EcoservR
Visit Tool
Tool Description
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.
Running the Tool
Tool Inputs
Spatial datasets
Resource Requirements
Computer capable of running R and GIS datasets
time Requirements
>1 day – multiple weeks | Time requirements vary widely depending on the extent of analysis
skill Requirements
Knowledge of R programming and GIS/spatial analysis
Key data sources:
OS MasterMap
Open Greenspace
Priority Habitat Inventory
CORINE Land Cover
Crop Map of England
Other National Spatial Datasets
How does it work?
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.
Using Tool Outputs
Tool Outputs
Maps and metrics of ecosystem service capacity and demand for specific geographic areas.
How can the tool be used to inform decisions?
The tool outputs can be used to visualise spatial patterns, compare scenarios, identify priority areas, and assess trade-offs between ecosystem services. It supports land-use planning, natural capital accounting, and policy by identifying priority areas, evaluating interventions, assessing trade-offs, and informing strategies such as biodiversity net gain, green infrastructure, and climate mitigation
EcoservR can 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.
An example of EcoSERVR outputs is shown below.
Limitations of Use
Requires technical expertise in R and GIS; only applicable to the area of England; setup can be complex for new users.
Validation
Applied in research and real-world projects such as ELMS Test and Trial, demonstrating practical use in planning and policy contexts
Case Studies
Case studies include projects that have used EcoservR, such as the ELMS Test and Trial, as well as Liverpool City Region.
Developer Organisation
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.
