Heathland opportunity map

Which areas of Cornwall might deliver the greatest ‘strategic benefit’ from heathland creation?

The map highlights the areas of Cornwall most highly ranked on the basis of their suitability and the potential biodiversity and other environmental benefits that would accrue.

The highest ranked areas are shown as three exclusive bands of equal size. The total area of each band corresponds to approximately the area of existing heathland in Cornwall.

Key factors affecting the ranking include soil type and existing land cover.

Areas excluded from the ranking include built-up areas, and existing heath and moorland and statutory protected sites (SSSI, SPA, SAC, local & national nature reserves).

Please use the map as a starting point. Many factors affecting the suitability and benefits of a site are not included in the mapping. The rankings are not suitable for estimating benefits or suitability for small areas of wetland creation under 1 Ha.

Map resolution = 100x100m cells.