An assessment of the condition of habitats at a landscape scale to bring together a wide range of data from different sources to create maps of natural capital assets and environment quality.
This project considers what it would mean to double nature across Northamptonshire and Peterborough and how it could be achieved, and presents this in the form of a Natural Capital Investment Plan. The project began by modelling, mapping and valuing the natural capital assets across the area and identifying key policy drivers influencing decision making. It then determined what it would mean to double nature and calculated the costs and benefits of doing so. It mapped a potential nature recovery network, as well as opportunities to enhance natural capital to meet a range of further objectives. It identified priority areas for targeting these interventions and collated a list of potential natural capital projects being considered across the area. A number of emerging funding mechanisms that could be used to deliver such projects were then identified and described. Six case studies are presented to illustrate the costs and benefits of different types of natural capital projects, and conclusions and recommendations for taking this plan forward are presented.
A project examining natural capital asset condition in rivers and how this impacts on ecosystem service provision. In particular, this involved a Quick Scoping Review (QSR) of the links between natural capital asset condition and the provision of ecosystem services, and determined if it was possible to map condition from existing data, reviewed approaches to doing this, and identified evidence and data gaps.
A payment scheme designed to provide grants to landowners for planting new woodland in the Forest of Marston Vale area. The scheme, commissioned by the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, establishes the best locations to target and sets payment rates that reflect the public benefits delivered.
An assessment of the potential to create new habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife across Northamptonshire and Peterborough using habitat opportunity mapping.
An examination of the interrelationship between natural capital and its economic and social development ambitions for the Cheshire and Warrington area.
An evidence review of the benefits, disadvantages, and economic value of trees outside woods.
