Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land (Brownfield sites) has recently been included in the new list of UKBAP Priority Habitats and species. ADAS has been appointed by Defra to review the definition of this habitat type and to develop an approach for a UK wide inventory.
Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land represents a diverse range of sites, largely because of the range of previous land uses associated with the sites, which include colliery mining, industry and housing. This habitat is concentrated in, but not confined to, urban and former industrial landscapes and it is at substantial risk of destruction and serious degradation.
These habitats are at risk from a number of factors, including urban development, landfill, unsuitable reclamation, eutrophication, lack of appropriate management and succession.
There is a therefore a requirement to identify and map potential sites and to inform survey, assessment, evaluation and mapping of the Priority Habitat type, allowing the compilation of a national inventory and future monitoring.
ADAS has been appointed to deliver the first phase of this work, which will conclude in summer 2009. The current descri...
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