A rapid ecological network assessment tool and its use in locating habitat extension areas in a changing landscape

An understanding of the ecological systems which dictate landscape form and function must be achieved in order to objectively view development led landscape ecological change. Habitat fragmentation, loss and isolation of habitat patches and reduced connectivity are having a significant detrimental effect on the way our landscapes function. A conservation planning tool which considers these issues in tandem with planned landscape level change, whilst incorporating species and habitat specific details, is necessary if we are to ameliorate the ecological impact of built development. A landscape scale modelling approach was developed for a case study area in the South Midlands of the UK to investigate spatial targeting of habitat extension areas. Habitat extension opportunities currently arise as a consequence of existing planning regulations and conditions and are likely to increase as the concept of habitat banking is embraced. Ecological networks and ecoprofiles were employed to guide the location of these extension areas via an examination of the landscape ecology effects of area composition, size and location. The ability of extension areas to contribute to landscape functionality was determined spatially. Habitat extension areas identified by the approach increased the existing ecological network size by a factor of over 2.7:1 and were able to deliver the majority of habitat creation targets set out in regional Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). 100% of wetland, unimproved grassland and broadleaf and mixed woodland creation targets were met, whilst 75% of the lowland heath target could be achieved. Semi-natural habitat mosaic areas of over 3700 ha which incorporated habitat of more than one type were identified, with such areas determined to be of importance in achieving landscape improvements for a wide range of species. We conclude that rapid assessment tools such as that employed in this research will have increased utility in conservation planning as the British landscape continues to experience both sustained and elevated levels of built development pressure. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.