Environment Systems was commissioned by Avon Wildlife Trust and Bristol City Council to produce a number of environmental opportunities maps which cover the greater Bristol area to coincide with Bristol being the European Green Capital in 2015. The maps were produced from over 200 different datasets, including satellite and aerial imagery, soil and habitat data.

The maps will help communities identify areas within their own neighbourhoods where they can take action to enhance wildlife as part of the European Green Capital initiative. The campaign is called My Wildlife City.

Bristol like any modern city presents a challenge for wildlife as green spaces are often separated by roads and buildings making it difficult for species to travel from area to area. The Trust’s vision is to work with communities across the city, using the maps to inspire everyone to support wildlife in their local area, by connecting the habitats and green spaces.

The maps, which cover the whole of greater Bristol beyond the confines of the Bristol City Council area, picture the city as it has never been seen before, with the needs of wildlife at their core. They show the best places to create habitat for wildlife, such as wildflower and tree planting with the opportunities determined by taking into consideration factors such as distance from existing green space, woodland and grassland, and whether a garden is paved or not.