The Big Picture

While soil provides the chemical foundation for life, it is not the only factor at play. To understand why a habitat looks the way it does, we must look at the physical shape of the land and its position on the planet.

1. Relief and Aspect: The Shape of the Land

Relief refers to the height and physical shape of the land. On a map, this is often shown using contour lines and colour shading.

• Height: Higher ground is generally cooler than lower ground. Some plants require these cooler conditions, while others need the warmth of the lowlands to survive.

• Aspect: This describes the direction a slope faces.

  • South-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight and are warmer.

  • North-facing slopes are cooler and receive less light.

2. The Influence of Gradient

The steepness of a slope also plays a major role:

• Steep slopes create different habitats compared to flat river mouths.

• Human Protection: Interestingly, very steep slopes often act as a shield for nature because they are difficult for humans to build on or farm, minimising our impact on those specific habitats.

3. Longitude, Latitude, and Climate

Britain’s position on the globe creates distinct environmental "zones" that dictate what can grow.

• South vs. North
  The south is warmer on average. High temperatures favour specific insects and southern plant species.

• West vs. East
  The west receives significantly more rainfall than the east. High rainfall in the west creates wetter, lusher environments and affects plant growth.

• Coastal Sites
  High exposure to wind and salt spray. Wind causes soil erosion and structural damage; only salt-tolerant species survive.

4. The Human Element: The Greatest Factor

Despite the influence of geology and climate, the single biggest factor influencing British habitats is human activity—both modern and historical.

For thousands of years, humans have shaped the countryside through:

• Agriculture: Arable farming and livestock grazing.

• Industry: Timber felling, mineral extraction, and mining.

• Infrastructure: Housing, industry, and travel networks.

Today, we continue to influence habitats directly through daily activity and indirectly through long-term effects like climate change. It is impossible to overstate how much the "natural" world we see today is actually a product of human intervention.