Using Geology to Help Species Survive Climate Change and Restore Habitats

This pilot project aims to improve the survival chances of species that depend on specific geological conditions by mapping where they can survive or expand as climate changes. The project will enhance Natural England's climate suitability maps by adding geological data to identify future safe areas and wildlife corridors. The team will gather ecological and geological information for target species, and conduct field surveys on selected sites to examine local conditions including slope, water availability, soil type, and rock formations. The project will produce species-specific reports offering practical guidance to land managers and supporting conservation planning at local, regional, and national levels. By combining predictive mapping with on-the-ground ecological knowledge, this project will help direct targeted management actions and landscape-scale conservation efforts. The work recognizes that while geology cannot be changed, understanding it can guide how species adapt to climate change and inform effective habitat management and land connectivity strategies.