Opportunity Mapping for Open Mosaic Habitat at the Tees Estuary

Open Mosaic Habitat (OMH) is recognised as a high distinctiveness Priority Habitat; which is very difficult to recreate or replace if destroyed. Under S41 NERC Act OMH is protected and Local Planning Authorities require rigorous mitigation if impacted via development.

The demand for OMH mitigation opportunities is also intrinsically linked to the planning process and decision-making. This research project will map OMH resource across the Tees Estuary to develop an understanding of the types of OMH across the area, identify areas of OMH not currently mapped and identify whether there have been changes in OMH resource over time.

The research project will also collate species records to identify important species using the OMH resource and determine whether there are any characteristic OMH communities. Finally, this work will identify opportunities to maintain and enhance the OMG resource and produce a prioritised list of actions.