The BBC Radio 4 programme "Costing the Earth", broadcast on 7th April 2010, looked at the value of the natural environment through the use of "Ecosystem Services".  Ecosystem Services provide a mechanism for valuing the resources and/or services provided by the environment. The benefits include carbon storage, water purification, flood mitigation and the preservation of biodiversity.

The programme, provides a great introduction to the subject of ecosystem services. It discusses how this methodology is used at sites across the UK and how the framework can be used as a method for protection, stewardship and accounting/costing of the natural environment in the future.

En:mapping has been involved in projects about valuing the natural environment since 2007, and we have work published in peer reviewed journals as part of a project with the University of Sheffield and more recently on a valuation project with Defra - which was published on the 6th April 2010. Further information can be found at the following link.

If you would like to contact us about any projects regarding ecosystem services and GIS, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the office on 0114 2730062.