Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive Taking forward Biodiversity in Sussex

Ecosystem Services The benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living

Provisional services Regulating services Cultural services Support services

Primary ecological functions Ecosystem services Goods Weathering Plant growth Soil formation Nutrient cycling Climate regulation Pollination Crops, livestock Water Trees Wild species Local climate Purification Wild species Meaningful places Food Drinking water Fibre Energy Flood control Disease control Recreation Good health eg

Ecological functions Genes and species Valued by people Where does Biodiversity fit in? Underpins ecological processes and indicates their health (supporting, regulating) Species and genetic variety give direct products like crops, livestock, fibre, pharmaceutical products etc. (provisioning) Appreciation of wildlife provide spiritual, educational and recreational benefits, improve health and give a sense of place (Cultural)

Key point: Ecosystem services are provided by healthy, functioning ecosystems

Species diversity Makes rich habitats Interacting in healthy ecosystems To deliver ecological functions – a Living Landscape Providing ecosystem services on which we depend for the conditions for life

A Living Landscape

Let’s get specific

Note: includes records that are only two figure grid references Recording of small pearl-bordered fritillary in the SE

Recording of small pearl-bordered fritillary in the SE

Sussex colonies 2004

Sussex records 2008

Let’s think about large areas, as well as individual woods

Lets think about the connections

If it is good for Otters then it is good for much much more

The products you expect: Food Timber Plus all the things we take for granted: Reduced flood risk Water Carbon sequestration Pollinating insects Nutrient cycling, soils etc.

To summarise, How do we take Sussex Biodiversity forward? just four words!

Better Bigger Joined More

Thank you! UKNEA: TEEB: Millenium Ecosystem Assessment: Sussex Wildlife Trust: