Undertaking a Biodiversity Audit of the Environment Agency Estate - Phase 2

Project Description

Nature recovery is a key part of the Environment Agency's (EA) business and a government priority. We have committed to deliver healthy land, air and water that support nature's recovery by 2050, in our corporate strategy EA2030.

One of the key mechanisms the Environment Agency has for contributing to nature recovery targets is our own estate, as this is where we have the most direct influence over securing biodiversity outcomes. Our estate comprises 17,309 ha (16,718 ha freehold, 591 ha leasehold) and is made up of a variety of habitat types. Most are small parcels of land that are geographically dispersed across the country and held for primary functional purposes linked to the EA's roles and duties. Around 8,900 ha (51%) of this land is covered by at least one conservation designation.

Our current understanding of the biodiversity value of our estate was substantially improved by the initial phase on this project which delivered two products

1.) An estate wide habitat mapping layer derived from 10 m satellite imagery using UKHAB classifications.

2.) A Roadmap setting out how the quality and functionality of this mapping can be improved in the future and link to related outcomes and reporting requirements such as BNG, Natural Capital and Carbon accounting as well as facilitate the delivery of co-benefits through nature-based solutions.