Building the Freshwater Network: A new approach to the identification of freshwater biodiversity hotspots and restoration opportunities in England and Wales

Existing water environment policy, mostly focused on the siloed management of large waters, has not succeeded in restoring freshwater biodiversity in England and Wales. To address the deficiencies of current policy and direct conservation work, we propose a new approach, the Freshwater Network. The Freshwater Network is a conceptual framework and analytical tool which addresses major limitations of the current regulatory framework by incorporating evidence that freshwater ecosystems exist in interdependent networks across multiple habitat types, with small waters playing a primary role. This new approach facilitates the protection of existing freshwater biodiversity hotspots (areas of high biodiversity value) across all habitat types, and identifies opportunities to build out from these hotspots to restore freshwater biodiversity at a landscape scale, through habitat creation and restoration. Freshwater Network analyses combine voluntary and statutory sources of species and habitat data to identify freshwater biodiversity hotspots at a regional (Important Freshwater Area) and national (Important Freshwater Landscape) level. Analyses also identify Wetland Opportunity Areas where conservation action can be most effectively targeted. Practical implication . The Freshwater Network provides a practical tool to help environmental organisations and land managers target freshwater conservation interventions in the places where they will deliver greatest benefits. For policymakers, the Freshwater Network approach also provides a framework for improving conservation strategies and informing future regulatory approaches to freshwater management.