Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Assessment Methodology

As part of our continued engagement with the Environment Agency’s (EA) Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF), we have developed a bespoke Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Assessment methodology. Integration of this framework at Pevensey Gates and Thorney Island means clients now have an improved understanding of their most relevant ecosystem services and realignment options.

Challenge

Two previous examples of our framework integration took place within the Thorney Island Habitat Creation Natural Capital Assessment and the Pevensey Levels Ecosystem Services Report.

At Thorney Island, the client sought to commit to a Managed Realignment (MR) incorporating a habitat creation programme as part of their commitment to the Regional Habitat Creation Programme (RHCP). Our Natural Capital Framework was therefore tasked to ensure that a preferable management option was chosen based on current and future ecosystem service analysis. Whilst at Pevensey (Star Inn Gates), a preliminary ecosystem services scoping assessment was undertaken to better understand the wider environmental advantages and disadvantages work to the Star Inn structure and the Pevensey Levels may cause.

Solution

Both projects utilised our comprehensive ecosystem services and natural capital approach, which allowed our clients to gain an improved understanding of their most relevant ecosystem services - with future potential for grounding in economic terms at Pevensey. Whilst the Thorney Island natural capital assessment provided valuable insight through a net change in ecosystem services benefits for effective comparison of their realignment options.

Benefit

On both occasions, the framework proved to be a useful feature as a part of a comprehensive decision-making process. At Thorney Island, we were able to deliver Managed Realignment options, alongside the priority benefits outlined. Whilst at Pevensey, key ecosystem services were highlighted alongside the potential for a more detailed quantitative economic assessment with accurate costs and benefits.

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Want to know more?

For more information about either of these projects please email Angus Pettit.

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