EcoservR

EcoservR is a tool for mapping natural capital assets and ecosystem services. Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, it is an updated version of Ecoserv-GIS, a toolkit originally developed by Durham Wildlife Trust for mapping habitats and ecosystem services in the UK using widely available national datasets. This uses free-to-use open-source R software. 

The toolkit generates an environmental baseline classifying over 200 habitat types and uses spatial models to map their capacity to provide a range of ecosystem services, as well as the demand for them. EcoservR uses nationally available datasets such as the OS MasterMap, Open Greenspace, and Natural England Priority Habitat Inventory. EcoservR produces detailed habitat maps based on these datasets, measuring supply for seven ecosystem services, and demand for four.  

EcoservR measures and maps ecosystem services. Capacity and demand maps can be analysed to identify opportunities and ‘pinch points’, to plan and deliver interventions where they are best suited and most needed. Existing inclusions are carbon storage, air purification, water purification, pollination, local climate regulation, noise regulation, accessible nature. EcoservR is able to calculate projected change – gains and losses – in the delivery of ecosystem services arising from a given intervention. This might be used for environmental net gain targets or measuring the impact of woodland planting at neighbourhood and city-scale. 

EcoservR is developed by Liverpool John Moores University in collaboration with Natural Capital Solutions, Forest Research, and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The work is supported by Defra and the Natural Capital Working Group in the Liverpool City Region.