4f4c4942-4343-5764-6473-313130353031 eng dataset Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 0300 065 3000 Maes-y-Ffynnon LL57 2DW enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk pointOfContact 2023-03-06 Gemini 2.2 urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::BNG OGP Modelling of Habitat Networks for Welsh Woodlands, Grasslands, Heathlands, Bogs and Fens Modelu Rhwydweithiau Cynefinoedd ar gyfer coetiroedd, glaswelltiroedd, rhostiroedd, corsydd a ffeniau yng Nghymru Habitat Network Layers Connectivity layers \Biological\Habitat Networks\ 2022-06-27 publication 110501 https://naturalresources.wales There is a growing emphasis on ecological connectivity in planning for effective biodiversity conservation and building ecosystem resilience. A major part of this is to counteract the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation (reduction in are and increase in isolation). This is a spatial dataset consisting of maps of habitat networks originally developed by Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) in collaboration with Forestry Commission Wales and Forest Research using a functional networks approach, and now managed and progressively developed by NRW. Patches of habitat and other intervening habitats through which many of their species are able to move are mapped as habitat networks. Networks have been mapped for habitats including woodland, unimproved grassland, calcareous grassland, marshy grassland, heathland, fens and bogs; in most cases these are divided into upland and lowland versions and in some cases networks that support the highest quality areas of habitat have been selected out as priority layers. Results are available for the whole of Wales as GIS layers and include three levels of habitat networks; core networks (areas within which species that require extensive habitat and disperse poorly are able to move), focal networks (areas within which species tolerant of smaller habitat patches and with greater dispersal ability are able to move), and local networks (areas within species that can persist within small habitat patches and have very limited dispersal abilities can move). Purpose of data capture was to allow the scope and range of potential networks t o be rapidly explored. Predicted habitat networks can be used to guide large-scale planning for nature conservation, provide insight into how the landscape is likely to be functioning and prioritise action to improve the connectivity and viability of protected sites. Layers are arranged in two folders: Level 1, containing all outputs across Wales, and Level 2 which are selected, priority networks, within which action may be targeted to enhance functional networks of the best habitat areas. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 0300 065 3000 Maes-y-Ffynnon LL57 2DW enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk owner Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) 0300 065 3000 Countryside Council for Wales Maes y Ffynnon LL57 2DW enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk originator Forestry Commission Wales 0845 6040845 Forestry Commission Wales SY23 2DQ enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk originator Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 0300 065 3000 Maes-y-Ffynnon LL57 2DW enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk originator irregular Geographic Information System Habitats and biotopes GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2023-03-07 publication Habitat conservation Integrated Public Sector Vocabulary (IPSV) 2023-03-07 publication © CNC/NRW Data may be re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence providing it is done so, acknowledging both the source and NRW's copyright. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure the data is fit for the intended purpose. otherRestrictions There are no access restrictions on this data. NRW may release, publish or disseminate it freely. eng imageryBaseMapsEarthCover biota ISO3166 Countries 2023-03-07 publication Wales (WLS) -5.77774100 -2.60886500 51.24082900 53.51206700 2008-01-01 2018-05-23 Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 0300 065 3000 Maes-y-Ffynnon LL57 2DW enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk distributor https://datamap.gov.wales/layergroups/geonode:nrw_habitat_network View and Download Data https://datamap.gov.wales/capabilities/layergroup/3592/?access_token=67k4GhAr91AqiAXnyngsm3l40RrZII&ows_service=wms Web Mapping Service dataset 'Least-cost' modelling was carried out using Forest Research's BEETLE (Biological and Environmental Tools for Landscape Ecology) tools, coupled with Habitat Survey of Wales digital dataset (Phase 1). The model is based on species characteristics, taking into account a minimum habitat area and the relative ecological cost of different habitats- relates to ease of movement through different land cover types, expressed in terms of dispersal distance in metres over a 50 year timescale. In simple terms it draws a 'buffer' around habitat patches, the width of which depends upon the assumed permeability of the intervening habitats. When buffers around patches overlap the habitat patches are considered to be part of the same habitat network wi th many species potentially able to move between all habitat patches within it. This project uses data from Phase 1 Habitat Survey of welsh woodlands, grasslands, heathlands and bogs and fens, supplemented with National Forest Inventory data for woodland.