1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. business plans

How to plan
for Nature
Action
planning
skills in
practice
Tr a i n e r ’ s m a n u a l
How to plan
for Nature
Trainer’s manual
Action planning skills in practice
Local skills for biodiversity
Integrating biodiversity into local plans and actions offers many opportunities for local
sustainable development. As a result of ongoing decentralisation, local administrations
have increasing responsibilities for the implementation of biodiversity related policies.
BD SKILLS developed a biodiversity training approach for local administrations’ staff
based on best available practice. Staff will be trained with the new material, allowing
them to better integrate biodiversity into local plans and actions. This will improve
their technical knowledge, skills and personal development and increase their value
on the job market influenced by the greening of the economy. National and regional
biodiversity related policy objectives will be better integrated at the local level.
Further information on www.biodiversityskills.eu
This document has been prepared as part of the international Leonardo da Vinci
Project “Local Skills for Biodiversity” carried out by a consortium of seven partners from
five Northwest European countries.
Project partners
ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation
Atelier technique des espaces naturels, France
Gelderse Natuur - en Milieufederatie, the Netherlands
Natureparif, France
Alfred Toepfer Akademie für Naturschutz, Germany
Natuurpunt Educatie, Belgium
Yorkshire and Humber Environment Trust, United Kingdom
Project leader and contact
ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation
P.O. Box 90154
NL-5000 LG Tilburg
The Netherlands
www.ecnc.org
Introduction
7
Preparing and giving the lectures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Organisation of the excursion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Running the working groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
Annexes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
How to plan for Nature?
General preparation of the training course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Action planning skills in practice
Contents
5
General preparation of the training course
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
General preparation
of the training course
Introduction
Several steps need to be taken to prepare a successful training. The full process is described below,
but not all steps necessarily apply to each and every situation. The training can be offer-driven
(the training provider actively looks for potential clients - municipalities) or demand-driven (the
municipality or other organisation wishing to offer the training to its staff organises the training
with its internal resources or contracts an external training provider). In reality both approaches are
likely to converge. The training material can either be used to provide the training in house, or to
find an external consultant to do so.
•
•
•
•
•
Preliminary steps for training providers and municipalities
Reaching an agreement on the type of training and the roles of the different
parties involved
Preparation of the training: identify and prepare excursion sites; adapt materials
(such as Powerpoint presentations and cases to the target group); invite the
potential trainees; prepare the background notes, organise transport, venues,
accommodation, food, excursion etc.
The training itself starts when participants arrive and ends when they leave after
the evaluation
Evaluation of the training and lessons learned
Preliminary steps
The identification of potential clients by a training provider should not be too difficult. Basically,
any municipality that does not have a comprehensive biodiversity action plan (or similar, such as a
green infrastructure plan) could benefit from having this training given to its staff.
7
General preparation of the training course
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Once municipalities have been identified, a request should be made to meet key staff (e.g. senior
planning officers, human resources managers) in order to present key components of the training
course and its benefits to the municipality and specific staff. These are:
•
•
•
Better capacity to locally transpose national requirements in implementing
biodiversity , water and planning regulations in a comprehensive way;
Increased ability to deal with various related spatial and environmental issues in an
integrated way;
Improved skills to identify and put to practical use the multiple benefits of
biodiversity and ecosystem services for local sustainable development.
The training can be used for various purposes and audiences. For example, it can be offered in an
abridged form to higher level policy and decision makers in order to demonstrate the value and
opportunities of working with nature at a local level. Organising a two-hour lecture based on power
point presentations, lecture notes and hand-outs based on Chapters 1 to 3 of the Handbook can
be sufficient for this purpose. Note that such a short introduction can be organised to promote the
training itself.
In its full format (see table below), it can be used to give formal training to planners or other staff
(or even stakeholders from outside the council) involved in the local planning process who recognise
the need for additional training in the view of their increasing responsibilities regarding the greening
of their planning activities to implement international agreements and reach national targets.
Deciding on the training format
Whether offer-driven (by a training provider) or demand-driven (by a municipality), the presentation
of the training opportunities and their benefits are likely to result in an agreement for the training
to take place. Various combinations of modules are possible for different types of audiences and to
adapt to the time and resources available.
A typical sequence of events for training is given below. It can be adapted according to the needs
and requirements of a short, intermediate or full training. Introductory “training” or promotion/
presentation (mainly for Heads of department, etc.): 2 hours, any time of day, including in the
evening. Full course: Several options can be considered when offering a full course. The package
Week 1
Short
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
1 two-hour lecture
Intermediate 2 one-hour lectures
2 one-hour 2 two-hour
lectures
working groups
Intermediate 4 one-hour lectures
compact
2 two-hour working groups
Full
2 one-hour lectures
Full compact
4 one-hour lectures
1 half-day excursion
2 two-hour working groups
8
2 one-hour 1 half-day
lectures
excursion
2 two-hour
working groups
General preparation of the training course
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
consisting of lectures, excursion and working groups can be offered in a two-day intensive training
(Full compact), or alternatively spread over a longer period of time, such as a series of four onehour lectures (one per week), followed by a half-day excursion and two working group sessions
(Full). An intermediate form could consist of only lectures and working groups.
Planning and preparation
Once the assignment and funding of the training have been confirmed, the steps towards practical
preparation can begin. For the complete version of the training (with possible overnight stay of
the trainees, several working groups and a field trip) thorough planning is essential. For the short
introduction based on the lecture only, less planning will be required.
Activities to think of as part of the preparation process:
• Agree on the date and venue;
• Organise the venue, accommodation, food and drinks (and as an option, evening entertainment);
• Identify (and brief) the trainer(s) / facilitator(s);
• Draft the programme;
• Send out invitation, registration form, background information and programme;
• Organise the excursion;
• Keep track of registrations and prepare stationery;
• Send out handbook and excursion briefing;
• Organise transfers (optional).
Agree on the date and venue: select a date well in the future in order to allow participants to
organise themselves, especially for the full version of the training including working groups and
excursion;
Organise the venue, accommodation, food and drinks, evening entertainment: take
good care of the practical organisation. A comfortable venue, food and drinks help to create a
setting conducive to a good meeting. If the training lasts more than a day, think of some evening
entertainment. Above all, the venue should allow for plenary sessions and breakout groups and
have projection facilities, flipcharts, etc.
Identify (and brief) the trainer(s) / facilitator(s): in most cases (except for the short introductory
lecture) it is advisable to have at least one lecturer and one facilitator (for groups up to 12
participants). For larger groups (e.g. 25 – 30 participants), up to two trainers and two facilitators
might be needed. Some trainers will be confident to present all or most of the subjects included in
the training. If not, different trainers / presenters should be found for specific subjects;
Drafting the programme: a draft programme is included as annex. It should be adapted to the
situation and the needs, but provides some useful references. Make sure to allow enough time for
questions and answers, for coffee breaks and for the exercises;
Send out invitation, registration form, background information and programme: send the
invitation well in advance (several weeks or months), especially if working groups and excursion are
included because such a programme will take a full day or two. Include a leaflet about the training
(available on the website) and draft a letter that underlines the benefits of participating in the training;
9
General preparation of the training course
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Organise the excursion: the key issue here is to ensure that you leave plenty of time for flexibility
in case of weather, transport or other difficulties;
Keep track of registrations and prepare stationery: print latest version of documents
(programme), and badges (or name tags) in the week before the training;
Send out handbook and excursion briefing: once the registration deadline has passed, and at least
two weeks before workshop, send the handbook (either hardcopy or link to the website), the revised
and detailed programme, including the description of the excursions to the registered participants;
Organise transfers and accommodation (optional).
The training itself - a typical programme
•
•
•
•
•
The following lays out a typical sequence of events for a full compact training event (2 days):
A more dynamic option is to alternate between lectures and exercises: first lecture (biodiversity),
exercise steps 1 & 2,
second lecture (policy framework), exercise steps 3 & 4;
third lecture (biodiversity and planning), exercise steps 5 & 6;
fourth lecture (communication), exercise step 7. This option requires that the exercises take
place in another room than the plenary lectures.
Part 1 (half day): Opening and lectures
Welcome
•
•
Refreshments are served
Registration desk with latest printed materials, registration list, badges, instructions
Plenary lecture
• Communication: power point slide with name of the training/presentation, date
and place projected
• Opening (by Mayor, Head of Department, Director,..)
• Health and safety instructions (escape routes etc). Check with the health and
safety officer.
• Presentation round
• First lecture: Biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Questions
• Coffee break
• Second lecture: Policy framework
• Questions
• Lunch / dinner
Part 2 (half day): Lectures and working groups
Plenary lecture (continued)
• Third lecture: Biodiversity and planning
• Questions
• Fourth lecture: Communication
10
General preparation of the training course
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
• Questions
• Coffee break
Working groups
• Introduction to working groups (details)
• Assemble the groups and assign the cases
• Exercise 1: What do we have?
• Exercise 2: What do we want?
• Working
• Lunch / dinner
Part 3 (half day) Excursion
Part 4 (half day): Working groups (part 2) and wrap up
Working groups
• Instructions for exercises part 2
• Exercise 3: How do we get there?
• Exercise 4: Presentation of the results and discussion
Closing
• Evaluation
Wrap-up and closing of the training (optional handing out of certificates)
Materials checklist for the training
•
•
•
•
Flipchart, 4 colour markers for the
trainer
Laptop
Beamer
Screen
•
•
•
•
Notepad and pen for the trainees
Hand-outs
Coffee, tea, cookies for the breaks
Water and glasses on the tables
Evaluation
It is always useful to carry out an evaluation. This is an effective manner to receive specific feedback
on how to improve future training sessions. The results can also be used to promote future business.
A simple and easy way to gather some quick evaluation feedback from the group in plenary is to
draw a (two column) T-chart on a flipchart. In the first column you record “what was good” and in
the second “what could have been better”.
A draft evaluation form (in English) is given on the website for downloading. It can be used and
adapted according to the needs. Always try to carry out the evaluation as part of the training.
Ensure that the programme includes 15 minutes for the participants to fill out and hand in the form.
This is much better than asking them to fill out the form and send it back from home.
11
Preparing and giving the lectures
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Preparing and
giving the lectures
The lectures should be given by a trainer with a solid background in ecology and/or planning. This
can be an ecologist with interest and/or experience in planning or a planner with an interest and/
or experience in ecology. The trainer should ideally also have experience in making interesting
presentations and thus have some basic communication skills. Alternatively, an additional trainer
with specific expertise (e.g. ecology, communication, etc.) can be asked to make a presentation.
For this type of practical training, it is suggested that the participants should work as much as
possible in an interactive manner. The power point presentations and lecture notes (available
for download on the website) have been developed in such a way that they help and guide the
trainer to make the presentation interactive. By this we mean reaching a conclusion by querying
the participants before giving the “official” answer. This requires some flexibility and improvisation
skills from the trainer and a reasonable level of confidence about the subject matter.
Some basic generic presentations are given on the website that can be adapted to the needs. It is
always possible and useful to organise one or two guest lectures about real life projects, for example
about the site(s) to be visited as part of the excursion.
12
Organising the excursion
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Organising the excursion
Introduction
If carefully chosen and well-prepared, the site visit or excursion can be a very rewarding and useful
element in the training. Its value for the training increases if logical and mutually reinforcing links
can be established with the other course modules (especially the lectures and working groups).
Therefore preparation is of the essence, including a good briefing of the excursion leaders and site
managers.
1. Choice of the site or sites to visit
This is the most important decision to make, as it determines what the trainees will be able to see.
The site should be able to illustrate some key concepts that are dealt with as part of the training.
Alternatively, the site to visit could be selected to show a specific problem that could be addressed
as part of the exercise. Depending on the level of expertise of participants, the result of the exercise
could then be fed back to the municipality as a suggestion for a solution. For timing reasons the
choice of the site should preferably be made at the same time as the choice for the location of
the training. Trainees have generally little time to spend on training, so time should not be wasted
in travel to and from the excursion site. Therefore, look for a suitable site as near as possible to
the training venue, or alternatively, try and organise the training on, or as near as possible to, the
excursion site(s).
2. Contact and briefing of the local guide / excursion
leader
Establish contact with the municipality and explain the request and ask for a contact person. Have
the contact person suggest a local guide or excursion leader. It is important to have a guide the
trainees consider as their peer to explain the project. If the group mainly consists of spatial planners,
it is good to have a spatial planner explaining the background, issue, approach, activities and results
of the project, programme or plan. This will make it possible for the trainees and guide to “speak
the same language.” Alternatively, the suggestion can be made to have two guides (for example a
planner and an ecologist) and/or to include a presentation of an elected representative (alderman
or vice-mayor) in the programme to explain the policy context of the project.
Meet the contact person and the excursion leader in advance to:
•
•
Explain the aims and objectives of the training (e.g. bring the leaflet or a copy of the
handbook);
Describe the audience (education level, position, etc.);
13
Organising the excursion
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
•
•
•
Describe the role of the excursion as part of the training. What do you want the
excursion to convey to the participants;
Discuss if the project site could also serve as a case for the working groups, and if so,
if some materials (maps, reports, tables) could be made available1;
Agree on date and time.
Make sure that something of the original situation can be illustrated in order to show what the
project has achieved. This can be prepared by the municipality as part of an introductory speech
(with PowerPoint) on the day of the excursion.
3. Planning
Checklist for planning and
organising an excursion
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Set objective (what should the excursion
contribute to the training?)
Select the venue
Contact the municipality (or other
organisation(s) in charge) to make an
excursion request
Agree excursion date, time and possible
costs with contact person
Discuss the programme with excursion
guide and contact person
Organise transport and food (bring
drinks and sandwiches or make sure they
are available at the site)
Prepare excursion briefing for trainees,
based on material provided by contact
person / excursion guide
Include excursion briefing in training
pack
Ensure participants bring suitable
clothing (e.g. boots, waterproofs, etc.)
Bring a couple of spare waterproof
jackets or boots (if available) just in case
Confirm number of participants to
excursion contact person a few days
before
Depending on the time available, the excursion should last
a morning, an afternoon or a full day. Depending on the
situation (time available, size of sites, distance between sites,
etc.) one or more sites can be visited. Depending on the group
size, interests and backgrounds, two or more parallel excursions
to different sites (e.g. rural and urban) may be envisaged.
4. Briefing of the trainees
On basis of the material provided by the municipality,
prepare a briefing note on the excursion(s) to be included
in the training pack sent to the trainees in advance of the
course. If there are two or more simultaneous excursions,
which could be the case with a large group, then the briefing
helps trainees make their choice. The briefing note should
ideally contain a description of the site, the background,
the problem and a hint of the solution. Include a map and
pictures if possible. The note should also mention possible
special preparation such as bringing adapted clothing and
footwear.
5. Programme template
This draft programme should be adapted according to the
situation, but it gives some general guidelines.
1 Maps should be printable on A0 or A1 format and show important topographical features. Smaller maps could be provided showing
themes such as infrastructure, hydrology, land use and natural habitats. Reports should be concise and contain descriptions of the
habitats, land use and some economic figures. Finally, the problem, challenge or development should be described in terms as simple as
the examples given in Annex 4.
14
Organising the excursion
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Eve of excursion
Brief participants:
• make clear what time and place they should assemble, and what to bring (e.g.
boots, camera, etc.)
• distribute hand-outs (map, background of the project, etc.)
Excursion day
Hh:mm from start
Activity
00:00
assemble for the excursion
00:15
get in buses
00:30
arrival at the municipality
00:45
welcome by the Mayor or his representative
01:00
PowerPoint presentation of the project by the local planner / ecologist
(background, problem issue, objectives, activities, results).
01:15
questions and discussion
01:30
transfer to the site
01:45
visit of the site
transfer to the second site (optional, if so, add 15 minutes)
visit of the second site (optional, if so, add 60 minutes)
02:45
04:00
transfer back to the municipality
03:00
04:15
short visit of the planning department to see the maps, reports, GIS
relating to the project, including possibility to talk to some people
working on the project/theme and to ask questions
03:15
04:30
travel back to the training venue
03:30
04:45
arrival at the training venue, and short coffee / refresh break
04:00
05:15
wrap up: in case of more excursions, short presentation of the
excursions in plenary and discussion
15
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Running the working
groups
The aim of the working groups is to train the participants to recognise and develop nature-based
solutions to common spatial planning challenges. The exercise presupposes that the students
have read the biodiversity training manual, have attended the lectures and participated in an
on-site visit.
Planning is more than a bottom-down knowledge-based application of simple rules. It involves
carefully balancing of a wide range of competing interests. This is made even more complicated
because in many regions pressure on the limited spatial resources is very high. There is a
concentration of socio-economic functions, and just decisions have to be made to attribute enough
of these spatial resources to the various competing activities.
Checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trainer’s notes
Power point presentation
General hand-outs for the students
Standard landscape descriptions
Colour prints of a varied landscape and/or
selected Google Earth views
2 flipchart sheets per group (to draw the
maps)
One set of markers (at least four different
colours each) per group
Sticky notes
2 flipcharts
A venue that allows plenary sessions and
break out groups (can be in the same
room)
A room with space and one large working
area (at least 100 x 100 cm) per group
A sticky wall (to fix the charts)
A laptop
A projector
A screen
This exercise is done in groups of three to six, depending
on the total number of participants. Each group will have
a simple situation to mimic in such a way as to encourage
the participants to think in terms of nature-based solutions
to common planning challenges, but taking other policy
priorities into account.
This exercise is aimed at identifying the opportunities for
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem
services in the development planning in a local setting,
through a participative ecosystem-based approach with a
focus on green infrastructure.
Four cases2 will be addressed in which specific socio-economic
and ecological challenges need to be resolved. Learning
benefits will not come from trainers alone, but especially
from the pooling of experience among the participants. The
exercise is devised to maximise the participation and sharing
of ideas and experience.
2 Instead of described (realistic but invented) cases provided as part of this training, the trainer may wish to use a real case instead, for
example the excursion site. This requires some more preparation, but is more challenging or interesting for certain audiences.
16
Running the working groups
•
•
Draw the map of a landscape according to the guidelines
Map the socio-economic and ecological features of the
landscape
Step 2: Evaluate the landscape features
•
Describe and value the biodiversity assets and ecosystem
services in the landscape feature description form
Step 3: Formulate the policy context
•
Formulate 1 to 5 environment policies according to the
instructions
Step 4: Present and discuss the maps, features and policy
context in plenary
•
Presentation and discussion
Step 5: Prepare the planning assignment
3
(in groups)
[30 minutes]
(in groups)
[30 minutes]
(in groups)
[30 minutes]
(in plenary)
[40 minutes]
(in groups or individually)
•
Compare your landscape feature valuation with the
standard forms Annex 2
[15 minutes]
•
Think and/or talk about the assignment for the next day
(individually or in small groups)
[15 minutes]
Step 6: Develop the planning proposals
•
Identify the opportunities and constraints for a
development policy or project (given by the trainer)
subject to the constraints of the nature/environment
policies developed as part of Step 3
Step 7: Present, review and discuss the planning proposals
How to plan for Nature?
Step 1: Map the landscape and its features
Action planning skills in practice
This part of the training consists of seven steps, including some light homework:
(in groups)
[60 minutes]
(in plenary)
•
Present the results before a panel (each group acts as a
review committee / stakeholder group for one of the other
groups)
[40 minutes]
•
Moderated discussion and wrap-up
[20 minutes]
3 In case the training is given over a two day period, this assignment can be given as homework.
17
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Forming the groups and getting started
In order to separate friends or colleagues sitting next to each other and to promote some mixing
if the group is heterogeneous, form the groups by going through the group and pointing to each
participant while repeatedly counting aloud from one to four (or the number corresponding to the
number of groups if different from 4). Ask each one to remember his or her number; this corresponds
to their group.
Each number (or group) is given a case. These cases can be the four landscapes provided as part of
this manual:
•
•
•
•
Group 1: A small rural village
Group 2: A natural upland protected area
Group 3: A coastal port facility
Group 4: A large urban area
Alternatively, for example if the group mainly consists of urban planners, the same landscape (e.g.
large urban area) can be used by all subgroups.
Another possibility is to use other real or partly imagined cases based on specific cases one wishes
to address; for example a site or project included in the excursion. For this, prior contact needs to be
established with the site manager, to obtain some basic maps and data.
If the tables where they work are in another room, make sure you have placed the flipchart sheets,
the markers, the instructions and the forms, and clearly indicated the group numbers.
If the groups stay in the same room, have the participants rearrange the tables so as to have four
large table areas (100 by 100 cm) in the corners of the room and have the trainers distribute the
materials.
Tell the participants that they should:
•
•
•
go and sit at one of the large table corresponding to their group (this should be
clearly indicated);
choose / appoint one rapporteur per group;
check they have all the materials (the list is projected on the screen).
For each exercise, always inform the groups about the total time they get to complete the
assignment. You can project the expected end time on the screen. Inform them when they are
halfway and when there are 5 minutes left (for assignments of up to 30 minutes) and 10 minutes
left (for exercises of 60 minutes). The trainers and assistants should walk among the groups, monitor
progress, and assist if there are any doubts.
18
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Step 1: Mapping the landscape and its features
[30 minutes]
Give the following instructions to the groups:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The objective of this exercise is to train your ability to think of the landscape in terms
of the various types of benefits it offers to society, and to understand that multiple
services and goods can be provided by a same landscape feature (for example a
woodland, a park, a field, an industrial estate);
For this you will first jointly draw the landscape according to the instructions
and then assess the values or benefits each of the features you included in your
landscape.
On a flipchart sheet draw the map in 2D map view or 3D landscape view, as
preferred, but in accordance with the instructions on the Assignment sheet for
Steps 1 & 2 Annex 1 (page 24); You can use the available prints as inspiration, but you can also use your
imagination or a combination of both;
Identify each map feature (e.g. broadleaved forest, road, village, wetland, etc.) with a
number or code to refer to the Landscape feature valuation form Annex 2 (page
29);
Other features may be added; please be creative, but keep it manageable (no more
than 15 different features in total);
You have 30 minutes for this exercise.
Step 2: Assessing the landscape values
[30 minutes]
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fill out the Landscape feature valuation form based on a rapid valuation
using the best judgment of the group. Do not go into details and start with the
three first rows (biodiversity, economic and social values). For a natural full grown
forest, biodiversity value is obviously higher than for an industrial estate. It is these
differences that should become clear in the form. Describe values in terms of 0=nil,
1= low, 2= moderate, 3= high, 4= very high (5 categories);
Try and keep the momentum going in a brainstorm-like way. Do not discuss
individual suggestions or ideas in first instance, but just write down all suggestions
from the group;
If time permits, go through the list and discuss the ecosystem services one by one
and agree on the most important services per feature on the list;
For example, a forest feature would typically provide fibre and fuel (wood), water
regulation, climate mitigation etc.). Refer to the chapter on ecosystem services of the
handbook and/or Annex 5 (page 61), if needed;
The rapporteur should keep in mind that (s)he will have make a five minute
presentation on the landscape and its social, economic and ecological values,
threats and opportunities;
You have 30 minutes for this exercise.
19
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Landscape feature descriptions in Annex 4 (page 34) can be used by the trainers as reference to
inspire the groups or help them one step further. These feature descriptions should, however, not be
distributed to the groups yet.
At the end of Step 2, tell the groups that the exercise is to be concluded, and that we have finalised
an important part of the exercise: the situation analysis, valuing the features of the landscape for
which we are going to develop a plan based on the ecosystem approach.
Step 3: Formulate the policy context
[30 minutes]
We now proceed with the next step, defining our local nature conservation policies.
Tell the groups:
•
•
•
•
•
The objective of this exercise is to train your ability to understand and develop local
environmental conservation policies that help you weigh your options in terms of
biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation;
Together with the map, and the assessment of landscape features, these policies will
be used to set the context for the planning challenge you will be presented with in
the next exercise;
Therefore, as part of this exercise, the next step is to define some nature conservation
policies you think development plans in your area should comply with;
You have 30 minutes to write one (comprehensive) or up to five (specific) naturerelated policies that should reflect some of the following objectives:
• Protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• No net loss of biodiversity or ecosystem services: mitigation or
compensation of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Priority for ecosystem-based solutions in local development plans and
projects;
• Opportunities for or restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• Communication, education and public participation; Model policies Annex 6 (page 63) are available for inspiration.
Step 4: Presentation and discussion
[40 minutes]
Call the participants back to the room and tell them:
• The objective of this part is to further enhance your understanding of biodiversity
and ecosystem benefits, the threats and opportunities that exist for nature at local
level;
• Presentation of the four landscapes and assets will be followed by a discussion, so
that all participants obtain a general view of all the values, benefits, threats and
opportunities that have been identified;
• Each group gets 5 minutes to present the landscape and its associated social,
economic and natural values;
20
Running the working groups
•
Action planning skills in practice
•
Identify features with potential for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity
and ecosystem services (e.g. nature restoration/recreation in low-lying fields);
Identify areas and features where biodiversity and ecosystem services might
be threatened (e.g. road hampering ecological connectivity between two highbiodiversity value features);
Each presentation will be followed by a 5-minute discussion of each landscape that
should focus mainly on the biodiversity and ecosystem services identified and the
likely bottlenecks for animal and plant conservation (and migration).
How to plan for Nature?
•
Step 5: Prepare the planning assignment*
[30 minutes]
Distribute the corresponding assignment and standard landscape valuation tables (Annex 4, page
34) to each group.
Tell the participants:
• You have received a standard description of your landscape, which you may want to
compare with your results. Both your work and the standard form are imaginary and
based on best available knowledge, so none holds the truth. Combining both will
only probably give you a richer basis for tomorrow’s exercise;
• For tomorrow, please read the assignment carefully, think about it, perhaps discuss
it informally over coffee or during the field trip, so that tomorrow you already have
some ideas about the planning exercise;
• Tomorrow you will review the local policy / development request and apply it to your
local nature and development policies and the map;
• The result you should come up with after the planning exercise is to describe the
process that lead to the decision you made. Make a clear distinction between
economic, social and ecological opportunities and constraints and identify the areas
where co-benefits can be exploited, with special reference to ecosystem services
and wider societal opportunities (such climate change adaptation and mitigation,
health, leisure etc.);
• The local policy and development requests are (see your assignment sheet):
• Urban: plan for better water regulation (urban flood control) and
brownfield development;
• Coastal: extension of the container terminal. A dock of 20 ha should be
added;
• Village: a 10 ha public housing project or sports complex;
• Rural: regional sustainable energy development;
• The precise wording and details are given in the assignment sheet that we
circulated.
• Any questions?
21
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Step 6: Develop the planning proposals
[60 minutes]
The groups should assemble at the same tables as yesterday, with their maps, markers, filled-out
forms, instructions and policies.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Welcome back;
In the next 60 minutes you will discuss the ideas you thought about individually
or in (small) groups to solve the planning challenge that was given to your group
yesterday as part of the homework;
Each group should appoint a chairperson to lead the discussions;
First discuss the planning request in terms of the nature conservation policies.
Questions you might ask include:
• Are there any likely conflicts between the proposed planning request and
the policies you defined in the previous exercise?
Then look at the map and discuss locations, their opportunities and constraints in
terms of social, economic and ecological values. Questions you might ask include:
• Are there locations where the planned development cannot take place, or
can take place only if compensation or mitigation is ensured?
• Are there combined solutions where compensation, preferably on the basis
of ecosystem services, can result in a no net loss solution?
• Are there opportunities for nature compensation, restoration or creation?
The special focus of this exercise as opposed to a traditional planning decision
should be that you adopt the ecosystems approach (see page 25 of the
Handbook) and thus give extra attention to:
• The landscape as a system, i.e. solutions for local problems might need
off-site ecological measures (i.e. creating natural buffers such as wetlands
and or natural meanders upstream in order to reduce peak flows and
flooding in the low-lying areas);
• Opportunities offered by green infrastructure, also to solve problems
traditionally addressed by civil engineering.
Expected results for this exercise are:
• A well-founded and thorough analysis of the planning request taking into
account the specificities of the landscape map, the landscape feature values
and policies formulated as part of Step 2;
• An assessment of the possible impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem
services and their mitigation and / or compensation;
• As your group will be asked to present its planning decision , make sure not
only to have a clear planning proposal, but also remember the arguments
that led to specific decisions and choices.
Once the planning decisions have been made and impacts assessed (trainers should keep track of
progress and support groups that don’t get on well), results will be presented and discussed.
22
Running the working groups
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Step 7: Presentation, review and discussion
[60 minutes]
The trainer explains that for each group one of the other groups is appointed as a stakeholder
panel.
•
•
•
The aim of this exercise is to train the skills to promote a planning proposals from
the nature conservation perspective, also when confronted with the interests of
other stakeholders;
Each group presents the results of its assignment and how it solved the issue;
Each one of the groups (trainer to appoint for example according to the scheme
presented below) will act as a stakeholder panel that will comment on the
planning decision made by another group;
•
•
•
Groups reviewing each other's work:
e.g. group 4 acts as stakeholder
group reviewing proposal of group 1.
The main role of reviewing the
proposal and decision is reserved to
for stakeholder panel. As part of the
exercise, each one of the members of the
stakeholder review group will be asked to
comment on the presented plan;
Others in the room may comment on the
basis of individual request. The facilitator
moderates the discussion, may also
question the presenters and give the floor
to anyone wishing to comment;
Comments and review should be
constructive and lead to a discussion
on strengths and weaknesses of the
presented results. The focus should not be
on the final value of the results but more
on the learning process.
23
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 1
The four cases
In this section we describe four standard landscape types that can be used as cases in the working
groups:
•
•
•
•
A small historic rural village
A natural upland rural area
A coastal port facility
A large urban area
Source: http://www.biodiversityplanningtoolkit.com/ (reproduced with permission of ALGE)
24
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Small historic rural village
The small historic rural village is set in a gently rolling agricultural landscape, with some farms,
woodlands and wood plantations. It is connected to the nearby town by a regional road which
crosses a small stream. The stream is used by migratory fish to reach their spawning grounds in the
nearby highlands. There is a disused quarry nearby. Features to include in the landscape map are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A.1. Arable Wheat, Maize or Potato fields in intensive use
A.2. Arable Rye or Flax fields in extensive use
A.3. Old growth forest – protected, at least two separate areas
A.4. Historic village centre
A.5. Modern housing estate, houses with gardens
A.6. Small river valley with a stream and semi-natural hay fields
A.7. Regional road with natural verges
A.8. Bridge over the stream
A.9. Hedgerows
A.10. Abandoned quarry
Optional, up to five additional features:
•
•
•
•
•
A.11.
A.12.
A.13.
A.14.
A.15.
25
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Regionally protected natural upland area
The upland area is a regionally protected landscape (IUCN category VI: Protected area with
sustainable use of natural resources). The stream in the valley is used by migratory fish to spawn.
There are rare and protected birds nesting in the highest parts of the uplands. Calcareous meadows
are favoured by numerous rare flowers (Orchids) and insects (especially butterflies). It consists of
the following main landscape elements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
B.1. Upland calcareous grasslands
B.2. Scrubs
B.3. Stone walls
B.4. Upland hay meadows
B.5. Upland stream and damp meadows
B.6. Upland broadleaved or mixed forest
B.7. Mediaeval castle ruins
B.8. Active stone quarry
B.9. Golf course
B.10. Regional road with natural verges
Optional, up to five additional features:
•
•
•
•
•
26
B.11.
B.12
B.13
B.14.
B.15.
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Coastal port facility
An industrial port with industry is located in the estuary of a river, in the near vicinity of valuable
coastal habitats (salt marshes and grazed meadows), and a beach used by locals for tourism and
recreation. There is transport infrastructure to and from the port (train and road). These features
should be included on the map and in the assessment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
C.1. Coastal lagoon
C.2. Salt marsh
C.3. Sandy beach
C.4. Cliffs
C.5. Coastal grazed meadows
C.6. Wheat fields
C.7. Docks
C.8. Container terminal
C.9. Coastal dunes
C.10. Hedgerows
Optional, up to five additional features:
•
•
•
•
•
C.11.
C.12.
C.13.
C.14.
C.15.
27
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Large urban area
A large urban area is located in the foothills of an upland area. It is a main centre of economic
activity, with a business area, an industrial area, a transport hub (railway station, road network),
a commercial area and housing. There are some green spaces (urban park, peri-urban green
fringe with allotments, tree lined avenues). Around the city are some arable fields that are slowly
encroached by urban sprawl. Landscape features to include on the map:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
D.1. Train station
D.2. Brownfields
D.3. Urban park
D.4. High rise buildings
D.5. Densely built up urban centre
D.6. Tree-lined roads
D.7. Industrial Estate
D.8. Historic centre
D.9. Arable fields
D.10. Allotments
Optional, up to five additional features:
•
•
•
•
•
28
D.11.
D.12.
D.13.
D.14.
D.15.
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 2
Landscape feature
valuation form to guide
decisions
Landscape feature 
The purpose of the table is to help you as a group to carry out a rapid assessment of your landscape
in terms of social, economic and natural benefits and ecosystem services, based on your pooled
best judgement. First, write all your landscape features in the first row. Then, fill in the numbers
(0 to 4) corresponding to the values in the cells for each landscape feature / benefit combination.
Most valuations will be quite straightforward, and you shouldn’t need to discuss them at length
(e.g. Old growth forest has very high (4) biodiversity value, “arable field – intensive use” has high
(3) economic value and low (1) biodiversity value). Start with the scoring of biodiversity, economic
and social value. If time permits, fill out the ecosystem services.
Value 
Biodiversity
value
Economic value
Social value
ES – provisioning – food
29
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
ES – provisioning – fuel / fibre
ES – regulating – carbon
sequestration
ES – regulating
– clean water
ES – regulation
– flood control
ES – support –
nutrient cycling
ES – cultural –
recreation
*Valuation: 0 = nil; 1 = low; 2 = moderate; 3 = high; 4 = very high
30
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 3
Assignments for
steps 1 to 3
Assignment sheet for Step 1 – mapping the landscape
Objective: The objective of this exercise (steps 1 and 2) is to train your ability to think of the
landscape in terms of the various types of benefits it offers to society, and to understand
that multiple services and goods can be provided by the same landscape feature (for
example a woodland, a park, a field, an industrial estate);
•
•
•
•
For this you will first jointly draw the landscape according to the instructions
and then assess the values or benefits each of the features you included in your
landscape.
On a flipchart sheet spread out on the table, draw a map in 2D map view or 3D
landscape view, as preferred, with 10 landscape features listed on your landscape
description. You may also add a few of your own features, but keep the total
number under 15. Standard landscape pictures and Google maps are available
for inspiration if needed (ask the trainer), but it is better for the group to pool their
imagination.
Identify each map feature (e.g. broadleaved forest, road, village, wetland etc.) with
a number or code to refer to the Landscape feature valuation form;
You have 30 minutes for this exercise.
Expected result: A map of the landscape with the listed features.
31
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annexes
Assignment sheet for Step 2 – Evaluating the landscape
features
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fill out the Landscape feature valuation form based on a rapid valuation
using the best judgment of the group. Do not go into details. For a natural
full grown forest, biodiversity value is obviously higher than for an industrial
estate. It is these differences that should become clear in the form. Describe
values in terms of 0=nil, 1= low, 2= moderate, 3= high, 4= very high (5
categories);
Try and keep the momentum going in a brainstorm-like way. Do not discuss
individual suggestions or ideas in first instance, but just write down all
suggestions from the group;
If time permits, go through the list and discuss the ecosystem services one
by one and agree on the most important services per feature on the list;
For example, a forest feature would typically provide fibre and fuel (wood),
water regulation, climate mitigation etc.). Refer to the chapter on ecosystem
services of the handbook if needed;
The rapporteur should keep in mind that he will have to make a five minute
presentation on the landscape and its social, economic and ecological
values, threats and opportunities of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
You have 30 minutes for this exercise.
Make a rapid description of each mapped feature on the landscape feature valuation form
by assessing:
•
•
•
•
the biodiversity value (nil, low, moderate, high, very high);
the economic value (nil, low, moderate, high, very high);
the social value (nil, low, moderate, high, very high);
the types of ecosystem services it provides (e.g. water regulation, food
production, aesthetic value etc.). See handbook and Annex 4 for examples
and explanation, or ask the trainer.
Expected result: A list of mapped features and a rapid assessment of their biodiversity,
economic and social values described using the landscape feature valuation form.
32
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annexes
Assignment for Step 3 – formulating the policy context
Objective: The objective of this exercise is to train your ability to understand and develop
local environmental conservation policies that help you weigh your options in terms of
biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation;
•
•
Together with the map, and the assessment of landscape features, these
policies will be used to set the context for the planning challenge you will be
presented with in the next exercise;
Therefore, as part of this exercise, the next step is to define some nature
conservation policies you think development plans in your area should
comply with;
Formulate one to five biodiversity and ecosystem services policies that together must
address the following objectives:
1. Protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
2. No net loss of biodiversity or ecosystem services: mitigation or
compensation of lost biodiversity and ecosystem services;
3. Priority for ecosystem-based solutions in local development plans and
projects;
4. Opportunities for or restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
5. Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
6. Communication, education and public participation.
•
•
You have 30 minutes to write one (comprehensive) or up to five (specific)
nature-related policies
Model policies are available for inspiration.
Expected result: A list of local policies for biodiversity conservation planning.
33
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 4
Assignment for Step 6:
Developing the planning
proposal
As part of the previous exercise, you have filled out the “Landscape feature valuation form” and
made a rapid assessment of the ecosystem, ecological and social values / benefits of the landscape
features.
A specific planning request has been formulated for each of the cases. They are presented in the
boxes on the following pages. Attached to each assignment you will find a number of tables that
present a possible outcome for each landscape feature with an additional column giving some
more details about the values assigned (these may differ somewhat from what your group has
come up with).
You can compare your results with the information given below, or use the values in the tables if you
weren’t able to finalise the exercise. On the project website you will find the complete list of species
referred to in this exercise with links to pictures and description.
The purpose of these tables is to give you some more contextual information (characteristic
species, activities and processes) that might be helpful in the planning exercise. By design, the list
is illustrative, not comprehensive and therefore does not include some obvious species. If you know
these, you can include them yourselves.
Note: The information presented in these tables does not reflect the results of a specific survey or
assessment. For instance, not all the species occur everywhere but they do generally reflect the
habitats as they occur in Western Europe and their likely value. These are not intended for “real”
situations, outside the context of this exercise – although they are based on “real” information.
34
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Small historic rural village
Assignment sheet for Step 6 – planning proposal
Determine the location for a 10 ha development for either a sports facility or a housing
estate. If the area is used for a sporting facility, compensation must be made for housing by
the construction of a high-rise building closer to the centre of the village.
Refer to the mapped landscape features and their values in relation to the nature
conservation policies you formulated as part of exercise Steps 1 and 2. The cases of
best practice in the handbook (summary) and on the website (full description) can provide
some additional inspiration.
You have 60 minutes to complete this exercise
Expected results:
1. A well-founded choice for the development of the 10 ha, including the
choice for its location
2. An assessment of the possible impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem
services and their mitigation and / or compensation
Description of the landscape features
A.1. Arable fields intensive use: Wheat, Maize, Potato
Biodiversity value
low
Ploughing, fertilising, spraying, drainage kill many of the species
Characteristic species
few
Birds: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Partridge
Endangered species (protected)
few
Mammals: European Hamster
Direct economic value
high
High inputs, high yields
Social value
moderate
Farming is a way of life, some work in farming
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
high
High yields of corn and potato
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
moderate
Straw can be used as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- low
tion
Ploughing leads to oxidation of soil organic matter. There is no perennial vegetation to store carbon either
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Silt, pesticides and fertilisers in run-off and infiltrated water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Ploughed fields reduce infiltration, increase run-off that results in flooding downstream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrient cycles are disrupted through suppression of natural vegetation, low soil biodiversity and artificial fertiliser application
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
People like to walk and cycle through the fields
35
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
A.2. Arable fields extensive use: Rye, Flax
Biodiversity value
moderate
Ploughing, drainage kills some the species, but limited use of fertilisers
and pesticides means that characteristic fields species can survive
Characteristic species
few
Plant: Large Venus’s-looking-glass, Cornflower, Common Corncockle;
Birds: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Partridge, Quail
Endangered species (protected)
few
Birds: Montagu’s Harrier, Hen Harrier; Mammals: European Hamster
Direct economic value
moderate
Low inputs, moderate yields
Social value
moderate
Farming is a way of life, some work in farming
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
high
High yields of rye
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
high
Flax is used as a natural fibre, Straw can be used as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- low
tion
Ploughing leads to oxidation of soil organic matter. There is no perennial vegetation to store carbon either
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Silt in run-off water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Ploughed fields reduce infiltration, increase run-off that results in flooding downstream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrient cycles are disrupted through suppression of natural vegetation, low soil biodiversity and artificial fertiliser application
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
People like to walk and cycle through the fields, especially if they are
rich in flowers
Biodiversity value
Very high
Forest largely left unmanaged, well-structured and stratified, high dead
wood content
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Pedunculate Oak, Common Hornbeam, May Lily, Herb-Paris;
Birds: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Red Kite, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Wood Warbler; Mammals:
Badger, Noctule, Leisler’s Bat, Bechstein’s Bat
Endangered species (protected)
many
Plants: Birds Nest Orchid; Insects: Stag Beetle, White Admiral, Tanner;
Amphibians: Fire Salamander; Birds: Honey Buzzard; Mammals: Pine
Marten
Direct economic value
low
Some wood cutting
Social value
moderate
Some labour in the forestry operations and ranger
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms and berries
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Some wood cutting
A.3. Old growth forest - protected
36
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- high
tion
Much carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
Very high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Very high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and surface run-off is minimised
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
high
Nutrient cycles are natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
People like to walk and cycle through the woods
Annexes
moderate
Monoculture of introduced conifer species, managed for straight and
uniform stems limits the habitat provision for local species
Characteristic species
few
Fungi: Yellow Knight, Jersey Cow Mushroom, Plums-and-Custard;
Moths: Pine-Tree Lappet; Plants: Spruce; Birds: Crossbill, Crested Tit
Endangered species (protected)
few
Mammals: Pine Marten
Direct economic value
high
Building wood
Social value
moderate
Some labour in the forestry operations
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms and berries
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
high
Wood production
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- high
tion
Much carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and surface run-off is minimised
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are more or less natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
People like to walk and cycle through the woods, although less so in
forest plantations
Biodiversity value
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, many species have
adapted to this built habitat. Small adaptations (green roofs, natural
gardens) can increase the biodiversity value. Old buildings (cracks and
crevices) have generally more options for urban wildlife
Characteristic species
some
Plants: Yellow Corydalis, Black Spleenwort, Maidenhair Spleenwort, IvyLeaved Toadflax; Birds: Black Redstart; Common Swift;
Endangered species (protected)
few
Birds: Barn Owl; Mammals: Geoffroy’s Bat, Brown Long-Eared Bat
Direct economic value
Very high
High price of real estate, high value of local retail and tourism
Social value
high
Much labour in retail, municipality etc.
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
A.4. Conifer plantation
A.5. Historic village centre
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- nil
tion
No trees or soil to sequester carbon. Perhaps some carbon stored in the
construction wood (beams)
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration
to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of water
contaminated by urban pollution.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration
to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of water.
No buffering from vegetation and infiltration
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulphur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Absolute value for tourism recreation is high, but not as a result of an
ecosystem service
37
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
A.6. Modern housing estate, houses with gardens
Biodiversity value
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, many species have
adapted to this built habitat. Small adaptations (green roofs, natural
gardens) can increase the biodiversity value. The buildings themselves
offer little opportunities for urban wildlife, but Bat boxes, nest boxes
and insect hotels can improve the situation. Gardens offer great opportunities if managed in a biodiversity friendly way
Characteristic species
some
Insects: Small White, Peacock, Swallowtail; Birds: Blackbird, Great Tit,
Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Serin, Goldfinch; Mammals: Red
Fox, Hedgehog;
Endangered species (protected)
Nil
Mammals: Common Pipistrelle
Direct economic value
high
High price of real estate
Social value
Very high
Important for living
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced, except for insignificant small garden production
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- low
tion
Some trees and soil to sequester carbon.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Partial surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration. Some direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by urban pollution.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Partial surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration. Some direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by urban pollution.
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted and poorly regulated by
the scarce vegetation.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
nil
No value for tourism and recreation neither as a result of an ecosystem
service or culture or history
A.7. Small river valley with a stream and semi-natural hay fields
38
Biodiversity value
high
Valley and stream largely left unmanaged, well-structured and stream
flows freely, although some pollutants in the water (from village and
fields). The humid meadows are a very rich and threatened habitat.
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Greater Yellow-Rattle; Insects: Banded Demoiselle, Small PearlBordered Fritillary, Sooty Copper; ; Fish: Stone Loach, Brown Trout;
Birds: Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Sand Martin
Endangered species (protected)
many
Plants: Western Marsh Orchid, Great Burnet, Snake’s Head Fritillary,
Pepper Saxifrage, Field Scabious; Insects: Scarce Large Blue; Fish: Freshwater Bullrout, Spined Loach; Birds: Kingfisher, Whinchat, Corncrake
Direct economic value
low
Some hay cutting, and extensive pastures
Social value
moderate
Some labour in the hay cutting
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms, and fish in the stream
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
moderate
Hay for the animals
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- moderate
tion
Carbon stored in wet organic peaty soils, and grass roots
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
high
Water plants clean the water, infiltration is high in the hay fields
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
The valley floor is extensively used, as semi natural habitat where the
river can expand if the waters rise, reducing the peak flow downstream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
high
Nutrient cycles are semi natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Landscape is attractive for recreation and some outdoor sports such as
horse riding and canoeing
Annexes
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, some species have
adapted to the conditions of the road verges. The verges of the road
are managed in an ecological way (mowing once a year). Salt in winter
puts stress on some species, but creates special conditions for salt loving species. The road is an ecological barrier and causes many casualties among animals
Characteristic species
few
Plants: Early Scurvygrass, Buck’s Horn Plantain; Insects: Mining Bee,
Field Cricket; Birds: Kestrel, Carrion Crow
Endangered species (protected)
none
none
Direct economic value
Very high
The road is an essential part of the regional infrastructure for transport
of people and goods
Social value
high
The road is the main access from the village to the town, to the nature
and to the coast
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- nil
tion
No trees or soil to sequester carbon.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing asphalt reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of
direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by traffic
(salt, oil, rubber etc.)
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Road hampers natural flow of water through the landscape
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
nil
No recreational value linked to an ecosystem service
Biodiversity value
low
Although this is a human made environment, some species have
adapted to this built habitat. The bridge is a nesting place for Swallows,
Grey Wagtail and bats. The rock structure, and proximity to the water
offers a special habitat for rare plants (ferns)
Characteristic species
few
Arthropods: Bridge Spider; Birds: House Martin, Grey Wagtail, Dipper
Endangered species (protected)
few
Plants: Limestone Fern; Mammals: Daubenton’s Bat, Natterer’s Bat
Direct economic value
Very high
The bridge is an essential part of the regional infrastructure for transport of people and goods
Social value
high
The bridge is part of the main access from the village to the town, to
the nature and to the coast
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
A.8. Regional road with natural verges
A.9. Bridge over the stream
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- nil
tion
No trees or soil to sequester carbon.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing asphalt reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of
direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by traffic
(salt, oil, rubber etc.)
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Bridge hampers natural flow of water through the stream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
nil
No recreational value linked to an ecosystem service
39
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
A.10. Hedgerows
Biodiversity value
high
Important feature in the landscape for biodiversity. A linear natural element that acts as an ecological corridor, allowing plants and animals
to move between natural areas. It also buffers some processes in the
agricultural landscape (wind break, erosion control etc.)
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Common Hawthorn, Blackberry; Insects: Brown Hairstreak,
White-Letter Hairstreak; Birds: Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Lesser
Whitethroat; Mammals: Stoat, Hedgehog, Garden Dormouse
Endangered species (protected)
several
Amphibians: European Tree Frog; Birds: Red-Backed Shrike
Direct economic value
low
Some pruning for biofuels
Social value
low
Some labour to maintain the hedges
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms and Blackberries
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Some pruning for biofuels
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- moderate
tion
Some carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Shrubs intercept precipitation, mulch improves infiltration, water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
The relative role in flood control of a hedgerow in an agricultural landscape is very significant as it interrupts the surface run-off from the
fields, controls the erosion
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are rather natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Hedgerows add very much to the perception of the landscape by tourists and other visitors
Biodiversity value
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, quite a few species have
adapted to this built habitat. The walls and caves of the quarry provide
nesting places for birds and bats. The rock structure and proximity to
the water offers a special habitat for rare plants (ferns). The floor of the
quarry is poorly drained and therefore wet which offers habitat for vegetation and amphibians. The South facing walls create a microclimate
for heat and drought loving plants and animals such as reptiles
Characteristic species
few
Amphibians: Edible Frog; Reptiles: Slow Worm; Birds: Grey Wagtail,
Black Redstart, Peregrine, Eagle Owl
Endangered species (protected)
few
Amphibians: European Tree Frog, Common Midwife Toad; Reptiles:
Common Wall Lizard; Mammals: Greater Mouse-eared Bat, Geoffroy’s
Bat, Bechstein’s Bat.
Direct economic value
low
The abandoned quarry has no direct economic value anymore
Social value
moderate
The abandoned quarry is a public space for various sports activities,
including mountain biking, motor cross, rock climbing
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
The vegetation that is slowly invading the quarry sequesters some carbon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
The rocky substrate means that little water can infiltrate and be purified by the soil processes. Some natural purification is provided by the
emergent vegetation
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Water accumulates on the floor of the quarry, but storage capacity is
low because it cannot infiltrate
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
The natural setting, although partially man made and the features of
the quarry (see above) make it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation
A.11. Abandoned quarry
40
Annexes
moderate
Farmstead is located in the rural fringes of the village. It is surrounded
by fields, meadows, trees and hedges, providing various small habitat
pockets for varied wildlife. However, farming activities, such as spraying and the active suppression of ‘infestations’ (rats, insects, birds) by
poison and other means reduces the biodiversity value
Characteristic species
several
Birds: White Wagtail, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, House Martin Barn
Swallow, Kestrel, Black Redstart; Mammals: Beech Marten, Hedgehog,
Common Vole
Endangered species (protected)
few
Birds: Barn Owl
Direct economic value
high
Main function (besides living) of the farmstead is economic activity
Social value
high
The farmstead provides labour to family and contractors. The farm and
farmers have a special role as custodians of the local rural landscape,
which adds to the sense of place of the village surroundings
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
high
Biological processes in the stables (meat) and the activities in the fields
that depend on the farmers
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
moderate
Manure is potential ingredient for biogas, straw and other rest products
from the fields are ingredients for biofuels
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- low
tion
Some carbon stored barn and building structures, but carbon emissions
from animal husbandry
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
No function on the farmstead that purifies the water. Partial surface
sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration. Some
direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by farm pollution (manure).
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Partial surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration. Some direct runoff to the sewage system of water.
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Natural nutrient cycles are disturbed by concentration of artificial nutrients in the animal feed and the emissions from animal husbandry
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
Farmsteads in the landscape and the rural landscape they support
through the custodianship of their owners are often appreciated by
the tourists and locals alike.
Biodiversity value
high
Old orchards with high stem fruit trees if managed in an ecological way
often harbour a specific rich human dependent biodiversity.
Characteristic species
many
Birds: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatcher, Little Owl, Hoopoe, Tree Sparrow; Mammals: Stoat, Hedgehog, Garden Dormouse.
Endangered species (protected)
several
Birds: Wryneck, Hawfinch
Direct economic value
moderate
Labour intensive and low productive form of agricultural land use with
lower harvests than modern low stem orchards
Social value
moderate
Labour to maintain the trees and harvest the fruit
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Important (historic) function to provide essential foods (fruit). Current
values are more diverse and include recreation, landscaping and nature
conservation.
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Some pruning for biofuels
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
A.12. Farmstead
A.12. Old high stem orchard
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- moderate
tion
Carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Fruit trees intercept precipitation, mulch improves infiltration, water
infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
Fruit trees and grass cover of the soil interrupts the surface run-off,
controls the erosion and improves infiltration, thereby contributing to
flood control
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are rather natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Old high stem orchards add very much to the perception of the landscape by tourists and other visitors
41
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
A.13. Allotments
42
Biodiversity value
high
The diverse structure of allotments and high variety of planted species
makes these areas as small refuges for local biodiversity. Hedges and
small parcels with different flowers, vegetables etc. make an ideal habitat for a wide range of species
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Common Hawthorn, Blackberry; Birds: Yellowhammer, Whitethroat; Mammals: Stoat, Hedgehog, Wood Mouse
Endangered species (protected)
several
Insects: European Mole Cricket; Mammals: Garden Dormouse
Direct economic value
moderate
High informal economic value
Social value
Very high
Allotments are important social places for people to meet, and do
highly valued social activities
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
One of the many functions of these areas is the production of food
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Rest material from the kitchen gardens and the pruning of hedges and
trees produces biomass that can be used for several purposes
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- moderate
tion
Some carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Trees, shrubs and vegetables intercept precipitation, mulch improves
infiltration, water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
Trees, shrubs and vegetables grass cover of the soil interrupts the surface run-off, controls the erosion and improves infiltration, thereby contributing to flood control
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are rather natural and undisturbed, although manure
and sometimes low applications of artificial fertiliser interrupt the natural cycle.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
Allotments have most value for the owners / users of the plots, and
their close encounter with nature. To outsiders they often have a look
of poor management.
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Regionally protected natural upland rural area
Assignment sheet for Step 6 – planning proposal
A development proposal has been tabled at the municipality: assess options for sustainable
energy production: wind farm, solar energy, hydro-electric dam, second generation biofuels
(on the basis of cellulose / wood).
Refer to the mapped landscape features and their values in relation to the nature
conservation policies you formulated as part of Steps 1 and 2. The cases of best practice
in the handbook (summary) and on the website (full description) can provide some additional
inspiration.
You have 60 minutes to complete this exercise
Expected results:
1. A well-founded choice for a sustainable energy development proposal, including the
choice for the type(s) of energy generation and its / their location;
2. An assessment of the possible impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services and
their mitigation and / or compensation;
3. An identification and clear description of the economic, social and ecological win-win
opportunities.
Description and valuation of the landscape features
B.1. Upland calcareous grasslands (protected)
Biodiversity value
high
Herb rich grasslands with a varied structure on dry slightly acid to neutral soils on sunny slopes, with frequent rock outcrops. Very sensitive to
nitrogen deposition
Characteristic species
many
Insects: Brown Argus, Scarce Swallowtail; Birds: Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Skylark
Endangered species (protected)
many
Plants: Burnt Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Quaking-grass, Fragrant
Orchid; Insects: Red-underwing Skipper
Direct economic value
low
The main function of these grasslands is conservation of biodiversity
and some extensive grazing.
Social value
moderate
The landscapes
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Sheep that graze these grasslands provide some meat
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Hay produced when mowing produces some biomass
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Herbs and turf contain and sequester some carbon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The natural vegetation filters that water, and much of it can infiltrate
towards the groundwater. The extensive land use does not pose many
pollution problems
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
The natural soil cover promotes a steady infiltration and therefore surface run-off is very limited
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrients cycles are rather natural
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
These herb rich grasslands attract specific types of nature loving tourists but also the general public appreciates the landscape
43
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
B.2. Scrubs
Biodiversity value
moderate
Generally well-structured low vegetation with moderate diversity of
shrub species.
Characteristic species
moderate
Birds: Woodlark, Whitethroat, Linnet; Reptiles: Adder, Sand Lizard;
Mammals: Red Fox, Pine Marten
Endangered species (protected)
moderate
Reptiles: Grass Snake; Birds: Wryneck, Great Grey Shrike, Ortolan Bunting; Mammals: Hazel Dormouse
Direct economic value
low
Social value
low
People collect blackberries and mushrooms
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
People collect blackberries and mushrooms
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Scrub management can produce some biomass
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Carbon accumulation in the scrubs and organic matter of the soils
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The natural vegetation filters that water, and much of it can infiltrate
towards the groundwater. The extensive land use does not pose many
pollution problems
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
The natural soil cover promotes a steady infiltration and therefore surface run-off is very limited
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrients cycles are rather natural
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Generally not so attractive landscape for tourism and recreation
Biodiversity value
moderate
A very special man made ecosystem with a few characteristic species.
Important ecological elements in semi natural upland landscapes.
Characteristic species
low
Birds: Wheatear; Mammals: Bats
Endangered species (protected)
low
Reptiles: Common Wall Lizard
Direct economic value
low
No direct economic value (see recreation)
Social value
moderate
Requires quite some maintenance, plays an important role in traditional upland farming
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Some berries or mushrooms might be associated
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
No biomass production
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
No biomass and carbon sequestration
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
none
No filtering or buffering function
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Might impede run off in some places, in others it concentrates the run
off leading to higher erosion rates
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
none
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
B.3. Stone walls
44
The stone walls are a characteristic landscape element valued by locals
and tourists alike
Annexes
moderate
Generally in extensive use. If managed in an ecological way (few mowing activities per season) herb variety can become quite important.
Soils deeper and moister than chalk grasslands
Characteristic species
moderate
Birds: Skylark, Meadow Pipit
Endangered species (protected)
moderate
Insects: Apollo
Direct economic value
moderate
Hay produces fodder, it can also be used as biomass for fuels
Social value
moderate
Management of the hay meadows requires labour force
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Indirect, hay is fodder for the production of milk and meat
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Low production of biomass for possible use as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
Carbon sequestered in the herbs, but more so in the turf layer and soil
organic matter. Carbon is not allowed to accumulate through natural
succession
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The natural vegetation filters that water, and much of it can infiltrate
towards the groundwater. The extensive land use does not pose many
pollution problems
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
The natural soil cover promotes a steady infiltration and therefore surface run-off is very limited
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrients cycles are rather natural
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
These herb rich grasslands attract specific types of nature loving tourists but also the general public appreciates the landscape
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
B.4. Upland hay meadows
B.5. Upland stream and damp meadows (protected)
Biodiversity value
high
Herb rich meadows and vegetation associated to the banks of the
stream
Characteristic species
Insects: Violet Copper; Fish: Brown Trout; Birds: Grey Wagtail, Dipper
Endangered species (protected)
Insects: Common Club-tail; Fish: Atlantic Salmon; Birds: Kingfisher,
Whinchat; Mammals: Water Shrew
Direct economic value
moderate
The damp meadows can be in use as hay meadows and produce some
fodder
Social value
moderate
Management of the hay meadows requires labour force
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Indirect, hay is fodder for the production of milk and meat
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Low production of biomass for possible use as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
Carbon sequestered in the herbs, but more so in the turf layer and soil
organic matter..
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The natural vegetation filters that water, and much of it can infiltrate
towards the groundwater. The extensive land use does not pose many
pollution problems.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
The natural soil cover promotes a steady infiltration and therefore
surface run-off is very limited. The natural meandering course of the
stream slows down the water and the flooded meadows decrease the
flood risk downstream.
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrients cycles are rather natural
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
These herb rich grasslands attract specific types of nature loving tourists but also the general public appreciates the landscape. The stream
is very much valued for its scenery but also as a place to rest and fish
45
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
B.6. Upland broadleaved forest
Biodiversity value
Very high
Forest largely left unmanaged, well-structured and stratified, high dead
wood content
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Pedunculate Oak, Common Hornbeam; Birds: Great Spotted
Woodpecker; Mammals: Badger
Endangered species (protected)
many
Plants: Birds Nest Orchid; Insects: Stag Beetle; Birds: Honey Buzzard;
Mammals: Pine Marten
Direct economic value
low
Some wood cutting
Social value
moderate
Some labour in the forestry operations and ranger
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms and berries
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Some wood cutting
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
high
Much carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
Very high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Very high
Tree canopy intercepts precipitation, mulch maximises infiltration,
most water infiltrates to the aquifer and surface run-off is minimised
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
high
Nutrient cycles are natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
People like to walk and cycle through the woods
Biodiversity value
moderate
A very man made cultural ecosystem with a few characteristic species.
Important ecological elements can develop.
Characteristic species
low
Birds: Black Redstart
Endangered species (protected)
low
Reptiles: Common Wall Lizard
Direct economic value
low
Small scale tourist industry associated with visits to the site, food and
beverage, overnight
Social value
moderate
Requires quite some maintenance, plays an important role in cultural
heritage and tourism sector
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Some berries or mushrooms might be associated
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
No biomass production
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
No biomass and carbon sequestration of any importance. Trees might
be present or left to grow
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Lawns, shrubs and partly sealed surface make infiltration possible and
percolation to the ground water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Sealed surface (tracks, roads, pavements) might impede run off in
some places, in others it concentrates the run off leading to higher erosion rates
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
B.7. Mediaeval castle ruins
46
Castle ruins are a characteristic historic, cultural and landscape element
valued by locals and tourists alike
Annexes
low
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
B.8. Quarry
Although this is a human made environment, quite a few species have
adapted to this built habitat. The walls and caves of the quarry provide
nesting places for birds and bats. The rock structure, and proximity to
the water offers a special habitat for rare plants (ferns). The floor of the
quarry is poorly drained and therefore wet which offers habitat for vegetation and amphibians. The South facing walls create a microclimate
for heat and drought loving plants and animals such as reptiles. In this
active quarry, some places are suitable for biodiversity, but the activities disturb much of the animal life.
Characteristic species
few
Reptiles: Slow Worm; Birds: Grey Wagtail, Black Redstart, Willow Warbler
Endangered species (protected)
few
Amphibians: European Tree Frog; Reptiles: Common Wall Lizard; Birds:
Eagle Owl
Direct economic value
high
The active quarry provides labour and local building materials
Social value
moderate
The quarrying provide jobs for locals
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
The vegetation that is slowly invading disused parts of the quarry sequesters some carbon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
The rocky substrate means that little water can infiltrate and be purified by the soil processes. Some natural purification is provided by the
emergent vegetation
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Water accumulates on the floor of the quarry, but storage capacity is
low because it cannot infiltrate
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrients (carbon, sulphur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
This is mainly an economic activities area. The damaging of the landscape by the active quarry is not a tourist asset.
Biodiversity value
moderate
Golf courses are large, quiet diverse and structured green spaces where
various plants and animals can thrive. The man made gradients have
a particular attraction for certain species. Intensive management and
use, mean that other species are very limited in their potential use of
the area.
Characteristic species
moderate
Birds: White Wagtail, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Green Woodpecker;
Mammals: Stoat, Common Rabbit, Wood Mouse
Endangered species (protected)
low
Birds: Wryneck
Direct economic value
high
Economic returns of golf courses are high
Social value
high
Golf course management provides jobs and playing the game entertainment
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Except for the occasional blackberry picking
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Frequent mowing of the lawns and pruning of the shrubs and trees
produces some biomass
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
The landscaping of the golf courses often includes shrubs and small
stands of wood.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
The special quality of the lawn requires intense management and pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers are applied. Water filtering to
the groundwater carries these pollutants with it.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
The semi natural soil cover (lawns, shrubs, trees) allows much of the
precipitation to infiltrate and buffers the water balance
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Near natural nutrient cycle processes are in place, but the intense management of the lawns (greens)
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
The prime function of the golf courses is to provide space for sports and
entertainment, but it is elitist.
B.9. Golf course
47
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
B.10. Regional road with natural verges
48
Biodiversity value
low
Although this is a human made environment, some species have
adapted to the conditions of the road verges. The verges of the road
are managed in an ecological way (mowing once a year). Salt in winter
puts stress on some species, but creates special conditions for salt loving species. The road is an ecological barrier and causes many casualties among animals
Characteristic species
few
Birds: Kestrel, Carrion Crow
Endangered species (protected)
none
none
Direct economic value
Very high
The road is an essential part of the regional infrastructure for transport
of people and goods
Social value
high
The road is the main access from the village to the town, to the nature
and to the coast
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
nil
No trees or soil to sequester carbon.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing asphalt reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of
direct runoff to the sewage system of water contaminated by traffic
(salt, oil, rubber etc)
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Road hampers natural flow of water through the landscape
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulphur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
nil
No recreational value linked to an ecosystem service
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Coastal port facility
Assignment sheet for Step 6 – planning proposal
Development proposal: The local council and port authorities have decided to enlarge the
port facilities with a dock and an extra container terminal.
The options for the development plan must be formulated and assessed and a decision for
planning permission must be issued with an assessment of the impacts and proposals for
compensation or mitigation.
Refer to the mapped landscape features and their values in relation to the nature
conservation policies you formulated as part of Steps 1 and 2. The cases of best practice
in the handbook (summary) and on the website (full description) can provide some additional
inspiration.
You have 60 minutes to complete this exercise
Expected results:
1. A well-founded choice for a port development proposal, including the choice for the
location;
2. An assessment of the possible impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services and their
mitigation and / or compensation;
3. An identification and clear description of the economic, social and ecological win-win
opportunities.
Description of the landscape features
C.1. Coastal lagoon
Biodiversity value
high
Characteristic species
Coastal lagoons also often show similar ecological gradients as salt
marshes, between shallow and deeper waters, salty, brackish and fresh
water. These create excellent conditions for high diversity and high
productivity ecosystems.
Birds: Little Tern, Common Eider
Endangered species (protected)
Direct economic value
moderate
Direct value, some prawn fishing. Indirect value quite much higher:
spawning area and nursery for sea fish
Social value
low
Some labour associated with the fishing and management of the site
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Prawn fishing
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fibre, fuel
none
(Potential for tidal energy)
Ecosystem services – regulating - carbon
low
Little carbon accumulation in coastal lagoon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Vegetation and plankton filter the waters
Ecosystem services – regulating – flood control
moderate
Coastal lagoon is part of the natural coastal habitats that buffer
Ecosystem services – supporting - nutrient cycling
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
49
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
C.2. Salt marsh
Biodiversity value
high
Characteristic species
These areas are partially flooded twice per day. They are highly
dynamic habitats with strong gradients (salt sweet, high low, dry wet)
offering many niches for specialised communities
Plants: Common Glasswort, Common Sea Lavender; Annelids:
Lugworm; Molluscs: Blue Mussels Birds: Pied Avocet, Kentish Plover,
Oystercatcher, Dunlin
Endangered species (protected)
Direct economic value
moderate
Direct economic value is low
Social value
moderate
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fibre, fuel
low
pEcosystem services – regulating - carbon
low
There is no significant accumulation of organic matter in these
habitats
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The natural vegetation that is flooded twice per day contribute to
filtering pollutants from the flood waters
Ecosystem services – regulating – flood control
high
Natural coastal ecosystems provide an additional barrier against
storm surges. They also allow high waters to spread over large areas,
thereby reducing the flood amplitude.
Salt marshes are visited by people collecting sea vegetables (Common
Glasswort) and Lugworm (as bait for fishing). The intertidal parts of
salt marshes and waters are very important as spawning grounds and
nurseries for sea fish.
Ecosystem services – supporting - nutrient cycling
high
Natural nutrient cycling processes take place in salt marshes
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
These areas attract bird watchers, fishermen and hikers.
Biodiversity value
low
The gradients on the beach and the dynamics of the tides create a varied environment. However, the species richness is quite low. The harsh
conditions make that it is a habitat for specialists.
Characteristic species
Some
Fungi: Marram Oyster; Annelids: Lugworm ; Birds: Sanderling
Endangered species (protected)
some
Birds: Kentish Plover, Little Tern
Direct economic value
Moderate
Seasonal high activity with economic value (beach tourism)
Social value
moderate
Beach is a social focal point
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Prawn fishing
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Low biomass production
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Low biomass production
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
none
Little biological activity and soil minerals to filter water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
low
Beach and sand bars have a moderate effect on breaking the energy
of waves and tides
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
None
Little biological activity and soil minerals to filter water
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Beaches have a high value for recreation
C.3. Sandy beach
50
Annexes
moderate
Cliffs offer a special habitat to nesting seabirds and plants
Characteristic species
Few
Birds: Kittiwake, Gannet
Endangered species (protected)
Few
Birds: Peregrine
Direct economic value
low
Some tourist activity associated with cliffs’ spectacular landscape
Social value
low
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
nil
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
nil
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
C.4. Cliffs
People enjoy rugged coastlines for recreational activities
C.5. Coastal grazed meadows
Biodiversity value
high
Characteristic species
many
Endangered species (protected)
many
Direct economic value
moderate
The meadows are grazed by cattle and sheep. Meat from these
animals is sought after and of good quality and good price.
Social value
low
Some labour associated with managing the flocks of livestock
Fungi; Insects: Queen of Spain Fritillary; Birds: Curlew, Brent Goose,
Herring Gull
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
Grazing densities are not high, but the quality of the meat is high
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fibre, fuel
low
Meadows are mowed once a year at the most and produce little hay
or biomass
Ecosystem services – regulating - carbon
moderate
Organic matter accumulates in the turf layer, but there is no
important production of above-ground biomass. Carbon stored is
compensated by the carbon emissions of the livestock.
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Infiltration is good due to the grass turf, but heavy clayey soils are not
very permeable, water table is high and often brackish
Ecosystem services – regulating – flood control
moderate
Coastal grazed meadows can also be flooded during infrequent high
storm surges, and buffer the high tides
Ecosystem services – supporting - nutrient cycling
moderate
More or less natural nutrient cycling processes take place in salt
marshes, although there are additional droppings from livestock
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
Coastal grazed meadows are often part of a wider coastal landscape
favoured by cyclists, hikers etc.
51
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
C.6. Arable fields intensive use: Wheat, Maize, Potato
Biodiversity value
low
Ploughing, fertilising, spraying, drainage kill many of the species
Characteristic species
few
Birds: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Partridge
Endangered species (protected)
few
Mammals: European Hamster
Direct economic value
high
High inputs, high yields
Social value
moderate
Farming is a way of life, some work in farming
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
high
High yields of corn and potato
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
moderate
Straw can be used as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestra- low
tion
Ploughing leads to oxidation of soil organic matter. There is no perennial vegetation to store carbon either
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Silt, pesticides and fertilisers in run-off and infiltrated water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Ploughed fields reduce infiltration, increase run-off that results in flooding downstream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrient cycles are disrupted through suppression of natural vegetation, low soil biodiversity and artificial fertiliser application
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
People like to walk and cycle through the fields
moderate
Although the natural coastline in the docks has been replaced by concrete walls, the underwater life is often still quite rich, if pollution is kept
to a minimum. The man-made structures often provide additional hiding and fixing places for all kind of underwater creatures, especially in
sandy coast environments.
C.7. Docks
Biodiversity value
Characteristic species
Birds: Cormorant, Common Eider, Herring Gull
Endangered species (protected)
52
Direct economic value
Very high
The docks are the main entry point of ships that deliver merchandise
and support the regional economy.
Social value
High
The port and the docks are providers of local jobs
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Although the docks contain much underwater life, it is generally not
caught for human consumption.
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
none
Even though environmental regulations have increased, docks continue
to be quite polluted
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
none
The natural coast protection by dunes, beaches and salt marshes has
been destroyed and replaced by concrete structures.
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
none
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Some people come to fish or look at the port activities
Annexes
none
Large concrete spaces where biodiversity is kept to a minimum. Interestingly enough these places are also the entry points of so-called
aliens species that travel with the merchandise, and sometimes become invasive if they adapt to the local conditions and find not natural predators or competition.
Characteristic species
few
Birds: Black Redstart, Herring Gull, Common Gull; Mammals: Black Rat
Endangered species (protected)
none
Direct economic value
Very high
In association with the docks these are human ecosystems with a very
high economic value
The port and the docks are providers of local jobs
Social value
High
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
none
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
none
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
none
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
none
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
C.8. Container terminal
The sealed surface does not allow any natural water regulation
C.9. Coastal dunes
Biodiversity value
high
Northwest Europe has a special role for the conservation of coastal
dunes, which are amongst the habitats with highest biodiversity. Biodiversity is however under threat by many pressures (tourism, water
management, nutrient deposition etc.). The high dynamics (wind,
drift sands) and gradients
Characteristic species
Many
Fungi: Dune Stinkhorn; Marram Oyster; Plants: Sand Couch, Sea
Sandwort, Sea Mouse-ear; Insects: Queen of Spain Fritillary,Grey
Bush-Cricket; Common European Sand Wasp, Dung Beetle, Dromius
notatus; Arachnids: Baryphyma maritimum; Birds: Whitethroat, Nightingale, Linnet, Cuckoo, Wheatear; Mammals: Red Fox, Roe Deer, Stoat
Endangered species (protected)
Many
Plants: Marsh Helleborine, Sea Bindweed, Sea Holly; Birds: Red-backed
Shrike
Direct economic value
moderate
In some place the direct economic value is determined by a combination of functions: artificial water infiltration and purification, tourism.
Social value
high
Dunes perform many important soil functions: protection against the
sea, source of labour (management, jobs in water purification, tourism)
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
people
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
high
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Moderate
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Dunes are an essential part of coastal protection. Their dynamics absorb a large part of wave energy.
Coastal areas in northwest Europe are very
53
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
C.10. Hedgerows
54
Biodiversity value
high
Important feature in the landscape for biodiversity. A linear natural element that acts as an ecological corridor, allowing plants and animals
to move between natural areas. It also buffers some processes in the
agricultural landscape (wind break, erosion control etc)
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Common Hawthorn, Blackberry; Birds: Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Mammals: Stoat, Hedgehog, Wood Mouse
Endangered species (protected)
several
Amphibians: European Tree Frog; Birds: Red-Backed Shrike
Direct economic value
low
Some pruning for biofuels
Social value
low
Some labour to maintain the hedges
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some people go and collect mushrooms and Blackberries
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Some pruning for biofuels
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Some carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Shrubs intercept precipitation, mulch improves infiltration, water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
The relative role in flood control of a hedgerow in an agricultural landscape is very significant as it interrupts the surface run-off from the
fields, controls the erosion
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are rather natural and undisturbed
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
Hedgerows add very much to the perception of the landscape by tourists and other visitors
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Large urban area
Assignment sheet for Step 6 – planning proposal
The city council decided to address the current problem of urban flooding. This is linked
to the incapacity of the urban sewage system to absorb all the run-off water during high
intensity rains. High intensity rains are predicted to increase further as a consequence of
climate change. Also the problem finding new uses for brownfields was placed high on the
agenda of the city council.
Refer to the mapped landscape features and their values in relation to the nature
conservation policies you formulated as part of Steps 1 and 2. The cases of best practice
in the handbook (summary) and on the website (full description) can provide some additional
inspiration.
You have 60 minutes to complete this exercise
Expected results:
1. A well-founded strategy for urban flood management making use of ecosystem
services and the ecosystem approach;
2. An assessment of the possible impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services and
their mitigation and / or compensation;
3. An identification and clear description of the economic, social and ecological win-win
opportunities.
Description of the landscape features
D.1. Train station
Biodiversity value
low
Almost entirely built up area with some open spaces where the railway
tracks enter the station. Here some plants and insects find a place to
live. Uncommon species are often found, as they travel with the train
or along the railway tracks.
Characteristic species
low
Insects: Wall Brown; Reptiles: Common Wall Lizard; Birds: Black Redstart, House Sparrow
Endangered species (protected)
none
Direct economic value
high
Essential element of the public transport infrastructure. Important for
the transport of goods and people.
Social value
high
Many people depend on the station and trains to travel for work and
leisure.
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
none
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
none
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
none
Largest part of the area is sealed and this natural water regulation
processes cannot take place
No recreation of cultural value associated to the nature.
55
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
D.2. Brownfields
Biodiversity value
moderate
Brownfields are open spaces in an urban area and as such provide areas where pioneer species can develop and later a more or less natural
vegetation succession. They can develop in urban biodiversity oases.
However there history as industrial estates often means that soils are
polluted.
Characteristic species
moderate
Insects: Peacock; Birds: House Sparrow, Starling, Goldfinch
Endangered species (protected)
low
Insects: Willowherb Hawkmoth
Direct economic value
low
These terrains lay idle awaiting a new use. They have little direct economic value
Social value
low
Brownfields are often considered sloppy and chaotic
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Black berries sometimes appear and are collected by the urban citizens.
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
There is some production and increase of biomass but it is not exploited.
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
With time the biomass increases and stores increasing quantities of
carbon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
The bare soil slowly covering in pioneer vegetation improves infiltration, but the soils are often polluted and therefore the water percolating to the groundwater too.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
In a largely sealed urban environment, brownfields add to the infiltration of precipitation
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Although generally considered areas to be avoided, some brownfields
have an important nature function in an urban environment. They are
used as adventurous playgrounds by the youth, and the natural elements that increasingly appear add to the excitement.
Biodiversity value
moderate
Urban parks are essential green spaces for plants, animals and humans in the urban environment. They attract many species that adapt
to the urban environment, which is often less harsh (in terms of climate) than the rural environs, and often provides large quantities of
food for those species that can adapt. To those species, the park acts
as a refuges, sleeping place, nesting place etc.
Characteristic species
moderate
Plants: Bird-in-a-Bush, May Lily; Fungi: Rooting Bolete; Insects: Speckled Wood; Birds: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Robin, Blackbird, Ring-Necked Parakeet
Endangered species (protected)
few
Direct economic value
moderate
Social value
high
The parks are essential oases of tranquillity and relative fresh air for
the urban dwellers.
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Some berries might sometimes be collected
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
The grass produced by the mowing of the lawns and the wood produced by the pruning and cutting of trees produces small quantities
of biomass.
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Parks are often wooded and the trees can be quite old, sequestering
substantial amounts of carbon
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
The relative naturalness of the soil and vegetation clean the water and
allow it to infiltrate towards the groundwater.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
In a largely sealed urban environment, brownfields add to the infiltration of precipitation
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
high
D.3. Urban park
56
The proximity of a green area of relative naturalness exerts a strong
attraction on the urban dwellers, and provides many cultural / (mental) health services to the urban population.
Annexes
moderate
Characteristic species
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Action planning skills in practice
D.4. Reservoir
These aquatic environments are essentially man-made, but soon invaded by a great variety of water dependent life: insects, fish, birds,
plants
Insects: Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly; Birds: Mallard, Black
Headed Gull, Coot
Endangered species (protected)
Direct economic value
moderate
Reservoirs are artificial lakes that are generally made for some economic social purpose, such as storage of drinking water, or flood control, or irrigation water.
Social value
moderate
The reservoir plays an important role in the maintenance of the urban
water related services
Some fishing can occur
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
low
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Depending on the amount of vegetation, the
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Fluctuating water levels can absorb some water peaks otherwise leading to local flooding
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Low
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
Reservoirs can be landscaped and have an aesthetic semi-natural
value next to their socioeconomic function.
Biodiversity value
low
These man-made structures are almost entirely built of concrete. In
that they look like cliffs and other rock outcrops to many species (such
as Peregrines, doves). Terraces and balconies often have plants that
create small habitats. Green roofs are increasingly used to improve the
ecology of inner cities.
Characteristic species
Low
Birds: House Sparrow, Black Headed Gull, Kestrel, Swift
Endangered species (protected)
low
Birds: Peregrine
Direct economic value
Very high
Social value
high
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
Nil
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
Nil
(plants growing on green roofs can sequester some carbon)
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
(plants growing on green roofs can filter rain water)
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
(plants growing on green roofs can regulate rain water discharge from
the building)
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
(plants growing on green roofs can sequester some nutrient)
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
nil
(plants growing on green roofs can improve well-being of inhabitants)
D.5. High-rise buildings
(limited urban farming is possible as part of green roofs)
57
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
D.6. Densely built-up urban centre
Biodiversity value
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, many species have
adapted to this built habitat. Small adaptations (green roofs, natural
gardens) can increase the biodiversity value. Old buildings (cracks and
crevices) have generally more options for urban wildlife (birds, bats,
insects)
Characteristic species
some
Plants: Broadleaf Plantain; Arachnids: Zebra Spider; Insects: Red Mason Bee, Drone Fly, Common Blue-tail; Birds: Black Redstart, Jackdaw
Endangered species (protected)
few
Mammals: Common Pipistrelle
Direct economic value
Very high
High price of real estate, high value of local retail
Social value
high
Much labour in retail, municipality etc
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
nil
No trees or soil to sequester carbon. Perhaps some carbon stored in
the construction wood (beams)
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of
water contaminated by urban pollution.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of
water. No buffering from vegetation and infiltration
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
D.7. Tree-lined lanes
58
Biodiversity value
moderate
Important green linear elements in a built up area. They provide habitat to a variety of small animals and a passage way connecting green
islands such as gardens and parks.
Characteristic species
Low
Birds: Great Tit, House Sparrow, Starling, Jackdaw, Eurasian Magpie
Endangered species (protected)
None
Direct economic value
moderate
Real estate in a tree lined lane is worth more than similar real estate
far from any green space.
Social value
high
Well being and health are positively influenced by tree lined lanes
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
None
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Tree cutting and pruning for maintenance of the trees produces some
biomass
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Carbon stored in the tree trunks
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Polluted rain water partly filtered by the leaves and trees, and also allowed to infiltrate to the soil through stem flow
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Rain interception helps regulating the water flow to the municipal
sewage system
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Some role in the nutrient cycle
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Relatively high recreational value of the trees in an urban system, but
the absolute nature value of tree lines lanes remains low.
Annexes
none
Large concrete spaces where biodiversity is kept to a minimum.
few
Birds: Black Redstart, Herring Gull, Common Gull; Mammals: Black Rat
Endangered species (protected)
none
Direct economic value
Very high
These are human ecosystems with a very high economic value
The industries on the estate are providers of local jobs
Social value
High
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
none
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
none
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
none
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
none
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
none
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
none
How to plan for Nature?
Biodiversity value
Characteristic species
Action planning skills in practice
D.8. Industrial Estate
The sealed surface does not allow any natural water regulation
D.9. Historic centre
Biodiversity value
moderate
Although this is a human made environment, many species have
adapted to this built habitat. Small adaptations (green roofs, natural
gardens) can increase the biodiversity value. Old buildings (cracks and
crevices) have generally more options for urban wildlife
Characteristic species
some
Birds: Black Redstart
Endangered species (protected)
few
Birds: Barn Owl
Direct economic value
Very high
High price of real estate, high value of local retail and tourism
Social value
high
Much labour in retail, municipality etc
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
nil
No food is produced
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
nil
No fuel or fibre are produced
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
nil
No trees or soil to sequester carbon. Perhaps some carbon stored in
the construction wood (beams)
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of
water contaminated by urban pollution.
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
Nil
Surface sealing with tiles, asphalt, houses and stone reduces infiltration to almost nothing. Lots of direct runoff to the sewage system of
water. No buffering from vegetation and infiltration
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
Nil
Nutrients (carbon, sulfur, nitrogen) are emitted but not regulated.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
Absolute value for tourism recreation is high, but not as a result of an
ecosystem service
59
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
D.10. Arable fields
Biodiversity value
low
Ploughing, fertilizing, spraying, drainage kill many of the species
Characteristic species
few
Birds: Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Partridge
Endangered species (protected)
few
Mammals: European Hamster
Direct economic value
high
High inputs, high yields
Social value
moderate
Farming is a way of life, some work in farming
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
high
High yields of corn and potato
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
moderate
Straw can be used as biofuel
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
low
Ploughing leads to oxidation of soil organic matter. There is no perennial vegetation to store carbon either
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
low
Silt, pesticides and fertilisers in run-off and infiltrated water
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
moderate
Ploughed fields reduce infiltration, increase run-off that results in
flooding downstream
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
low
Nutrient cycles are disrupted through suppression of natural vegetation, low soil biodiversity and artificial fertiliser application
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
low
People like to walk and cycle through the fields
Biodiversity value
high
The diverse structure of allotments and high variety of planted species makes these areas as small refuges for local biodiversity. Hedges
and small parcels with different flowers, vegetables etc make an ideal
habitat for a wide range of species
Characteristic species
many
Plants: Common Hawthorn, Blackberry; Birds: Yellowhammer, Whitethroat; Mammals: Stoat, Hedgehog, Wood Mouse
D.11. Allotments
60
Endangered species (protected)
several
Mammals: Garden Dormouse
Direct economic value
moderate
High informal economic value
Social value
Very high
Allotments are important social places for people to meet, and do
highly valued social activities
Ecosystem services – provisioning - food
moderate
One of the many functions of these areas is the production of food
Ecosystem services – provisioning – fuel / fibre
low
Rest material from the kitchen gardens and the pruning of hedges and
trees produces biomass that can be used for several purposes
Ecosystem services – regulating – carbon sequestration
moderate
Some carbon stored in wood, roots and soil organic matter
Ecosystem services – regulating – clean water
moderate
Trees, shrubs and vegetables intercept precipitation, mulch improves
infiltration, water infiltrates to the aquifer and is purified
Ecosystem services – regulation – flood control
high
Trees, shrubs and vegetables grass cover of the soil interrupts the surface run-off, controls the erosion and improves infiltration, thereby
contributing to flood control
Ecosystem services – support – nutrient cycling
moderate
Nutrient cycles are rather natural and undisturbed, although manure
and sometimes low applications of artificial fertiliser interrupt the
natural cycle.
Ecosystem services – cultural - recreation
moderate
Allotments have most value for the owners / users of the plots, and
their close encounter with nature. To outsiders they often have a look
of poor management.
Summary ecosystem
services overview
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 5
How to plan for Nature?
Annexes
61
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
General description of some ecosystem services
Farmland
provisioning: crops, livestock, energy
cultural: recreation, landscape, cultural heritage
Biodiversity / regulating: carbon storage, flood management, pollination, improving water, soil
quality, air quality
Coastal areas
provisioning: fish
biodiversity / cultural: recreation, landscape and cultural heritage
regulating: carbon storage, flood management, improving water quality, improving air quality
Urban ecosystems
provisioning: food from allotments and gardens, water supply
biodiversity / cultural: recreation, landscape and cultural heritage
regulating: cooling, noise reduction, flood management, pollination, improving water quality,
improving air quality
Uplands and grasslands
provisioning: energy (wind power), water supply
cultural: recreation, landscape and cultural heritage
regulating: carbon storage, flood management, pollination, improving water and soil quality
Fresh water
provisioning: water, fish
cultural: recreation, landscape, cultural heritage
regulating: flood management, improving water quality
Woodlands
provisioning: timber, water supply
cultural: recreation, landscape and cultural heritage
regulating: carbon storage, flood management, noise reduction, improving water, soil and air
quality
62
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Annex 6
Examples of local nature
conservation policies
PLANNING POLICIES
General consideration policy
In determining applications for planning permission and when considering its own development
plans and proposals, the local authority will ensure that effects upon wildlife and geological features
are taken into full account.
Site protection
There will be a presumption against all development which may destroy or adversely affect
a national nature reserve, a site of special scientific interest, a local nature reserve and sites of
outstanding importance for nature conservation.
In cases of development proposals which would destroy or adversely affect sites of importance
for nature conservation, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that the benefits of the
proposed development exceed the decrease in the nature conservation value of the site and that
any such decrease has been kept to a minimum and compensated for by habitat creation or local
enhancement elsewhere within the site or local area.
The local planning authority will seek to use its relevant powers to enter into agreements to achieve
this policy where appropriate.
Special areas
The local authority recognises the following areas as being of particular importance for nature
conservation on account of the quantity and quality of natural features which they contain.
Development which would be detrimental to the interest of these natural features will not be
permitted.
Specific habitat protection
The local authority will seek to safeguard [insert relevant habitat type(s)]4 habitats against any
development which may destroy or adversely affect their value for nature conservation.
Wildlife corridors
There will be a presumption against any development which may destroy or impair the integrity of
identified wildlife corridors.
The local authority will seek all opportunities to consolidate and strengthen wildlife corridors.
The local authority will ensure that new development within or adjacent to identified corridors
contributes to their operation through appropriate landscaping.
4 E.g. wetland, damp meadow, calcareous dry grassland etc.
63
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Habitat creation
The local authority will support proposals which would increase the number, size and diversity of
areas of nature conservation interest.
Access
The local authority will endeavour to ensure that the public has access, including wherever possible
access for the disabled, to all areas of nature conservation interest except where such access would
be detrimental to the wildlife interests or land use of a specific area.
Accessibility
The local authority will seek to ensure through the control of development and through support for
habitat creation that all residents of the borough have an accessible site of importance for nature
conservation within half a kilometre of their homes.
Local nature reserves
The primary land use of the following sites will be nature conservation. The sites will be the subject
of local nature reserve agreements and / or declarations.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES ORGANISATIONAL POLICIES
Land management
In its management of the land the local authority will adopt or require working practices which
promote the conservation and enhancement of geological sites and wildlife and which increase the
opportunities for wild animals and plants to live in the district/county.
Information base
The local authority will develop and maintain/assist in the development and maintenance by other
organisations (delete as appropriate) of an information base detailing the county's wildlife and
geology to provide information on the state of the county's nature conservation resource as a basis
for monitoring change and to help in the assessment of proposed and actual changes in land use
management.
Monitoring
The local authority will monitor the success of policies and objectives for nature conservation and
will review progress at regular intervals.
Education
The local authority will ensure the development of practical and theoretical nature conservation in
the curricula of schools, colleges and adult education centres.
Policy integration
The local authority will ensure that nature conservation objectives are always considered as part
of other sectorial plans and projects. It will apply the ecosystems approach to their planning and
policy development to ensure the best use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in areas such
as agriculture (functional agro-biodiversity), public health (green spaces policy, water and air
64
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
purification), water management (flood control) and transport (green infrastructure and ecological
networks).
PROMOTIONAL POLICIES
Promotion
The local authority will promote the significance and encourage the appreciation of nature within
the municipality.
Community involvement
The local authority will encourage individuals, groups and organisations to participate in the
creation, enhancement, management and interpretation of sites and features of value for nature
conservation.
Support
The local authority will list and communicate regional, national and European funding opportunities
and other forms of support (such as joint project development and specific technical advice) for
nature based projects and plans.
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES OF GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES AND PLANS
Green infrastructure Policy - regional
East of England Plan (2008)
Policy ENV1 of The East of England Plan focuses specifically on green infrastructure. This policy
states that Local Development Documents should:
•
•
•
Define a multiple hierarchy of green infrastructure, in terms of location, function,
size and use levels, based on analysis of natural, historic, cultural and landscape
assets, and the identification of areas where additional green infrastructure is
required;
Require the retention of substantial connected networks of green space in urban,
urban fringe and adjacent countryside areas to serve the growing communities in
key centres for development and change; and
Ensure that policies have regard to the economic and social as well as
environmental benefits of green infrastructure assets and protect sites of European
or international importance for wildlife.
Policy SS8 of the East of England Plan states that targets for the provision of green infrastructure
for planned urban extensions should be developed by local authorities and detailed in Local
Development Documents (LDDs).
65
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
Green Infrastructure policy - local
North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy (2008)
One of the key objectives of the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy is to secure a net
gain in green infrastructure. Policy 5 of the Core Spatial Strategy is specific to green infrastructure.
The policy states that sub-regional green infrastructure corridors will connect locations of natural
and historic heritage, green space, biodiversity or other environmental interest. The policy also
states that these corridors will be protected through:
•
•
•
Not permitting development that compromises their integrity and therefore that of
the overall green infrastructure framework;
Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to their quality and
robustness;
Investing in enhancement and restoration where the opportunities exist, and the
creation of new resources where necessary.
Policy 16 of the Spatial Strategy concerns Sustainable Urban Extensions. It states that Master Plans
for urban extensions should make provision for a network of green spaces linking the area to the
wider green infrastructure framework.
Green infrastructure Planning - Sub regional
Cambridgeshire Sub Region Green Infrastructure Strategy (2006)
In the context of an ambitious housing target for the Cambridgeshire sub-region, a Quality of Life
programme was established to develop quality standards for housing developments. An element
of this programme was the development of a green infrastructure strategy to address large-scale
green infrastructure for the subregion for a 20 year period. The strategy aimed to develop new
green infrastructure initiatives as well as supporting those already being pioneered by agencies
across the sub-region. The Plan is built upon an analysis of the environmental context of the subregion, which addresses, for example, the water environment, the historic landscape environment,
and the climate change implications for the area’s environment. A spatial analysis of existing
green infrastructure was carried out at the sub-regional, district and city levels. The use of GIS tools
was integral to the mapping of strategic linear corridors. From the evidence base, a vision for the
Strategy was then developed building upon both future proposals and current initiatives. The vision
addresses funding opportunities, including Section 106 Agreements and the New Parks for People
Programme. It also establishes key recommendations to achieving the Strategy’s vision, which are
linked into existing projects within the sub-region.
Green infrastructure Planning - local
Thurrock Green Grid: Green Infrastructure Framework Plan (LUC, 2006)
Building on the Thames Gateway Green Grid, this Framework Plan was developed alongside
Thurrock’s Open Space and Biodiversity Studies. Together the three studies created a Green Grid
Strategy for Thurrock, which sets out the opportunities and priorities for multi-functional green
infrastructure within the district for a 15 year period. The Framework Plan assesses existing and
66
Annexes
How to plan for Nature?
Action planning skills in practice
potential elements within Thurrock that contribute to a local Green Grid and the broader green
infrastructure network of the district’s urban and rural areas. The Plan aims to identify a vision
and set of overarching principles for planning, design and management of green infrastructure
in Thurrock. GIS was integral to identifying the spatial nature of green infrastructure assets and
opportunities within Thurrock – for example, open space, public rights of way, cycle networks,
biodiversity assets and heritage features. The quality and condition of the landscape was also
assessed, as was the potential for enhancing or conserving key landscape features. Research was
completed into key organisations and existing initiatives that could play a part in promoting and
delivering green infrastructure in the district.
Suggested Policy – Green Infrastructure
Provision for green infrastructure will be sought through the protection and enhancement of natural
assets and the creation of new multi-functional areas of green space that afford opportunities for
recreation and tourism, public access, education, biodiversity, water management, the protection
and enhancement of the local landscape and mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.
Green Infrastructure corridors will connect locations of natural heritage, green space, biodiversity or
other environmental interest. They will be safeguarded through:
a) Not permitting development that compromises their integrity and therefore that of
the overall green infrastructure framework;
b) Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to their quality and
robustness;
c) Investing in appropriate management, enhancement and restoration, and the
creation of new resources.
Explanatory Text
Green Infrastructure is a network of multifunctional green spaces, natural features and
environmental management systems which help to provide a natural life support system for
people and biodiversity. This network of land and water supports biodiversity, maintains natural
and ecological processes, sustains air and water resources, ameliorates adverse effects of climate
change and contributes to the health and quality of life of people and communities.
By adopting the green infrastructure approach, development schemes may be adapted or designed
to provide improved connectivity through the provision of footpaths and cycle routes; space for
nature that contributes to the local/sub-regional pattern of connected habitat, and the provision
of imaginative recreational facilities that give educational and physical health benefits to local
people.
From: David Tyldesley and Associates (2008) Guidance on Biodiversity Policies for Local
Development Framework Documents in Hampshire. Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership http://
www.hampshirebiodiversity.org.uk/pdf/Other%20reports/Bio%20policies%20for%20LDF.pdf
67
How to plan
for Nature
www.biodiversityskills.eu