The Local Habitat Map shows the areas that have been identified as being the most important for nature recovery in the region:
Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity, APIBs.
These are existing important wildlife habitats, including national conservation sites, Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Sites and areas of ‘irreplaceable habitat’.
Mapped Measures and Areas that Could Become of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (ACBs).
These are the areas proposed as the best places to create and restore habitat, to achieve the most for biodiversity and the wider environment.
The Local Habitat Map is available to view on a separate portal.
Please take a look at the User Guide before you go to the map. There is a short video which explains how to use the map.
The map should be viewed alongside the written Statement of Biodiversity Priorities – the map and the statement both make up the draft LNRS. The map identifies which Priorities and Potential Measures apply to which locations. Section 6.3 and 6.4 of the Statement of Biodiversity Priorities provide further explanation of some of the mapping issues.
It is important to note that the inclusion of a location in the Local Habitat Map does not require the landowner or other people/organisations to deliver the Potential Measures listed or prevent other legitimate land uses from taking place. The areas identified are ‘opportunities’ for nature recovery.