Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Map Impact was commissioned by Wiltshire Council to support the mapping component of their Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). LNRS are commitments led by the government to ensure that nature recovery is interconnected.
Problem
Wiltshire Council required assistance with ecological mapping and species connectivity modeling during their LNRS journey due to a shortage of internal resources. The success of their LNRS relies on effectively informing both internal and external stakeholders about the potential to enhance biodiversity. This is in order to encourage funding and investment for nature-based solutions.
Solution
The priority habitats were mapped using a repeatable automated process to enhance species connectivity. This approach yielded valuable evidence to guide the development of LNRS for nature improvement and restoration. An online LNRS map was created to be accessible and interactive, serving to facilitate public consultation and engage stakeholders.
Impact
The countywide map supports LNRS and has improved stakeholder management. Three measures for habitat improvement have been implemented: Bigger, more joined-up, and better. This automated solution can be repeated for consistency in Wiltshire Council’s ongoing strategy, highlighting areas of strategic significance for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and land management more generally.
“Map Impact’s agile approach has removed barriers between a wide range of stakeholders by simplifying and being responsive to the complexities of Wiltshire’s ecological network.” Wiltshire Council.