Research and analysis

Riverine Natural Capital Condition and Ecosystem Service Mapping Project: summary

Published 11 May 2026

Applies to England

1. Chief Scientist’s Group report summary

This project developed spatial riverine natural capital condition and ecosystem service evidence accessed via an open data mapping tool, the Ecosystem Service Map Explorer (ESME). It modelled the condition of rivers in England (and their surrounding catchments) and their capacity to provide ecosystem services. Its findings will support the Environment Agency and others in planning and delivery processes to improve environmental outcomes.

1.1 Background

Geospatial evidence is particularly important in assessing the state of natural capital as the location of natural assets (and their connectivity) directly affects the ecosystem services and benefits derived. However, previous Environment Agency reviews of user needs and evidence identified that ecosystem service geospatial evidence is currently patchy and not easily accessible, limiting its application to support strategic planning, interventions, and investments. Additionally, asset condition (quality) is an important factor influencing ecosystem service provision but is not well understood, particularly in the water environment.

The project aimed to develop, trial and publish a set of open data England-wide riverine natural capital condition and ecosystem service maps, building on earlier phases of the project that delivered an evidence review and pilot study.

1.2 Approach

Methods and outputs were co-designed with stakeholders and informed by subject matter expertise. We used evidence collated from a Quick Scoping Review (delivered in an earlier phase) to develop conceptual frameworks and identify indicators for each ecosystem service. We then selected the metrics and datasets that underpin the indicators, processed and standardised these, and combined them using decision trees into a semi-quantitative expression of ecosystem service capacity. We then modelled the values and performed spatial analysis in R (programming language and software) and mapped these onto an asset baseline (river reaches) that we developed. Results were also aggregated up to provide mapped outputs at Water Framework Directive river waterbody and management catchment scales. We developed the ESME web application, informed by review and feedback, and loaded the mapped outputs onto it.

1.3 Results

The project has developed scalable condition indicator and ecosystem service maps for freshwater rivers in England for ten ecosystem services, accessed via the ESME mapping tool. Key outcomes were:

• Innovative and open geospatial evidence developed, with guidance, that advances the environmental sector’s ability to map and understand natural capital.
• Reusable frameworks and methods for mapping indicators and ecosystem service capacity.
• Links between river asset condition and ecosystem services captured (flow charts and databases).
• Evidence gaps identified and recommendations made for future indicator and map enhancements.
• Co-design process harnessed interdisciplinary expertise and increased stakeholder capability.

ESME uses a mix of indicator types, datasets of varying ages collected at different scales for diverse purposes, and a range of scoring approaches. Results are modelled and should be seen as indicative of the relative ecosystem service capacity expected given the underlying state of the water environment.

1.4 Conclusions

The maps reveal where rivers are in a condition to continue serving communities, and conversely, where interventions might be needed to improve river health to increase their capacity to deliver ecosystem services. This will help prioritise planning and delivery for better environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

You can access the mapping tool on ArcGIS online, watch a walk-through in our applied demonstration video, and download the data from Defra Data Services Platform.

1.5 Publication details:

This summary relates to information from project F/2526/0344, reported in detail in the following output:

• Report: F/2526/0344
• Title: Riverine Natural Capital Condition and Ecosystem Service Mapping Project
• Project manager: Alice Crouch, Chief Scientist’s Group
• Research Contractor: Jim Rouquette, Natural Capital Solutions, in collaboration with River Restoration Centre.

This project was commissioned by the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides scientific knowledge, tools and techniques to enable us to protect and manage the environment as effectively as possible. This project has been funded by the UK Government through Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme.

Enquiries: research@environment-agency.gov.uk.

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