Measuring success of nature recovery

Habitat measurement streams could include:

• number, extent and condition of Dorset’s designated sites
• data from monitoring projects and initiatives, for example, Great Big Dorset Hedge, Water Guardians, Purbeck Natural History Forum, Dorset Heaths Partnership Monitoring
• biodiversity net gain, including the biodiversity gain site register
• water quality and nutrient levels
• national forest inventory

Most habitats are very slow to change and, despite restoration, may not be able to be classed as priority habitats for many years. Therefore, measuring success should also use species measures. Species change occurs more quickly and assessing indicator and priority species, along with other things, can be very useful for checking habitat restoration is going in the right direction.

Existing citizen science surveys with good participation in Dorset can give an indicator of species abundance. The Big Garden Birdwatch hosted by RSPB and the Big Butterfly Count hosted by Butterfly Conservation have agreed to share Dorset data to help measure nature recovery. Other citizen science surveys will be investigated so the abundance of other taxonomic groups can be measured, and these surveys promoted to encourage participation across Dorset.

More specific surveys to monitor the priority species will help to measure success against priority 12, although data may not be publicly accessible for protected species. Additionally, indicator species surveys can support the habitat measures and inform habitat condition. Communicating what these indicator species are for different habitats and how to identify them could enable more people to spot and record signs of nature recovery. 

The Nature Recovery Dorset network and peer-to-peer learning, such as video case studies and social media, will give an indication of how many people are engaged with nature recovery in Dorset. Digital resources can inspire others to take action for nature and signpost to information such as ideas for activities and funding mechanisms. Monitoring of activities which deliver the priorities will show how each priority is being delivered.

The submissions from the farmers and landowners for their land to be included in the high opportunity nature areas provides information on the different priorities they will help to achieve.

At a national level, Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have been asked to consider ways to improve the sharing of information on the actions farmers are taking for nature recovery through ELMs, to showcase their contribution to the nature recovery priorities and the 30by30 target.

The Dorset Environmental Records Centre (DERC) is an organisation dedicated to collecting, managing, and sharing information about the county’s wildlife, habitats, and geological features. They work to support biodiversity conservation and environmental decision-making. They maintain a comprehensive database of species records and habitat data, including lots of records submitted by local recording groups and citizen scientists. DERC play a crucial role in monitoring Dorset's natural heritage and providing insights for ecological research, land management, and planning initiatives.

DERC are essential in the measuring of nature recovery and showing the direction of travel towards achieving our 30by30 target. Sending in survey data and utilising DERC's services will be key in bringing together all the existing monitoring work being undertaken. This will be explored further during the implementation of the local nature recovery strategy.

Sophie Alexander runs Hemsworth Farm near Witchampton, a 500 hectare organic arable and dairy farm with a strong focus on soil health, biodiversity, and regenerative practices.

Recognising the critical role of nature in sustainable agriculture, Hemsworth Farm collaborated on the Biodiversity Monitoring 24/7 Project, testing different digital technologies to monitor the amount and variety of wildlife on the farm.  

This innovative project shows how a combination of digital monitoring techniques can be used, along with traditional in-person biodiversity surveys, to help farmers make informed land management decisions to benefit both wildlife and food production.

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