Habitat Mapping

The South West region has a rich and varied coastline supporting a range of different habitats. From the coastal heaths of Cornwall to the dramatic landslips on the undercliff at Lyme Regis, it is a region of spectacular landforms and unique wildlife. Over 80% of the coastline is designated for its wildlife and landscape interests.

We have the highest number of European designated coastal and marine sites in the UK, with 49 Special Areas of Conservation designated for specific habitats and species and 59 Special Protection Areas safeguarded for birds. We also have one of the few Biosphere reserves in England at Braunton Burrows on the north Devon coast.

We therefore use our high resolution aerial photography to provide coastal and terrestrial habitat extent data for use by Local Authorities, the Environment Agency and Natural England to contribute to their reporting and monitoring requirements.

Data Capture

We map the coastal and terrestrial habitats at least once per six year phase of the Programme, depending on when the imagery is captured.  We map all the intertidal areas and up to roughly 100 m inland.

Our high resolution images are interpreted by a team of professional ecologists, who map the habitats by type and area extent. The habitats are classified using the Integrated Habitat System (IHS).  This is a national classification that allows us to make direct comparisons with habitats in other parts of the UK and Europe.

The Programme includes field surveys to confirm the interpretation and classify any unusual habitat types.

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Data Outputs

Our habitat mapping dataset consists of  GIS layers comprising 10 km² tiles containing polygons of individual habitats around the coast.

They can be used in the following ways:

  • to show changes to the location and extent of habitats in the South West and rates of loss of vulnerable habitats such as saltmarsh, saline lagoons, mudflats and sand dunes,
  • to identify habitats and sites that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; to identify sites where managed realignment may be a suitable option for coastal defence,
  • to assess what habitats could/should be created as part of an adaptation plan,
  • to place proposed habitat creation sites in the context of wider coastal and ecosystem processes,
  • to inform and influence policies in Regional Spatial Strategies, Local Development Frameworks and Shoreline Management Plans and to provide information for UK Biodiversity Action Plans.
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Examples of habitat mapping for Budleigh Salterton and the Taw Torridge Estuary

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