The Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme integrates ecological, societal, and economic data to enhance understanding and inform sustainable management of England’s marine environment. This project focuses on intertidal peats, an under-reported yet ecologically and culturally significant component, by developing a preliminary spatial dataset and a draft data standard for consistent future recording.
The dataset includes point and polygon geometries of peat sites and exposures, alongside non-spatial records of sources and related events. Designed with Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability (FAIR) principles, the standard supports interoperability with terrestrial peat datasets and flexibility for future expansion.
A preliminary map was created by collating existing data, identifying 544 sites and capturing 39 exposures at 12 locations through high-resolution imagery and geological data. Limitations in data availability and imagery interpretation highlight the need for further work. Additionally, a protocol for assessing the natural capital value of intertidal peats was developed, identifying challenges in applying market-based valuation methods and opportunities for methodological improvement.
The outputs provide a foundational resource for future intertidal peat mapping efforts.