Nature recovery on land already of importance for biodiversity

Shrawley Wood

Nature recovery on land already of importance for biodiversity

Working in partnership to deliver the Worcestershire LNRS.

The LNRS and the accompanying Local Habitat Map are a tool to support decision-making about land management activity. Land which is already of importance for biodiversity is known as an Area of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (APIB) within LNRS. What land constitutes an APIB is defined within the Environment Act 2021.

In Worcestershire, APIBs include sites and habitats identified by UK statutory nature conservation designations or other legislation, and also by local, non-statutory processes. The boundaries of APIBs must appear on the LNRS Local Habitat Map by law. The APIBs are:

  • Special Areas of Conservation
  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  • National Nature Reserves
  • Local Nature Reserves
  • Irreplaceable Habitat
  • Local Wildlife Sites
  • Local Geological Sites
  • Roadside Verge Nature Reserves
  • Grassland Inventory Sites

APIBs are the core of Worcestershire’s existing nature network, and owners and managers of these sites have an important role to play. Could surrounding land management be altered to create a sensitively managed buffer zone? Could the habitats on the site be extended, or is there opportunity to connect to another nearby APIB through the creation of a habitat corridor?

The LNRS suggests mapped and non-mapped Potential Measures.

  • Mapped Potential Measures are targeted to specific locations where the biggest gains for nature could be achieved.
  • Non-mapped Potential Measures are equally valuable but could be delivered anywhere to benefit nature.

Note that most Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves do not have Potential Measures suggested for them, to avoid duplication or conflict with pre-existing statutory management plans.

To view all the Potential Measures listed together in one document: Worcestershire LNRS Priorities and Potential Measures (PDF)

To view all the mapped Potential Measures visit the Local Habitat Map.

Potential Measures most applicable to nature recovery on APIBs

Find out more about LNRS Potential Measures that are most applicable to supporting nature recovery on sites already of importance for biodiversity. The hyperlink in each title opens an ArcGIS Storymap where you will find details of the measure, further maps, case studies and best practice guidance.

Potential Measure 2: Create riparian buffer zones

This measure promotes the creation or enhancement of riparian buffer zones to protect watercourses and improve water quality. PM2 is mapped to all rivers, streams and significant ditches, but would be beneficial anywhere that there is a water flow pathway into a larger watercourse. All rivers and most larger streams within Worcestershire are identified as APIB.

Potential measure 4: Protect and improve water resources

This measure recognises the importance of land management decision-making in improving the quality of the water within our rivers and streams. It suggests actions that could be taken to protect watercourses, wetlands and aquifers. PM4 is a non-mapped measure and would be beneficial for nature when delivered in any location. If delivered on land hydrologically linked to an APIB, actions could support that site achieving or maintaining favourable condition. 

Potential Measure 10: Restore Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS)

This measure focuses on restoring native broadleaved tree species diversity and habitat age structure within ancient woodlands that have historically been re-planted with commercial timber species. PM10 is mapped to all woodlands categorised as PAWS which are not also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Potential Measure 11: Enhance condition of ancient semi-natural woodlands

This measure suggests actions which could be undertaken to enhance the condition of ancient woodlands by providing additional habitat niches and diversity. PM11 is mapped to all ancient woodlands which are not also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or categorised as PAWS.

Potential Measure 19: Enhance wood pasture and parkland habitat 

This measure promotes the enhancement or restoration of sites which contain wood pasture or parkland habitat. PM19 is mapped to all wood pasture and parkland habitat within the Worcestershire Habitat Inventory which is not also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Potential Measure 21: Enhance condition of pre-veteran, veteran and ancient trees

This measure recognises the significance of Worcestershire for veteran and ancient trees and the species that use them, and the importance of extending their life by carrying out appropriate, sensitive management. There are almost 3,000 such trees recorded on the Worcestershire Ancient Tree Inventory; they are considered ‘Irreplaceable Habitat’ within the LNRS. PM21 is mapped to a buffer around trees recorded on the Worcestershire Ancient Tree Inventory and the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory.

Potential Measure 41: Enhance the biodiversity value of non-statutory nature conservation sites

This measure seeks to ensure that all local, non-statutory nature conservation sites are in appropriate management which enhances their value for nature. PM41 is mapped to all Local Wildlife Sites, Local Geological Sites, Roadside Verge Nature Reserves and Grassland Inventory Sites.

Potential Measure 42: Buffer and enhance habitat connectivity around and between non-statutory nature conservation sites

This measure recognises that the ecological value of local, non-statutory nature conservation sites can be significantly enhanced by adjacent land management which is supportive of nature’s recovery. PM42 is mapped to a 50m buffer zone around Local Wildlife Sites and Grassland Inventory Sites.

Get in touch

Sign up to our planning consultation database to receive direct communications on LNRS preparation and review. 

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Contact us directly:

Government policy on preparation and review of LNRS can be found here: Local nature recovery strategies - GOV.UK
 

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