A Spatial Framework for Mapping Ecosystem Services: Drawing on UK Case Studies: Bridgend County

Description

The Spatial Framework Mapping Project was applied in 5 case study locations: Bridgend County, Scottish Borders, Norfolk Broads, Purbeck AONB, and The Dogger Bank. The Spatial Framework approach was developed with two main aims. Firstly, it aims to understand the links between the physical characteristics of habitats and the major ecosystem services being provided. It identifies the practical and appropriate ways in which habitat data can be used to identify and understand ecosystem service provision. Secondly, it provides a framework database which can show what is possible to map given a particular ecosystem service, and what the most appropriate options are for the use of data.

Using 5 case study areas from around the UK, the framework approach was tested using selected terrestrial and marine habitats, firstly to establish the validity of the approach and then to ensure that it was applicable for a range of habitats in different biogeographical zones and in areas with differing data availability. The project has shown the wide range of terrestrial datasets currently available for evaluating ecosystem services, although data availability is generally less advanced for cultural services. The differences that exist in quality, resolution and scale are further illustrated by the case study mapping.