery strategy process, call the statutory local habitat map, and some are for Dorset only, called the local nature recovery maps. All will help guide the nature recovery work for Dorset and will be available to everyone.
There have already been a lot of mapping exercises locally and nationally which will be used or learnt from as much as possible.
We have given each of the Nature Recovery Dorset maps names to identify them. Find out more about each one by expanding the titles below.
Local habitat map - statutory
This map is made up of three different layers that are required by Defra. These are statutory and will remain the same until we are instructed by Defra to review the Dorset local nature recovery strategy in 3-10 years.
This layer maps sites that are currently recognised and protected within the land-use planning system for their nature value.
The criteria for being included in this layer was set by Defra to provide a nationally consistent baseline of sites across all local nature recovery strategies.
This layer maps locations where effort should be targeted to achieve the most for nature recovery and the wider environment.
The purpose is to identify where nature recovery activities are likely to be delivered and where future effort and funding should be targeted.
This layer maps the practical activities that would be best to do in an area to help achieve Dorset's Nature Recovery Priorities.
Local nature recovery maps
In addition to the statutory local habitat map, the local nature recovery map layers will show where existing nature recovery work is happening and extra information that will help identify the High Opportunity Nature Areas across Dorset.
These map layers will also be useful for celebrating and guiding nature recovery activities outside of the High Opportunity Nature Areas.
This layer maps local nature sites that are considered important for nature by local stakeholders but do not meet the criteria for including in the Nature Areas - National Importance layer.
Mapping these additional sites will create a fuller picture of Dorset's existing nature sites.
This layer maps locations where people are taking actions for nature recovery, including farms, community gardens, businesses, schools, councils and more. It will celebrate action, identify potential opportunities, share learning or join up work to achieve more.
Find out more about joining the Nature Recovery Dorset network.
This map layer models the connectivity between Dorset's semi-natural habitats. We are mapping the following habitat types:
- grassland
- heathland
- woodland
- rivers and wetlands
- coastal
Mapping these networks helps us to understand what we have and identify where we can make more, bigger, better and joined up space for nature.
This map layer models how creating or improving nature could provide additional benefits for the wider environment, called ecosystem services. These can include things like reducing flood risk, combatting climate change, reducing pollution levels and improving public health.
Health and access cannot be included in the Nature Recovery Priorities but can be considered in the Potential Activities.
This map layer is being created by Public Health Dorset and shows where creating or improving habitat could also benefit health and recreation.
This map layer will not promote access without the required landowner permissions.
Finding the maps
All the map layers will be publicly available on Dorset Explorer, a free online mapping tool for the county.
We are exploring some additional features to tailor accessing the maps to different users.
Maps as a guide
The Nature Recovery Dorset maps will be a guide and not a prescription to take action. They will also not replace more detailed project or site management plans.
The maps should help everyone in Dorset to:
- build on the great action people are already doing or want to do
- get ideas for suitable activities on your land or in your community
- create more, bigger, better and connected spaces for nature across Dorset
- help deliver ecosystem services through habitat creation or improvement such as flood protection, carbon sequestration, health and access
Some of the map layers, such as the habitats and ecological networks, cover large areas of Dorset, so it is not possible to engage with every landowner about whether their land will be included.
Landowner views are being sought to help identify High Opportunity Nature Areas. The maps showing existing nature areas and modelled opportunities will also be used to help select the best opportunities for nature recovery.
Further information
If you would like further information on what individual map layers will include, or more detail on how they are being produced, please contact us.