# Natural Capital Mapping

#### What is Natural Capital Mapping?

Natural Capital Mapping is a way of understanding what nature exists in a place, where it is, and what benefits it provides to people. Instead of focusing only on wildlife, it looks at the *full value of nature*—including climate regulation, flood protection, recreation, food production, and wellbeing.

It typically combines:

* Maps of habitats and land use (e.g. woodland, grassland, rivers, gardens)
* Information on ecosystem service**s**, such as:
  * Flood risk reduction
  * Carbon storage
  * Pollination
  * Access to green space and health benefits
* Local knowledge, often from residents, landowners, and community groups

The output is usually a map-based picture that helps communities and decision-makers see how nature supports daily life and where it could be improved or restored.

#### What is a Bioblitz?

A Bioblitz is a short, intensive wildlife survey - often over a day or weekend - where volunteers and experts record as many species as possible in a defined area. [Find out more here.](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/biodiversity/natural-capital-mapping/bioblitz)

#### How is Natural Capital Mapping different from a Biodiversity Audit?

| Biodiversity Audit                                   | Natural Capital Mapping                                         |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Focuses on **what species and habitats are present** | Focuses on **what nature does for people and place**            |
| Often technical and conservation-led                 | Designed to support **planning, funding, and local decisions**  |
| Usually answers: *“What wildlife do we have?”*       | Usually answers: *“Why does this nature matter here?”*          |
| Snapshot of ecological value                         | Strategic view of **environmental, social, and economic value** |


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