Local Nature Recovery Strategy - Local Habitat Map

Welcome to the Local Habitat Map for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland.

Developed as part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), these maps provide a detailed look at areas of existing ecological value as well as opportunities for nature recovery.

The main purpose of an LNRS is to agree the priorities and measures needed for nature recovery, and identify locations to create or improve habitat most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment. This is to enable effort and resource to be targeted where it will have greatest impact and to encourage more coordination in habitat creation and improvement activities.

How to use the maps.

Each map comes preloaded with several layers of information. To choose the layers you want to see, simply click on the 'layer' tab in the top left corner of the map, and from the drop down menu switch the layers off and on.
Some maps have 'Markers' placed in them. As with layers, you can select the markers you want to see by clicking the marker tab in the top left corner of the map and choose your selections from the drop down menu. Click on the markers in the map to reveal information about that location and surrounding areas. These markers provide information on the priorities and measures begin proposed in those locations, plus additional information such as wider environmental benefits and priority and indicator species.
When viewing the map you have the ability to scroll in and out and you can make the map larger by clicking the arrows in the top right corner of the map.

What Does the Map Show?

The Local Habitat Map is divided into several key categories to help local authorities, landowners, conservation groups, and the public better understand the state of biodiversity in the area. It aims to support efforts to restore, connect, and protect vital ecosystems and wildlife habitats across the strategy area. These maps include:

Map 1. Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (APIB). This map shows the areas whose importance for biodiversity has already been recognised and protected, it includes protected and designated sites and known areas of irreplaceable habitats.

Protected and Designated Sites: These include Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR), and other designated sites, which are safeguarded due to their ecological and geological importance.
Irreplaceable Habitats: These habitats include Ancient Woodlands, Lowland Fen Marsh, and Ancient Trees.

Map 2. Areas that Could Become of particular importance (ACB). This map shows the areas that have been identified for habitat creation, enhancement and protection. These are a direct result of ecological modelling and stakeholder engagement, and include;

Ecological Connections: These are areas where we can establish or restore habitat corridors, allowing wildlife to move more freely across the landscape. Connecting fragmented habitats is critical for the long-term survival of species and the health of our environment.
Opportunities to create New Bigger Areas: These identify locations where new habitats can be created or where existing habitats can be made larger. Bigger areas are more resilient to pressures, and benefit species that require larger territories and overall biodiversity.
Buffer Zones: Buffer areas are suggested around core habitats to protect them from external pressures like development or intensive land use. These areas also act as transitional areas between natural habitats and human-altered landscapes.
Opportunities to Create Better Quality Habitat: These are areas where degraded or low-quality habitats can be enhanced to improve biodiversity. This may include activities like enhancing grassland, eradicating invasive species and planting native species, or creating and managing species rich hedgerows.

Map 3. Nature Networks in the Urban Landscape: This map shows the core urban habitats within the built environments. It also shows 'green wedges' or 'areas of separation' and 'connectivity zones'. Along with 'railways', 'canals' and 'flood zone 3', these are Areas that could become of particular importance, chosen for habitat creation, protection and enhancements. Together these areas create nature networks which consist of corridors and steppingstones.

Corridors: Railways, river, canals, roadside grass verges etc
Steppingstones: Parks, gardens, schools, churchyards, street trees, sustainable urban drainage, green roofs and walls, sports fields etc
Green wedges and Areas of separation: These are areas of protected open space that prevent urban sprawl, conserve natural habitats, provide recreational opportunities, support sustainable land use, and help mitigate climate effects in urban areas.
Connectivity Zones: These are areas that have been identified through ecological modelling and deemed strategic locations to create and enhance species rich habitats. These zones are located in areas that would improve urban species movement (such as Hedgehogs) by creating new steppingstones.

Map 4. Rivers, Waterbodies and Flood Zones. This map takes a closer look within the Flood Zone 3 boundary (ACB) to identify suitable natural flood management measures such as reconnecting rivers to their floodplains. It shows areas for biodiversity and areas where recovery or enhancement of biodiversity could make a particular contribution to other environmental benefits.

Map 5 Priority Species (Fauna): This map shows where priority species have been recorded in recent decades and we have confidence these locations could be suitable for measures that protect and enhance their populations. These records are displayed as either 2km squares, landscape areas such as the Soar Valley, or boundary lines. Each of these priority species has a bespoke measure designed to protect and enhance their populations. These measures can be viewed in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Some of the priority species require action in very specific locations such as the Adder (found in Heathland), some species require action across a larger landscape such as Willow Tit (which require the creation and management of Wet Woodland), and some species are wide spread and haven't been mapped, such as Hedgehog because measures for these species should be considered across the whole strategy area.

Map 6 Priority Species (Vascular Plants and Lichen): This map shows where rare vascular plants and lichen have been recorded. In total there are 77 vascular plants and 6 lichen which are found at 3 or fewer sites across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. These species require special protection and have bespoke measures shown in the map. To protect the exact location of these species, 2km squares have been used to identify their general location. To find out more about these species please contact the LLR LNRS email address and the Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Record Centre (LRERC).

Who are the maps for?

The Local Habitat Map is a valuable resource for anyone interested in contributing to nature recovery efforts. Whether you're a landowner looking to enhance biodiversity on your property, a conservation group planning new projects, or a local planner aiming to integrate nature into future development, this map provides the guidance you need.

For Farmers, landowners and managers: The map Identifies areas where ecological connections or habitat improvements could be made.
For Conservationists: The map shows priority areas for habitat restoration, creation and protection efforts.
For Developers and Planners: Integrate the map's guidance into local planning to ensure that future developments contribute to, rather than detract from, local biodiversity goals. They recognise that the areas of mapped measures are of ‘high strategic significance’ in BNG metric (Biodiversity Net Gain).
For Residents: The map enables everyone to look closely at their area and where possible, contribute to nature recovery goals both locally and at landscape scale.
Public bodies and others interested in the wider benefits of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Why Is This Important?

The Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland strategy area is home to a diverse range of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife. However, many species are under threat due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. The Local Habitat Map is a key tool in addressing these challenges, supporting efforts to restore nature across the landscape, combat biodiversity loss, and contribute to the national and global objectives for nature recovery.

By identifying areas of both existing ecological value and opportunities for enhancement, we can work together to ensure that nature thrives for future generations.

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Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name	Paul Killip
Phone	0116 3051356
Email	llrlnrs@leics.gov.uk

Making Space for Nature

Links

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Development

Hedgerow Density Per Kilometre Squares

Woodland

Woodlands are vital ecosystems that support a rich diversity of species and provide essential services such as carbon capture and storage, water management, air purification, and recreational spaces for communities. Protecting and enhancing, creating, and expanding, and connecting woodland habitats will not only improve biodiversity but also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaption, and enhance the wellbeing of residents by providing accessible natural spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Freshwater

Freshwater habitats, including rivers, canals, lakes, and wetlands, are critical for supporting aquatic life and providing clean water for human use. These habitats also play a key role in flood regulation and water purification. By protecting, enhancing, and connecting freshwater habitats and wider catchment habitats, we will improve water quality, increase resilience to flooding, and support a diverse range of species, while also ensuring that local communities have access to clean water and recreational opportunities.

Grasslands

Grasslands are home to a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. These habitats are important for pollinators, soil health, and carbon storage. Protecting and enhancing, creating and expanding, and connecting important grassland habitats will boost biodiversity, improve agricultural productivity through better pollination services, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Moreover, well-managed grasslands provide beautiful landscapes for public enjoyment and promote cultural and historical connections to the land.

Urban

Urban habitats, including parks, gardens, and green roofs, are increasingly important as cities expand. These habitats provide essential green spaces for urban wildlife and enhance the quality of life for residents by offering recreational spaces and reducing the urban heat island effect. Protecting, enhancing, and connecting urban habitats will support biodiversity within cities, promote mental and physical health among residents, and contribute to climate resilience by managing stormwater and reducing temperatures. Retaining existing green and blue habitats in urban areas also contributes to the national environmental objective that everyone in England lives within a 15-minute walk of woodlands, wetlands, parks, canals, and rivers.

Agricultural

Agricultural habitats - vital for food production - also have the potential to support a wide range of wildlife through sustainable farming practices. Protecting, enhancing, and connecting agricultural habitats can increase biodiversity on farmland, improve soil health, and support pollinators, essential for crop production. In addition, promoting sustainable agriculture can enhance food security and provide economic benefits to local communities.

Open mosaic habitats

Open mosaic habitats on previously developed land are characterised by a mix of bare ground, grassland, scrub, and wetland, providing unique opportunities for colonising species and biodiversity. Protecting, enhancing, and connecting these habitats will help to sustain rare and specialist species, improve landscape diversity, and contribute to the ecological recovery of degraded lands. These habitats also offer opportunities for community engagement in restoration projects and can serve as unique recreational spaces.

Green and blue corridors

Sometimes referred to as Nature Networks, green and blue corridors, such as hedgerows, railways, road verges, canals, rivers, and streams, are crucial for connecting fragmented habitats and allowing species to move freely across the landscape. Protecting, improving, and connecting these corridors will enhance ecological connectivity, support species migration, and increase resilience to climate change. Additionally, these corridors provide scenic routes for walking and cycling, promoting outdoor activities and enhancing the wellbeing of local communities.

Geodiversity

Geodiversity, encompassing the variety of rocks, minerals, soils, and landforms, underpins the health of all other habitats. Protecting, enhancing, and connecting geodiversity sites will help to maintain soil health, support unique ecosystems, and conserve geological heritage. This also provides educational opportunities and promotes tourism, which can bring economic benefits to local communities.