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SENCE maps and layers

SENCE maps and layers give you the evidence to adopt an ‘ecosystemapproach’ , when considering the impact of any land management orplanning decision. Whilst each country within the United Kingdom has itsown planning system, there is already tacit recognition of the importanceand role of ecosystem services and the protection of biodiversity. 1

“The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and localenvironment by recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services.” 2

Ecosystem services are the ‘goods and services’ provided by theenvironment, that benefit human beings. These ecosystem servicesinclude well recognised features such as clean fresh water and crops forfood as well as many ‘hidden services’. These hidden services includeregulating factors, for example climate mitigation, as well as supportingservices, such as pollination and nutrient cycles. These aspects are rarelyrecognised or valued but can be just as significant as the more visibleenvironmental usages.

The map on the right shows how each area of land supports the range anddiversity of natural plant and animal species. Biodiversity underpins themajority of ecosystem services and provides benefits to most aspects ofhuman wellbeing. Resilient ecosystems have a high biodiversity and are ableto adjust to factors such as climate change better than man-made systems.

These maps were created using information from the four key factors. Thewater flow map looks specifically at landform, geology, soil, habitat andvegetation. The biodiversity map focuses on land management, habitat typeand the connections between them (connectivity).

Understanding the impacts on services, when making decisions to help meetthe challenges of a growing population and a changing climate, is necessaryto meet increased provision of food, energy and water. These needs have tobe met in a balanced and sustainable way that does not compromiseeither the hidden and more visible services provided by ecosystems.

SENCE is based on the conceptthat any area of land, to a greateror lesser extent, is capable ofcontributing to an ecosystemservice based on four keyfactors; its habitat, soil/geology,landform/hydrology, and how itis managed.

Based upon these four key factors the SENCE rule based methodology,designed and developed by Environment Systems, uses multiple datasetsand scientific knowledge to model ecosystem services and score each area ofland from high to low for each service. The result is a series of maps andecosystem service layers, designed for viewing in a Geographical InformationSystems (GIS), available as separate files or via a web map service (WMS). Theycan be produced efficiently and rapidly; typically within a few weeks.3

These maps of the south coast near Chichester demonstrate just two of themany layers it is possible to map.

The map on the left shows the potential of the land to help slow water flowfrom heavy rainfall events and therefore reduce flooding. Vegetation can helpslow down rainfall helping it to soak into the ground rather than run offrapidly, causing flooding. The soil and geology are important as some areascan hold a lot of water whilst others hold very little.

© Natural England copyright 2014. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. Based upon DIGMAP625, with the permission of the British Geological Survey.

Four

Fac

tors Habitat

Soil/geology

Landform/hydrology

Management

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© 2014 Environment Systems Ltd

1http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-6276 - 2National Planning Policy Framework 2012 - p25 - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf3Medcalf, K. A., Small, N., Finch, C., & Parker, J. (2012) Spatial framework for assessing evidence needs for operational ecosystem approaches. JNCC Report No 469 4UK National Ecosystem Assessment -http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org

When viewing layers in a GIS it is possible to look at different areas andunderstand what contribution each area makes to the service beingmapped. Layers can be viewed in isolation or together to focus on highlyvaluable areas where many services meet in one place.

SENCE maps and layers can be used for:

• Urban planning and development control• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)• To direct green infrastructure and strategic land use policy• To encourage stakeholder engagement • Environmental monitoring• To place an economic value on nature • To focus resources on biodiversity• To focus restoration as part of land use change or climate change

mitigation• Natural heritage, social and cultural projects

Environment Systems can currently supply the following ecosystemservice provision layers arranged in the four categories recognised by theNational Ecosystem Service Assessment (NEA).4

Where there are opportunities to improve land and ecosystem servicefunctioning or to mitigate against planned development EnvironmentSystems also produce opportunities maps to guide policy.

SENCE - Training Workshops

Environment Systems deliver training workshops to help you get the bestout of your investment in SENCE layers.

• An Introduction to Ecosystem Services for Local Authorities - half a day• Interpreting and using your SENCE Maps and Layers - half a day

We can also design workshops for specific stakeholders; please contact usfor further information.

All our workshops can be delivered on premises but would require aminimum of four delegates. Costs are scalable with discounts available forten or more delegates.

SENCE - Layers Audit and Maintenance

To ensure that SENCE maps and layers continue to inform and underpinyour decision making you need to keep them up to date. Your maps andlayers should reflect changes such as new development or include newdata that significantly improves spatial resolution and therefore theiraccuracy and detail.

We recommend an annual audit and a three year refresh cycle to ensurethat your layers remain up to date and continue to be useful. This is muchmore cost effective than recommissioning from scratch.

We also produce bespoke maps and layers. Please visit our website toview an up to date list.

www.envsys.co.uk/sence

ProvisioningAreas contributing towards foodprovision

Areas of land that support thecleansing and storage of water

Areas contributing towardsenergy provision

Areas that are important sourcesof drinking water

Areas of forestry that contributeto timber production

RegulatingAreas important for carbonstorage in soils

Specific in-stream erosion anddeposition

Areas important for carbonstorage in vegetation

Areas important for regulatingsurface water runoff

Areas important for mitigatingurban heat island effects

Areas at risk of flooding

Areas important for preventingland erosion

Areas prone to coastal erosion

SupportingAreas important for biodiversityand nature conservation

Areas likely to supportpollinating insects

Areas important for biodiversityresilience and networks

Cultural

Areas which provide recreationalbenefits

Places with unique qualitieseither in terms of natural featuresor specific attractions

Places of unique historic orarchaeological significance

Landscape with undisputedcharacter

Opportunities MappingAreas where there are opportunitiesto slow water movement and reduceflooding

Areas where there areopportunities to expand theheathland network

Areas where there are opportunitiesto expand the woodland network

Areas where water quality canbe improved

Areas where there are opportunitiesto expand the grassland network

Areas where there areopportunities for improvingbiodiversity

Areas where there are opportunitiesto expand the wetland network

Areas where there areopportunities to enhancecarbon storage in soil

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