ARCH assessing regional changes to natural habitats

The ARCH project aims to improve the methods used to assess and monitor biodiversity by developing a cross-border map of natural habitats in Kent and in Nord-Pas de Calais.

This will be made available to a wide range of stakeholders, and will use remote sensing technologies to update the information. One of the objectives is in the collection of homogeneous and specific data over the whole territory, consistent with European classifications. In order to work efficiently together, both regions have developed a common approach, with the collaboration of experts on both sides of the channel.

The project is composed of three main activities:

• Development of a regional and cross-border vectorial and georeferenced database of natural habitats
• Development of an online mapping tool in Nord-Pas de Calais and of a planning and screening software solution in Kent
• Analysis of the feasibility of using innovative techniques such as satellite imagery in comparison with aerial photography

History

The Kent and Nord-Pas de Calais regions share a common natural heritage (internationally valued woodlands, chalk grasslands, and wetlands) arising from the same geological base and have been shaped by similar climates and human land use. These similarities made it obvious for both parties to seek a joint solution to common challenges by way of exchanging and transferring ideas and expertise on nature conservation. The conservation of biodiversity is a priority in the planning strategies of authorities on both sides of The Channel, in Kent and Nord-Pas de Calais.

ARCH will create the opportunity for a cross-border approach to:

• Understand the rate of habitat change and improve the management of valuable areas.
• Establish a base methodology for determining fragmentation in the landscape for future habitat protection and restoration.
• Exchange ideas on habitat assessment, conservation and management at a European level.
• Develop and adopt a more sustainable system for assessing the state of the natural environment.
• Improve access to up-to-date information for various users, e.g. local planning authorities, land and wildlife advisors, public and private land owners and developers, etc.
• Encourage ecological evidence-based decision making during spatial planning, policy development and management of the natural environment.
• Communicate the importance of our natural environment to a wide range of audiences and to disseminate the project results and findings to other organisations across the Two Seas area and in other European countries.

This project has been funded by the EU’s Interreg IVa Two Seas Programme with financial contributions from Kent County Council, Nord-Pas de Calais Region, the Environment Agency and district councils in Maidstone, Swale, Medway, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling. We also have invaluable contributions in kind from members of the Kent Biodiversity Partnership including Kent Wildlife Trust and the Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre and Natural England.

For more information about the entire project contact laurence.Guedon@kent.gov.uk

For more information about the Kent Habitat Survey contact Chris.Blair-Myers@kent.gov.uk

'Investing in Your Future'  Cross-border co-operation programme part financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund.