More information on the BAP Opportunity Map
The potential Broads habitat creation map has been produced based on the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) mapping methodology used for the Norwich Green Infrastructure project, and similarly for the East of England Heathland Opportunity Mapping Project. This methodology identifies areas which may have the greatest potential for habitat creation, by linking core habitat areas within and between valleys through semi-natural habitat. Potential areas have been scored according to their location and connectivity to semi-natural habitats, designated sites, watercourses and the underlying peat resource. Criteria scores have been added to indicate those areas which hold the greatest potential for habitat creation opportunities.
The Ordnance Survey MasterMap dataset was used as the base layer for the Broads BAP opportunity mapping exercise.
Each OS Master Map land parcel1 was scored individually according to the criteria outlined. This level of detail has resulted in some features such as dykes, drains and footpaths being represented unintentionally on the map. The scoring system allowed each land parcel to gain a total score. These total scores defined the three priority opportunity classes, namely high, medium and low. Each class represented a range of scores, meaning that some land parcels for example, scored at the upper end of the priority medium range or at the low end of the high range, thus resulting in some overlap between the defining classes.
The process of targeting land parcels as potential habitat creation areas has resulted in patterns of opportunity being dictated by the size of the land parcel rather than its value in relation to the surrounding landscape. However this method is favorable in that land parcels dictate land ownership in most cases, an essential component of future habitat creation projects.
It is recognised that creation and improvements of semi-natural
habitats in the Broads will increase the value and potential of any
surrounding land parcels in the future. It should also be noted that
potential opportunity areas surrounded by semi natural grazing marsh
habitat would automatically receive a high priority score regardless of
the criteria outlined. This process recognises the high value of these
areas for biodiversity enhancement and creation.
The potential for
some types of habitat creation require further investigation in terms
of ground truthing. This will determine factors such as soil type
suitability and establish landowner aspiration to potential habitat
creation projects.
1A land parcel describes a unit of land usually delineated according to land ownership or land use.
High quality Potential Broads habitat map 4.4MB pdf
