LIFE ECONET PROJECT
THE EUROPEAN PROJECT WORKING TO IMPROVE THE CHESHIRE LANDSCAPE FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE

A fresh approach to biodiversity conservation

The Life ECOnet Project (1 Sept 1999 - 31 Aug 2003) was supported by the Life-Environment Programme of the European Commission to demonstrate in Cheshire and two regions of Italy how to expand and connect areas for wildlife, and use these ecological networks both as a tool for overcoming the problems of habitat loss, fragmentation and species isolation, as well as to help achieve more sustainable land use planning and management. Partners from the Netherlands who are pioneers in developing ecological networks advised the project.

The project has used Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and landscape ecology principles to define an ecological network for Cheshire, and has begun to inform, involve and inspire people to integrate the network into policies, programmes and practices. By 2020 the vision is for Cheshire to have a coherent and viable network of woods, meadows, heathlands and wetlands. The present scattering of small islands of wild places will be expanded and linked by the creation of new habitats. Animals such as the otter, dormouse and barn owl will move freely across the landscape.

Future priorities

The Project will report its findings to the European Commission by the end of 2003, and these will be made available on the project website. In addition, Cheshire County Council will launch the first phase of a new website toolkit which will provide a comprehensive information source and practical guide to those involved in policy formulation, decision-making and the actual creation of habitats on the ground. This includes those from biodiversity, transport, agriculture, forestry, land use planning, minerals and waste, and derelict land sectors. It will be the first toolkit of its kind in the UK.

Effort and emphasis is also being focused on creating the network of habitats on the ground. Outline proposals for the delivery of the first phase of a programme of actions over a 5 year period (2003-8) are being prepared by the ECOnet Project Team in partnership with landowners and farmers, communities and rural and land use agencies.

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