Glossary of terminology

The following terminology is used to refer to the various forms in which data are provided.

Biological heritage sites

Biological Heritage Site (BHS) is the term used to describe the top tier of non-statutory wildlife sites of nature conservation importance within the County of Lancashire. The system is operated jointly by the BHS Partnership (Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Natural England regional team). BHSs have been identified after a review of all available ecological data including Phase 1 and Enhanced Phase 1 surveys, utilizing detailed site selection guidelines developed on a county-wide basis.

Local geodiversity sites

Local Geodiversity Sites (LGS) are the geodiversity equivalent of BHS. These have been previously referred to as Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) and Geological Heritage Sites (GHS). LGS are identified by GeoLancashire.

District-level local wildlife sites

A number of district and unitary authorities in Lancashire have identified sites of wildlife importance at the district-level. Where LERN is aware of these we will plot their boundaries on the search plan.

Lancashire key species

Lancashire Key Species (LKS) is used by LERN as a short-hand term to refer to species which have a recognised status, either nationally or locally. A definition of LKS and a list of species recorded in Lancashire is available for the LERN file share site.

Sensitive waterbird area

Locally defined areas of importance for Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans. The methodology used is available for the LERN file share site.

The content of the old Lancashire BAP website and related documents are available on the LERN file share site.

LERN file share site: https://ftps.lancashire.gov.uk/
User Name: LERNPublic
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