A note on the Strategy’s potential measures mapping and its limitations

Before using the Strategy mapping it is important to note the following:

• Mapping indicates areas where the potential measures could be delivered. In some instances, these are large areas; in others, they are specific areas, depending on the mapping capability. In all cases, the mapped areas are indicative.
• The strategic nature of this document means that some measures may not be relevant or appropriate when considered in detail at the local level.
• The desk-based approach means the mapping is theoretical and not based on actual known site conditions. Site assessments, and other permissions and prerequisites, will inform the appropriateness of the action to that location.
• Inclusion of a site in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy does not preclude that action from any necessary permissions, site assessments and other prerequisites before it is implemented.
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites and National Nature Reserves  are statutory national and international designations. Measures have been mapped to these sites to maintain the integrity of the connectivity approach taken in creating a nature recovery network for the Strategy area. The potential measures also present future considerations for the site. However, the mapped potential measures do not override or replace existing management associated with the designation nor do they negate the need for any requisite consents or approvals. It is essential that the existing designated features and the legal processes and guidance are checked and followed prior to delivery of the suggested measure.
• Mapping is based on existing known data – consequently, other sites may hold potential interest or relevance to a potential measure but may not be mapped as there is no pre-existing data available.
• The Strategy and associated maps do not dictate actions nor instruct their implementation – they are a guide for how landowners and managers could use or manage the land, or approach their operations, in a way that could support the recovery of nature.
• Mapping of an area to a potential measure, wider measure or areas that could become of particular importance to biodiversity does not offer any formal or otherwise protection, which can only be provided through statutory designations or local planning policy. It also does not preclude any uses of the land or operations.
• Although mapping indicates where this action may be most needed or result in the greatest gains, this action can be introduced outside the target area – nature recovery action does not need to be limited to the areas that could become of particular importance to biodiversity.
• A potential measure may have value locally but that is not reflected when considered strategically at a county scale. Therefore, its exclusion from the mapping does not indicate that the action is not applicable.
• The Strategy notes a number of management measures to increase the functionality or biodiversity of a habitat – some have been mapped, some not. These management measures apply to the whole county and, although mapping indicates where this management may be most needed or result in the greatest gains, the introduction of appropriate management will deliver benefits wherever it is applied.