AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
England Peat Map Vegetation and Land Cover on Peaty Soils

The England Peat Map is a map of England's peaty soils. It models the extent, depth, and condition of our peat including vegetation and upland peat erosion & drainage features (grips, gullies, bare peat and peat hagging). The map and, where possible, the associated data, are available openly and free to use for any purpose. This map is funded by the Nature for Climate Fund and the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, both part of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The map layers were created using machine learning and deep learning modelling techniques, trained with pre-existing survey data collated from Defra organisations and other stakeholders, as well as new survey data collected by contractors and quality-assured by an in-house team. Predictor data used in the modelling process included national-scale satellite imagery, topographic LiDAR, geological and historic land-use data. Data collated from multiple sources and collated by the England Peat Map project. See [NERR149 England Peat Map Final Report Annex 5] for more information. Vegetation cover of peaty soils as modelled by the England Peat Map project. The ‘vegetation and land cover on peaty soils’ map layer currently has some areas (covering approx. 4% of the predicted peaty soil extent) where we have not yet provided a vegetation or land cover class. We will be providing a completed version of this map layer later in 2025. We will also publish a new map layer describing the probabilities for each class at every location (not just the most likely class, which is the ‘vegetation and land cover on peaty soils’ map layer). Full metadata can be viewed on [environment.data.gov.uk].
National Historic Landscape Characterisation 500m Grid (England)

The NHLC can support in identifying the location and extent of priority historic character types and characteristics. The data is extracted from a dataset of merged sub-regional HLCs. This merged data has then been processed to generalise the data into 500m grid squares, removing the original polygon boundaries. More info about this Science and Research project can be found [here]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Ramsar (England)

A Ramsar site is the land listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the [Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention) 1971]. Data supplied has the status of "Listed". The data does not include "Proposed" sites. Boundaries are mapped against Ordnance Survey MasterMap. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Heritage Coasts (England)

Heritage Coasts boundaries. Heritage coasts are ‘defined’ rather than designated, so there isn’t a statutory designation process like that associated with national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). They were established to conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast in England. A heritage coast is defined by agreement between the relevant maritime local authorities and Natural England. The national policy framework and objectives for heritage coasts were developed by the Countryside Commission, a predecessor of Natural England, and ratified by government. For more information see the following links: * [Heritage Coasts - Definition, Purpose and Natural England's Role] * Natural England's report - Review and evaluation of England's Heritage Coasts publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4594438590431232?category=56001 Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England)

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated areas where protection is afforded to protect and manage the areas for visitors and local residents. AONBs are also known as National Landscapes. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Natural England has the power to designate AONBs in England that are outside national parks and that are considered to have such natural beauty it is desirable they are conserved and enhanced; issue a variation order to change an existing AONB boundary. It also holds a duty to give advice on developments taking place in an AONB; take into account the conservation and enhancement of AONBs in its work. National Landscapes are living places. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not a nature designation, and caring for the natural beauty of these places involves more than habitat restoration. There are 46 National Landscapes in the UK. These are places with national importance, protected for the nation's benefit, but cared for by local teams with a deep understanding of the distinctive web of interconnecting factors that make these places special. The physical geography in a National Landscape: the unique combination of landform, climate and geology determines which species thrive, which industries grow, and therefore the heritage, language and culture of the individual place. For more information visit [https://national-landscapes.org.uk/]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Peaty Soils Location (England)

The Peat Layer was produced by Natural England (ARM team) during June - October 2008, with the aim of identifying the extent of three classes of peaty soils for the purposes of the Partnership Project to Protect and Enhance Peat Soils (aka. The Peat Project). The Peat Project is a joint initiative of: * Defra * Natural England * Environment Agency * Forestry Commission * Welsh Assembly Government * Countryside Council for Wales * Northern Ireland Environment Agency * Cadw * Department for Energy and Climate Change and aims to improve coordination between these partners in our efforts to understand, manage and restore peaty soils. BGS, Cranfield University (NSRI) and OS must be acknowledged in any reports or documents produced as a result of using the Peat layer. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
GCN Strategic Opportunity Areas (North Somerset and South Gloucestershire)

This dataset identifies areas where the addition of new ponds would benefit Great Crested Newt populations. The core areas contain a pond density of 2+ ponds and are located within a 1km square where great crested newt presence has been predicted. Fringe areas contain a pond density of 1 and are located within a 1km square where great crested newt presence has been predicted or are within a 250m of a Core Area. Higher scores are associated with darker colouration and represent a greater presence of suitable habitat features: grassland density 10 - 60% woodland density 5 - 60% arable density 0 - 50% These suitable habitat features have been given a score of ‘1’. Soil Type - Sand has been given a score of ‘-1’. Urban areas greater than 2ha (+400m buffer), roads (7.5m), rivers (7.5m) have been excluded Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
GCN Risk Zones (Telford)

This dataset identifies areas where the distribution of great crested newts (GCN) has been categorised into district zones relating to GCN occurrence and the level of impact development is likely to have on this species. Red zones contain key populations of GCN, which are important on a regional, national or international scale and include designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for GCN. Amber zones contain main population centres for GCN and comprise important connecting habitat that aids natural dispersal. Green zones contain sparsely distributed GCN and are less likely to contain important pathways of connecting habitat for this species. White zones contain no GCN. However, as most of England forms the natural range of GCN, white zones are rare and will only be used when it is certain that there are no GCN. Full metadata can be viewed at [data.gov.uk].
CRoW Act 2000 - Open Access Mapping Areas

Shows the conclusive boundaries of the mapping areas used for the CRoW mapping process. The [Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)] gives the public right of access to land mapped as 'open country' (mountain, moor, heath and down) or registered common land. This data does not represent the extent of the boundaries of the CRoW Access land. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
CRoW Act 2000 - Section 15 Land

Shows land subject to pre-existing public access rights that on CRoW access land apply instead of the CRoW rights. The [Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)] gives the public right of access to land mapped as open country (mountain, moor, heath and down) or registered common land. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
CRoW Act 2000 - Section 4 Conclusive Open Country

Shows land mapped as Conclusive Open Country under the [Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)]. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) gives the public right of access to land mapped as 'open country' (mountain, moor, heath and down) or registered common land. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk]
GCN Strategic Opportunity Areas (Hertfordshire)

This dataset identifies areas where the addition of new ponds would benefit Great Crested Newt populations. The core areas contain a pond density of 2+ (i.e. there are 2+ ponds within 250m of any 25m square) where great crested newt presence has been predicted. Fringe areas contain a pond density of <2 (i.e. there are fewer than 2 ponds within 250m of any 25m square) where great crested newt presence has been predicted or are within a 250m of a Core Area. Higher scores are associated with darker colouration and represent a greater presence of suitable habitat features: * distance from rivers 50 - 1000m * arable density 50 - 100% * urban density 40 - 100% * grassland density 5 - 50% * distance from woodland < 100m * distance to nearest pond 0 - 150m These suitable habitat features have been given a score of ‘1’. * distance from rivers 50 - 1000m * grassland density 5 - 50% * distance from woodland < 100m * distance to nearest pond 0 - 150m These suitable habitat features have been given a score of ‘-1’. * arable density 50 - 100% * urban density 40 - 100% * Urban areas greater than 2ha (+400m buffer), roads (7.5m), rivers (7.5m) and Environment Agency Flood Zone 2 have been excluded. Data used to generate this derived data set includes the 2015 CEH Land Cover map (woodland, grassland, arable and urban land classifications), OS MasterMap (pond locations that have been converted by NE into pond densities), Natural England GCN Class License Survey Returns England, Natural England GCN Pond Surveys DLL 17 18 19, OS Open Rivers, OS Open Roads, OS Boundary Line District Boundaries, Freshwater Habitats Trust PondNet GCN data and Allocations data from Hertfordshire County Council, St Albans City & District Council, Three Rivers District Council, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Broxbourne Borough Council, Dacorum Borough Council, East Herts Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Watford Borough Council DOI for LCM2015 25m raster data for Great Britain: Rowland, C.S.; Morton, R.D.; Carrasco, L.; McShane, G.; O’Neil, A.W.; Wood, C.M. (2017) Land Cover Map 2015 (25m raster, GB). NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. [https://doi.org/10.5285/bb15e200-9349-403c-bda9-b430093807c7] DOI for LCM2015 Vector data for Great Britain: Rowland, C.S.; Morton, R.D.; Carrasco, L.; McShane, G.; O’Neil, A.W.; Wood, C.M. (2017) Land Cover Map 2015 (vector, GB). NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. [https://doi.org/10.5285/6c6c9203-7333-4d96-88ab-78925e7a4e73] Full metadata can be viewed on [environment.data.gov.uk] and data.gov.uk.
GCN Risk Zones (Cheshire)

This dataset identifies areas where the distribution of Great Crested Newts (GCN) has been categorised into district zones relating to GCN occurrence and the level of impact development is likely to have on this species. * Red zones contain key populations of GCN, which are important on a regional, national or international scale and include designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for GCN. * Amber zones contain main population centres for GCN and comprise important connecting habitat that aids natural dispersal. * Green zones contain sparsely distributed GCN and are less likely to contain important pathways of connecting habitat for this species. * White zones contain no GCN. However, as most of England forms the natural range of GCN, white zones are rare and will only be used when it is certain that there are no GCN. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Land Management Initiatives (England)

Individual Land Management Initiative boundaries. The LMIs worked with farmers, local communities and other interested organisations, to investigate the problems faced by land managers.The aim was to research and demonstrate innovative practical solutions that would maintain viable farm businesses, while providing a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits. The aims of each LMI were defined locally, in partnership with stakeholders, and were guided by the objectives of the national programme. A national advisory group helped to guide the development of the overall programme. More information about the LMIs can be found at [http://ukeconet.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Experiences_from_the_land_management_initiatives.pdf]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Organic Farming Scheme Agreements

The aim of the OFS is to encourage the expansion of organic production. Under the scheme, farmers moving from conventional to organic farming methods receive financial help during the conversion process. The scheme is now closed to new applications but has been replaced by Organic Entry Level Scheme. More information about the Organic Farming Scheme can be found at [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/organic-farming-how-to-get-certification-and-apply-for-funding]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) Agreements

Energy Crops Scheme Agreements - based on Probis extract. The Energy Crops Scheme provides establishment grants for approved energy crops. Approved crops are Short Rotation Coppice (Willow, Poplar, Ash, Alder, Hazel, Silver Birch, Sycamore, Sweet Chestnut and Lime) and Miscanthus (a tall, woody grass). The ECS grant scheme supports the cost of establishment of Miscanthus or Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Both elements of the Energy Crops Scheme, (which formed part of the [England Rural Development Programme]), Establishment Grants and [Producer Groups], have now closed to new applications. For details on the Energy Crops Scheme 2007-13 visit [Natural England's website (archived)]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Conservation and Enhancement Scheme Agreements (England)

Agreements entered into by Natural England with owners and occupiers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and occasionally on adjacent land. The purpose of these Agreements is to enable the land to be managed to achieve the nature conservation objectives. They are delivered through the Conservation and Enhancement Scheme; and the Statutory powers for these Agreements were given to Natural England in the [Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (Chapter 1, Section 7)]. More information about the Conservation and Enhancement Scheme can be found [here]. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme Options (England)

Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme Live Option Points derived from AESIS tables. The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme was introduced in 1987 to offer incentives to encourage farmers to adopt agricultural practices which would safeguard and enhance parts of the country of particularly high landscape, wildlife or historic value. The scheme has now closed to new applicants. Defra introduced a new Environmental Stewardship Scheme on 3 March 2005 which supersedes (with enhancements) the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship Schemes. There are 22 ESAs in England, covering some 10% of agricultural land. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Moorland Change Map (England) 2016-2017

The Moorland Change Map (MCM) is a vector dataset which shows whether the heather dominant uplands being monitored contain change during the period of monitoring. Approximately monitoring covers the moorland burning season of Oct to Apr. The MCM is an earth observation derived product, using the Sentinel-2 satellites. Validation of the the results happens for each year per upland and Nationally. The validation shows the accuracy of the MCM results. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
GS9 and GS10 Eligibility for Countryside Stewardship (England)

This is an extract of the Priority Habitat Inventory spatial dataset (that describes the geographic extent and location of Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) Section 41 habitats of principal importance), taken from version 2.1. Land mapped as coastal floodplain grazing marsh; purple moor grass and rush pasture and lowland meadow identified as already support breeding waders or with high potential to be restored for breeding waders have been extracted to form this eligibility layer, with ineligible habitat overlaps removed. GS9 and GS10 are management options in the Countryside Stewardship scheme, designed to maintain or restore wet grassland for breeding wading birds through provision of feeding habitat and a suitable sward structure for nesting (GS9), or to provide suitable habitat for wintering wildfowl and wading birds on wet grassland (GS10).These can be selected for Higher Tier agreements, and are available to Mid Tier agreements with approval from Natural England. This layer will be used as a simple check to illustrate to applicants where this option may be eligible. A number of data layers from different sources were geo-processed to produce this layer. The main source layer was the Priority Habitat Inventory. This was restricted to coastal floodplain grazing marsh; purple moor grass and rush pasture and lowland meadow. Also, only included contiguous blocks of land greater than 10ha. A number of habitat types were then excluded from the area: • Ancient woodland • National Forestry Inventory • PHI Deciduous woodland • PHI Lowland calcareous grassland • PHI Lowland dry acid grassland • PHI Lowland fens • PHI Lowland heathland • PHI Lowland raised bog • PHI Reedbeds • PHI Traditional orchards • PHI Upland hay meadow • FC Unmanaged woodland • NE Wood pasture and parkland. To be updated in line with updates to the underlying Priority Habitat Inventory Data. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
GCN Risk Zones (Kent)

This dataset identifies areas where the distribution of Great Crested Newts (GCN) has been categorised into district zones relating to GCN occurrence and the level of impact development is likely to have on this species. * Red zones contain key populations of GCN, which are important on a regional, national or international scale and include designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for GCN. * Amber zones contain main population centres for GCN and comprise important connecting habitat that aids natural dispersal. * Green zones contain sparsely distributed GCN and are less likely to contain important pathways of connecting habitat for this species. * White zones contain no GCN. However, as most of England forms the natural range of GCN, white zones are rare and will only be used when it is certain that there are no GCN. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
GCN Strategic Opportunity Areas (Greater Manchester)

This dataset identifies areas where the addition of new ponds would benefit Great Crested Newt populations. The core areas contain a pond density of 2+ ponds and are located within a 25m square where great crested newt presence has been predicted. Fringe areas contain a pond density of 1 and are located within a 25m square where great crested newt presence has been predicted or are within a 250m of a Core Area. Higher scores are associated with darker colouration and represent a greater presence of suitable habitat features: * grassland density 25 - 75% * woodland density 5 - 75% * Distance from rivers >1000m * Soil pH 6.5 to 7.5 Phosphorus 30 to 40 These suitable habitat features have been given a score of ‘1’. Arable land (density 50 - 100%) and Heather (density 33.33 - 100%) have been given a score of ‘-1’. Roads (7.5m), rivers (7.5m) and Environment Agency Flood Zone 2 have been excluded. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Conservation Advice Package Status (England)

This dataset provides information on both terrestrial and marine protected sites across England, and the status of their Conservation packages, which are accessed via Designated Sites View. The dataset covers protected sites including Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). The dataset is generated by Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Advice teams. They provide six monthly updates on any new site designations/ status changes. Other datasets include: CP2 boundaries, UKHO 6nm and 12nm limits. Full metadata can be viewed on [environment.data.gov.uk] and [data.gov.uk].
GCN Risk Zones (Norfolk and Suffolk)

This dataset identifies areas where the distribution of Great Crested Newts (GCN) has been categorised into district zones relating to GCN occurrence and the level of impact development is likely to have on this species. * Red zones contain key populations of GCN, which are important on a regional, national or international scale and include designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for GCN. * Amber zones contain main population centres for GCN and comprise important connecting habitat that aids natural dispersal. * Green zones contain sparsely distributed GCN and are less likely to contain important pathways of connecting habitat for this species. * White zones contain no GCN. However, as most of England forms the natural range of GCN, white zones are rare and will only be used when it is certain that there are no GCN. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk]
Marine Conservation Zones (England)

These are the boundaries for Marine Conservation Zones, and Highly Protected Marine Areas, which are both designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). They protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology. Sites were selected in English inshore and offshore waters to protect not just rare and threatened marine wildlife and habitats, but also the range of biodiversity across biogeographic regions. The Highly Protected Marine Areas project followed the recommendations of the Benyon review in 2022 and sites were selected to achieve the full recovery of the marine ecosystem within the site, including the biotic and abiotic elements of the seabed, water column and surface of the sea. This data layer is composed of boundaries for both Marine Conservation Zones and Highly Protected Marine Areas. These boundary polygons were developed by Natural England and JNCC through a process which involved a number of different stages including the gathering and assessment of evidence, site proposals, consultations and refining of boundaries before final site designation. The boundaries have been drawn using the wide variety of evidence which went into this process. Where inshore sites follow the shoreline, they are usually drawn to follow OS Mastermap MHW. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].
Moorland Change Map (England) 2020-2021

The Moorland Change Map (MCM) is a vector dataset which shows whether the heather dominant uplands being monitored contain change during the period of monitoring. Approximately monitoring covers the moorland burning season of Oct to Apr. The MCM is an earth observation derived product, using the Sentinel-2 satellites. Validation of the the results happens for each year per upland and Nationally. The validation shows the accuracy of the MCM results. Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk].