This is the record for Upland Heathland which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This dataset exceeds the size and feature limits of the Shapefile format, so is unavailable on the Natural England Open Data Geoportal in that format. Please select ESRI File Geodatabase or another format to download.The Priority Habitat Inventory is a spatial dataset that maps priority habitats identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and listed as being of principal importance for the purpose of conserving or enhancing biodiversity, under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006).Habitats mapped in the PHIThe PHI currently maps 27 terrestrial and freshwater priority habitats across England.

Priority Habitat Name

HabCode

Blanket bog

BLBOG

Calaminarian grassland

CALAM

Coastal & floodplain grazing marsh

CFPGM

Coastal saltmarsh

SALTM

Coastal sand dunes

CSDUN

Coastal vegetated shingle

CVSHI

Deciduous woodland

DWOOD

Limestone pavements

LPAVE

Lowland calcareous grassland

LCGRA

Lowland dry acid grassland

LDAGR

Lowland fens

LFENS

Lowland heathland

LHEAT

Lowland meadows

LMEAD

Lowland raised bog

LRBOG

Maritime cliff & slope

MCSLP

Mountain heath & willow scrub

MHWSC

Mudflats

MUDFL

Purple moor grass & rush pastures

PMGRP

Reedbeds

RBEDS

Saline lagoons

SLAGO

Traditional orchards

TORCH

Upland calcareous grassland

UCGRA

Upland hay meadows

UHMEA

Upland heathland

UHEAT

Upland flushes, fens & swamps

UFFSW

Lakes

LAKES

Ponds

PONDS

Non Priority Habitats mapped in the PHIThe PHI also includes four habitat classes which are not priority habitats, but which hold potential importance for conservation of biodiversity in England. These can indicate a mosaic of habitat which may contain priority habitats, have restoration potential and/or contribute to ecological networks. Where evidence indicates the presence of unmapped or fragmented priority habitats within such polygons, these are attributed as additional habitats.

Non-Priority Habitat Name

HabCode

Description

Fragmented heath

FHEAT

This refers to areas of degraded and relict upland heathland, typically in a mosaic with acid grassland that fails to meet the Upland Heathland priority habitat definition.

Grass moorland

GMOOR

This includes large areas of upland grassland, which may contain mosaics of priority habitat, but tends to be species-poor, grass dominated acid grassland above the moorland line.

Good quality semi-improved grassland

GQSIG

This includes grasslands with biodiversity value that do not meet priority grassland habitat definitions.

No main habitat

NMHAB

In some cases, a priority habitat may be present within a polygon, but its extent may be less than the minimum mapping unit, or it may not be accurately mappable.

Feature Descriptions and CodesFor some polygons the PHI contains additional information about the main habitats in the form of feature descriptions and corresponding feature codes. These are new fields to the PHI and currently only sparsely populated. We expect the use of these fields to expand over coming updates with new features and codes.

Feature Description

Feature Code

Priority ponds and lakes

Oligotrophic lakes

OLIGO

Dystrophic lakes

DYSTR

Mesotrophic lakes

MESOT

Eutrophic standing waters

EUTRO

Ice age pond

ICEAG

Pond with floating mats

PWFLM

Deciduous woodland

Upland oakwood

UPOWD

Lowland beech and yew woodland

LBYWD

Upland mixed ashwoods

UMAWD

Wet woodland

WETWD

Lowland mixed deciduous woodland

LMDWD

Upland birchwoods

UPBWD

Ancient semi natural woodland

ASNWD

Plantations on ancient woodland

PAWDS

Grassland

Countryside Stewardship Option

CSOPT

Waxcap grassland

WAXCP

Heathland

Dry heathland

DRYHL

Wet heathland

WETHL

Coastal sand dunes

Dunes under coniferous woodland

CWDUN

Dunes under deciduous woodland

DWDUN

General

Degraded

DEGRD

Spatial framework: Wherever possible habitats are mapped to polygons in OS Mastermap. These polygons are merged or split where necessary to create resulting habitat patches.Coverage: EnglandUpdate Frequency: The PHI is updated twice a year.Metadata: Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.Uses include: National planning and targeting for nature recovery; agri-environment scheme targeting; local development planning; Local Nature Recovery Strategies.Contact: If you have any questions or feedback regarding the Priority Habitats’ Inventory, please contact the Habitats’ Inventory Project Team at the following email address.HabitatInventories@naturalengland.org.ukAttributes

Alias

Field name

Example Value

Description

Main habitats

MainHabs

Lowland dry acid grassland, Lowland heathland

Name(s) of habitat(s) present in the polygon.

Habitat codes

HabCodes

LDAGR, LHEAT

List of codes(s) representing main habitat(s) present in the polygon.

Habitat feature descriptions

FeatDesc

Dry heathland

Additional information about the nature of the habitat or features present.

Habitat feature codes

FeatCodes

DRYHL

List of code(s) corresponding to the habitat feature descriptions.

Other habitat classifications

OtherClass

Phase1(D5)

Additional habitat classification information relating to main habitats.

Additional habitats present

AddHabs

GQSIG, LFENS

List of code(s) for additional habitats that may be present within the polygon.

Primary data sources

PrimSource

Natural England's SSSI database ENSIS (LDAGR), Northumberland County Council Phase 1 Survey 2003 (LHEAT)

List of primary sources for the main habitats present in the polygon, with corresponding HabCode in brackets.

Area in hectares

AreaHa

0.14

Polygon area in hectares rounded to one decimal place.

Publication version

Version

July_24

Date of publication for the current PHI update: Month_Year.

Unique ID

UID

PHIDXXXXXXXXXX _YYYYYYYYYYY

Unique ID for the polygon based on XY location coordinates.

Spatial and Attribute Metadata and Licensing informationSpatial Metadata - Priority Habitats Inventory.pdfAttribute Metadata - Priority Habitats Inventory.pdfLayer File - PHI.lyrFull metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.

Lowland Heathland

This dataset contains existing and potential areas of habitats associated with calcareous, coastal, upland and lowland heath landscapes. The dataset was initially created to provide a sampling framework for a field survey carried out in 1992 and 1993 by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (later part of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology). It was derived from a range of geology, soils, altitude and land cover data (as described fully in the supporting information).

Data Created 1998-2002The RSPB’s Heathland Extent and Potential (HEaP) project mapped all existing lowland heathland in England from aerial photographs. It then identified an inventory of potential opportunities to create new heathland to expand and link existing patches – avoiding significant negative impacts on local economies and culture.

This is the record for Lowland Meadows which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below). The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This web map service displays existing and potential areas of habitats associated with calcareous, coastal, upland and lowland heath landscapes. The dataset was initially created to provide a sampling framework for a field survey carried out in 1992 and 1993 by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (later part of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology). It was derived from a range of geology, soils, altitude and land cover data.

The Living England project, led by Natural England, is a multi-year programme delivering a satellite-derived national habitat layer in support of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) System and the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Pilot. The project uses a machine learning approach to image classification, developed under the Defra Living Maps project (SD1705 – Kilcoyne et al., 2017). The method first clusters homogeneous areas of habitat into segments, then assigns each segment to a defined list of habitat classes using Random Forest (a machine learning algorithm). The habitat probability map displays modelled likely broad habitat classifications, trained on field surveys and earth observation data from 2021 as well as historic data layers. This map is an output from Phase IV of the Living England project, with future work in Phase V (2022-23) intending to standardise the methodology and Phase VI (2023-24) to implement the agreed standardised methods.

The Living England habitat probability map will provide high-accuracy, spatially consistent data for a range of Defra policy delivery needs (e.g. 25YEP indicators and Environment Bill target reporting Natural capital accounting, Nature Strategy, ELM) as well as external users. As a probability map, it allows the extrapolation of data to areas that we do not have data. These data will also support better local and national decision making, policy development and evaluation, especially in areas where other forms of evidence are unavailable.

Process Description: A number of data layers are used to inform the model to provide a habitat probability map of England. The main sources layers are Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 satellite data from the ESA Copericus programme. Additional datasets were incorporated into the model (as detailed below) to aid the segmentation and classification of specific habitat classes.

Datasets used: Agri-Environment Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Monitoring, British Geological Survey Bedrock Mapping 1:50k, Coastal Dune Geomatics Mapping Ground Truthing, Crop Map of England (RPA), Dark Peak Bog State Survey, Desktop Validation and Manual Points, EA Integrated Height Model 10m, EA Saltmarsh Zonation and Extent, Field Unit NEFU, Living England Collector App NEFU/EES, Long Term Monitoring Network (LTMN), Lowland Heathland Survey, National Forest Inventory (NFI), National Grassland Survey, National Plant Monitoring Scheme, NEFU Surveys, Northumberland Border Mires, OS Vector Map District , Priority Habitats Inventory (PHI) B Button, European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 , Space2 Eye Lens: Ainsdale NNR, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog Bowland Survey, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog Dark Peak Condition Survey, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog (MMU) Mountain Hare Habitat Survey Dark Peak, Uplands Inventory, West Pennines Designation NVC Survey, Wetland Inventories, WorldClim - Global Climate Data

PLEASE NOTE: This data product is not available in Shapefile format or KML at https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/Defra::living-england-habitat-map-phase-4/about, as the data exceeds the limits of these formats. Please select an alternative download format.This data product is also available for download in multiple formats via the Defra Data Services Platform at https://environment.data.gov.uk/explore/4aa716ce-f6af-454c-8ba2-833ebc1bde96?download=true.The Living England project, led by Natural England, is a multi-year programme delivering a satellite-derived national habitat layer in support of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) System and the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Pilot. The project uses a machine learning approach to image classification, developed under the Defra Living Maps project (SD1705 – Kilcoyne et al., 2017). The method first clusters homogeneous areas of habitat into segments, then assigns each segment to a defined list of habitat classes using Random Forest (a machine learning algorithm). The habitat probability map displays modelled likely broad habitat classifications, trained on field surveys and earth observation data from 2021 as well as historic data layers. This map is an output from Phase IV of the Living England project, with future work in Phase V (2022-23) intending to standardise the methodology and Phase VI (2023-24) to implement the agreed standardised methods.The Living England habitat probability map will provide high-accuracy, spatially consistent data for a range of Defra policy delivery needs (e.g. 25YEP indicators and Environment Bill target reporting Natural capital accounting, Nature Strategy, ELM) as well as external users. As a probability map, it allows the extrapolation of data to areas that we do not have data. These data will also support better local and national decision making, policy development and evaluation, especially in areas where other forms of evidence are unavailable. Process Description: A number of data layers are used to inform the model to provide a habitat probability map of England. The main sources layers are Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 satellite data from the ESA Copericus programme. Additional datasets were incorporated into the model (as detailed below) to aid the segmentation and classification of specific habitat classes. Datasets used:Agri-Environment Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Monitoring, British Geological Survey Bedrock Mapping 1:50k, Coastal Dune Geomatics Mapping Ground Truthing, Crop Map of England (RPA), Dark Peak Bog State Survey, Desktop Validation and Manual Points, EA Integrated Height Model 10m, EA Saltmarsh Zonation and Extent, Field Unit NEFU, Living England Collector App NEFU/EES, Long Term Monitoring Network (LTMN), Lowland Heathland Survey, National Forest Inventory (NFI), National Grassland Survey, National Plant Monitoring Scheme, NEFU Surveys, Northumberland Border Mires, OS Vector Map District , Priority Habitats Inventory (PHI) B Button, European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 , Space2 Eye Lens: Ainsdale NNR, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog Bowland Survey, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog Dark Peak Condition Survey, Space2 Eye Lens: State of the Bog (MMU) Mountain Hare Habitat Survey Dark Peak, Uplands Inventory, West Pennines Designation NVC Survey, Wetland Inventories, WorldClim - Global Climate DataFull metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.

The Priority Habitat Inventory is a spatial dataset that maps priority habitats identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and listed as being of principal importance for the purpose of conserving or enhancing biodiversity, under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006).

The PHI is updated twice a year and where possible habitats are mapped to polygons in OS Mastermap. These polygons are merged or split where necessary to create resulting habitat patches.

The PHI currently maps 27 terrestrial and freshwater priority habitats across England. These being: Blanket bog (BLBOG), Calaminarian grassland (CALAM), Coastal & floodplain grazing marsh (CFPGM), Coastal saltmarsh (SALTM), Coastal sand dunes (CSDUN), Coastal vegetated shingle (CVSHI), Deciduous woodland (DWOOD), Limestone pavements (LPAVE), Lowland calcareous grassland (LCGRA), Lowland dry acid grassland (LDAGR), Lowland Fens (LFENS), Lowland heathland (LHEAT), Lowland meadows (LMEAD), Lowland raised bog (LRBOG), Maritime cliff & slope (MCSLP), Mountain heath & willow scrub (MHWSC), Mudflats (MUDFL), Purple moor grass & rush pastures (PMGRP), Reedbeds (RBEDS), Saline lagoons (SLAGO), Traditional orchards (TORCH), Upland calcareous grassland (UCGRA), Upland hay meadows (UHMEA), Upland heathland (UHEAT), Upland flushes, fens & swamps (UFFSW), Lakes (LAKES), Ponds (PONDS).

The PHI also includes four habitat classes which are not priority habitats, but which hold potential importance for conservation of biodiversity in England. These can indicate a mosaic of habitat which may contain priority habitats, have restoration potential and/or contribute to ecological networks. Where evidence indicates the presence of unmapped or fragmented priority habitats within such polygons, these are attributed as additional habitats. These being: Fragmented heath (FHEAT), Grass moorland (GMOOR), Good quality semi-improved grassland (GQSIG), No main habitat (NMHAB).

For some polygons the PHI contains additional information about the main habitats in the form of feature descriptions and corresponding feature codes. These being: Priority Ponds and lakes - Oligotrophic lakes (OLIGO), Dystrophic lakes (DYSTR), Mesotrophic lakes (MESOT), Eutrophic standing waters (EUTRO), Ice age pond (ICEAG), Pond with floating mats (PWFLM) Deciduous woodland – Upland Oakwood (UPOWD), Lowland beech and yew woodland (LBYWD), Upland mixed ashwoods (UMAWD), Wet Woodland (WETWD), Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (ASNWD), Plantations on ancient woodland (PAWDS) Grassland – Countryside Stewardship Option (CSOPT), Waxcap grassland (WAXCP) Heathland – Dry Heathland (DRYHL), Wet heathland (WETHL) Coastal sand dunes – Dunes under coniferous woodland (CWDUN), Dunes under deciduous woodland (DWDUN) General – Degraded (DEGRD)

This is the record for Upland Heathland which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below). The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’. Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’. Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

Living England is a multi-year project which delivers a broad habitat map for the whole of England, created using satellite imagery, field data records and other geospatial data in a machine learning framework. The Living England habitat map shows the extent and distribution of broad habitats across England aligned to the UKBAP classification, providing a valuable insight into our natural capital assets and helping to inform land management decisions. Living England is a project within Natural England, funded by and supports the Defra Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme and Environmental Land Management (ELM) Schemes to provide an openly available national map of broad habitats across England.This dataset includes very complex geometry with a large number of features so it has a default viewing distance set to 1:80,000 (City in the map viewer).Process Description:A number of data layers are used to develop a ground dataset of habitat reference data, which are then used to inform a machine-learning model and spatial analyses to generate a map of the likely locations and distributions of habitats across England. The main source data layers underpinning the spatial framework and models are Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 satellite data from the ESA Copernicus programme, Lidar from the EA's national Lidar Programme and collected data through the project's national survey programme. Additional datasets informing the approach as detailed below and outlined in the accompanying technical user guide.Datasets used:OS MasterMap® Topography Layer; Geology aka BGS Bedrock Mapping 1:50k; Long Term Monitoring Network; Uplands Inventory; Coastal Dune Geomatics Mapping Ground Truthing; Crop Map of England (RPA) CROME; Lowland Heathland Survey; National Grassland Survey; National Plant Monitoring Scheme; NE field Unit Surveys; Northumberland Border Mires Survey; Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery; Sentinel-1 backscatter imagery; Sentinel-1 single look complex (SLC) imagery; National forest inventory (NFI); Cranfield NATMAP; Agri-Environment HLS Monitoring; Living England desktop validation; Priority Habitat Inventory; Space2 Eye Lens: Ainsdale NNR, State of the Bog Bowland Survey, State of the Bog Dark Peak Condition Survey, State of the Bog Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Mountain Hare Habitat Survey Dark Peak, State of the Bog; Moors for the Future Dark Peak Survey; West Pennines Designation NVC Survey; Wetland Annex 1 inventory; Soils-BGS Soil Parent Material; Met Office HadUK gridded climate product; Saltmarsh Extent and Zonation; EA LiDAR DSM & DTM; New Forest Mires Wetland Survey; New Forest Mires Wetland Survey; West Cumbria Mires Survey; England Peat Map Vegetation Surveys; NE protected sites monitoring; ERA5; OS Open Built-up Areas; OS Boundaries dataset; EA IHM (Integrated height model) DTM; OS VectorMap District; EA Coastal Flood Boundary: Extreme Sea Levels; AIMS Spatial Sea Defences; LIDAR Sand Dunes 2022; EA Coastal saltmarsh species surveys; Aerial Photography GB (APGB); NASA SRT (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) M30; Provisional Agricultural Land Classification; Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD); Open Street Map 2024.Attribute descriptions: Column Heading Full Name Format Description

SegID SegID Character (100) Unique Living England segment identifier. Format is LEZZZZ_BGZXX_YYYYYYY where Z = release year (2223 for this version), X = BGZ and Y = Unique 7-digit number

Prmry_H Primary_Habitat Date Primary Living England Habitat

Relblty Reliability
Character (12) Reliability Metric Score

Mdl_Hbs Model_Habs Interger List of likely habitats output by the Random Forest model.

Mdl_Prb Model_Probs Double (6,2) List of probabilities for habitats listed in ‘Model_Habs’, calculated by the Random Forest model.

Mixd_Sg Mixed_Segment Character (50) Indication of the likelihood a segment contains a mixture of dominant habitats. Either Unlikely or Probable.

Source Source

Description of how the habitat classification was derived. Options are: Random Forest; Vector OSMM Urban; Vector Classified OS Water; Vector EA saltmarsh; LE saltmarsh & QA; Vector RPA Crome, ALC grades 1-4; Vector LE Bare Ground Analysis; LE QA Adjusted

SorcRsn Source_Reason

Reasoning for habitat class adjustment if ‘Source’ equals ‘LE QA Adjusted’

Shap_Ar Shape_Area

Segment area (m2) Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

This is the record for Lowland Fen which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This is a spatial dataset that describes the geographic extent and location of Habitat Networks for 18 priority habitats based primarily, but not exclusively, on the priority habitat inventory with additional data added in relation to habitat restoration-creation, restorable habitat, plus fragmentation action, and network enhancement and expansion zones. The maps are created following a standardised process that incorporates a range of data layers and identifies specific locations for a range of actions to help improve the ecological resilience for each of the habitats/habitat networks. This is the combined habitat network map. This updated dataset replaces the two previous published layers 'Habitat Networks (Combined Habitats) (England)' and 'Habitat Networks (Combined Habitats) (England) Priority Restoration'.

The Habitat Networks (England) comprise a series of 23 individual habitat network maps for England plus a single 'Combined Habitat Networks Map' and 3 'Grouped Habitat Networks Map'. The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below:

Habitat Components: - The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the 'Primary habitat' e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHI). - The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the 'Associated habitat'. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHI). - The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the 'Habitat creation'. - Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI. This is termed the 'Restorable habitat'.

Network Zones: - Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the 'Network Enhancement Zone 1'. - Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the 'Network Enhancement Zone 2'. - Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the 'Fragmentation Action Zone'. - Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the 'Network Expansion Zone'

Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller 'networks' that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as 'network segments'. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

This is the record for Lowland Raised Bog which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This is the record for Reedbeds which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below)

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This is the record for Lowland Calcareous Grassland which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This is the record for Lakes which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.

This is the record for Rivers which forms a part of the Habitat Networks (Individual) (England) dataset (link below).

The habitat network maps seek to apply the best evidence and principles and to use the best available nationally consistent spatial data. The habitat network maps are developed around 4 distinct habitat components sets and include 4 distinct network zones where action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience. The different elements of the maps are described below: Habitat Components; • The location of existing patches of a specific habitat for which the network is developed. This is termed the ‘Primary habitat’ e.g. lowland heathland. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The location of additional habitat that naturally form mosaics with the primary habitat e.g. habitats that are most likely to form ecological mosaics possibly used by species associated with the primary habitat. This is termed the ‘Associated habitat’. The main baseline data used for this is the Priority Habitat Inventories (PHIv2.2). • The locations where habitat creation or restoration is known to occur, this is primarily sites under relevant agri-environment options. This is termed the ‘Habitat creation’ • Sites where data suggests small fragments of the primary habitat or degraded habitat exists and where restoration may be possible, this is primarily developed from information held within the current PHI v2.2. This is termed the ‘Restorable habitat’.
Network Zones; • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are more likely to be suitable for habitat re-creation for the particular habitat. These areas are primarily based on soils but in many cases has been refined by also using other data such as hydrology, altitude and proximity to the coast. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 1’. • Land within close proximity to the existing habitat components that are unlikely to be suitable for habitat re-creation but where other types of habitat may be created or land management may be enhanced including delivery of suitable Green Infrastructure. This is termed the ‘Network Enhancement Zone 2’. • Land immediately adjoining existing habitat patches that are small or have excessive edge to area ratio where habitat creation is likely to help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation. This is termed the ‘Fragmentation Action Zone’. • Land within relatively close proximity to the Network Enhancement Zones 1 & 2 that are more likely to be suitable for habitat creation for the particular habitat and identifying possible locations for connecting and linking up networks across a landscape. This is termed the ‘Network Expansion Zone’.
Note: For some habitat networks not all of the habitat components or all the action zones are identified either because the data does not exist or the habitat does not lend itself to identifying particular types of action. Further details are outlined in the Habitat Network Mapping Guidance document. The Network boundary is drawn around the 4 habitat components using a variable buffering process with a generalised distance of 500m although 1km was used for Blanket Bog. As the boundary for each habitat network is tightly drawn around the existing patches of habitat this means that at a national scale the habitat network is composed of a series of smaller ‘networks’ that encapsulates one or more clusters of existing habitat patches. These may be considered as ‘network segments’. The Network Expansion Zone has been drawn around these segments to identify areas where additional action may be undertaken to build greater ecological resilience across the wider landscape.