Craig Dixon

Biodiversity Officer, Devon County Council

Devon refinement of the Nature Map

• SNA profiles.

• Devon Biodiversity Network Map.

SNA profiles (1)

Why bother?

• Nature Map a useful targeting tool.

• But...simple boundaries are of limited use in planning for nature conservation within them.

Bovey Basin SNA

SNA profiles (2)

• Add a level of detail to increase the value of the Nature Map to Devon conservationists and planners.

• For example, to aid with the LDF requirement to identify sites for restoration or creation of priority habitats.

SNA profiles (3)

• Pilot project.

• First tranche of just 7 SNAs.

• Undertaken by consultants.

SNA profiles (4)

• 165 SNAs wholly in Devon.

• 40 cross-border SNAs.

• Simple documents.

SNA profiles (5)

Simple map of each SNA:

• Existing interest.

• Broad indication of areas for restoration / recreation.

SNA profiles (6)

• Description of the biodiversity importance and major opportunities for conservation.

• Up to 5 key nature conservation objectives.

• Targets – based on Rebuilding Biodiversity methodology and the constraints and opportunities of the individual SNAs.

• Significant initiatives in the SNA, existing or planned.

SNA profiles (7)

• First step.

• Pilot project will be assessed.

• Roll out across a significant number of SNAs in coming years.

Devon Biodiversity Network Map (1)

• Building on the work of the Nature Map, not replacing it.

• Significant additional areas of interest and potential within the County.

• Potential linkages and corridors across the County, at varying scales.

• A vision for Devon’s biodiversity.

Devon Biodiversity Network Map (2)

• LDFs.• Budget allocation.• Funding bids.• Management Plans (e.g. AONBs).• Green infrastructure.• Adaptation to climate change.

• LAA.