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 services, 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.

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