Worcestershire County Council

A Vision for the county…

The Vision Map for Worcestershire was created from an analysis combining local ecological knowledge and the Landscape Type units (LDU - Landscape Description Unit level) identified through the county landscape character assessment. This involved assessing the significance of each BAP habitat in relation to each landscape type and grouping habitats within the wider spatial units of Joint Character Areas.  The ecological input and analysis of BAP habitats was provided by an expert local ecologist, who assigned each habitat type a score from 1-3 based on its local significance.  The county Vision Map therefore shows a summary of the distribution of BAP habitats that are of primary significance at a landscape scale.

A Vision for the Forest of Feckenham…

BAP habitats within the project area were grouped into five broad categories of woodland, orchard, wetland, grassland and arable.  The maps indicate where the creation, restoration or enhancement of biodiversity might be possible, once we take into account existing land use and proximity of similar sites of value, together with the priorities and long term vision of the community.  The presence of one colour of hatching does not rule out the creation, restoration or enhancement of other habitats in that area, but denotes which habitat might be considered a priority. The maps produced at the Partnership Visioning Day along with comments received during the consultation process were taken as the starting point for each vision.

A Wetland Vision…

The Wetland Vision map was created by identifying the Landscape Description Units where wetland habitat is of primary significance, and analysing this alongside contour data and the Biodiversity Partnership vision.  Also identified and incorporated into the map were areas with high density networks of field ponds and brick and marl pits.  pdf version of map  (1.28 MB).

A Woodland Vision…

The Woodland Vision map was created by first ensuring that the Biodiversity Partnership vision did not conflict with the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Opportunity Map, with sites of known or possible importance for grassland or areas of orchard.  Woodland cover is acknowledged to be of higher significance in the northern half of the Forest of Feckenham.  It should be noted that remnant ancient woodlands in this area often manifest as veteran hedgerow trees, and that discrete blocks of woodland within the landscape are typical of the countryside in this part of the county.  pdf version of map  (1.27 MB).

A Grassland Vision…

The Grassland Vision incorporates neutral grassland and hay meadows and lowland calcareous grassland habitats.  The map was created by combining knowledge of existing Grassland Inventory sites, Special Wildlife Sites and Sites of Special Scientific interest, with sites that were identified by the Worcestershire Habitat Inventory as definitely or possibly unimproved.  pdf version of map  (1.28 MB).

An Orchard Vision…

The map shows sites identified by the Habitat Inventory as being either traditionally or commercially managed orchard.  Looking at historical maps and accounts of the area we know that orchards were once very widespread with many farms growing plums and pears for which this part of the county was famous.  The Orchard Vision could aim to restore and enhance existing orchard habitat through appropriate management to extend the life of the trees and increase their value to wildlife and re-planting trees that are lost and to look for opportunities to combine good orchard tree management with good management of the associated grassland, hedgerows and other adjacent habitats.  pdf version of map.  (1.30 MB)

An Arable Vision…

This map shows land identified by the Habitat Inventory as cropped land.  Arable land can be hugely important for biodiversity: field margins can support arable weeds and other wildflowers, insects and small mammals; thick hedgerows provide habitat for birds and small mammals; hedgerow or field trees provide habitat for birds, bats, fungi and insects; areas of set-aside, rough grassland and game cover crops or stubbles provide habitat for hunting and breeding birds and small mammals; and field ponds provide networks of habitat for reptiles, amphibians and birds that require open water or wet grassland.  These features on and across arable land can provide the corridors that are needed to link up habitats on a landscape scale.  pdf version of map  (1.59 MB).

For more information about the Vision Mapping project contact the Biodiversity Action Plan Manager on 01905 766852 or biodiversity@worcestershire.gov.uk.