Southwest Environmental Limited

Map Showing Lakes with Good Wildlife and Recreational Beaches

The below map shows habitat scores for lakes around the UK. If a lake has good habitat then it is also likely to have good wildlife (ecology). Also coloured orange are lakes with recreational beaches.

Key:

Blue - No Beach & Below 10% Habitat Score

Orange - Beach & Below 10% Habitat Score

Green -  Beach & Above 10% Habitat Score

Scores for Wildlife are Shown next to map markers. Anything over 10% is not to bad.

Tip: You may want to open up the side panel to see the colour coding more clearly.

Lake and Coastal Ecology: Technical Mapping and Biodiversity Support

Freshwater and coastal environments are among the most ecologically sensitive areas in the UK. Managing these habitats requires a precise understanding of the complex interactions between aquatic species and their physical environment. Southwest Environmental Limited (SWEL) provides this technical resource for mapping lake wildlife and coastal beach habitats, helping developers and landowners understand their ecological assets and manage them in accordance with UK environmental legislation.

Ecological Surveys for Riparian and Coastal Sites

Developments adjacent to water bodies face unique planning challenges, from nutrient management to habitat protection. Our specialists provide the data-driven reports needed to satisfy regulators and local planning authorities:

• Freshwater Assessments: Mapping lake and pond biodiversity, including surveys for protected species and aquatic plant communities.
• Coastal and Beach Surveys: Identifying sensitive intertidal habitats and assessing the impact of coastal developments on local wildlife.
• Nutrient Neutrality: Providing technical solutions for projects in catchments sensitive to nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Water Framework Directive (WFD): Ensuring that site activities do not result in the deterioration of water body status.

Strategic Management of Water-Based Assets

Effective management of lakes and coastal areas goes beyond simple surveying; it requires a long-term strategy for habitat health. By integrating our mapping data with a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP), we help clients maintain the ecological value of their riparian assets while achieving their development goals. This often includes securing BREEAM Ecology Credits for sustainable water management and habitat creation.

UK Technical Authority in Aquatic Ecology

With a 15-year track record and over 900 projects completed nationwide, SWEL offers the professional accreditation (IES, CIEEM) and technical authority required for complex water-based assessments. Our directors provide the expertise needed to manage environmental risks in these sensitive environments, ensuring that your project is both compliant and biodiverse.