This guide has been designed to bring together the technical background and justification for a number of spatially explicit, approaches that have been used to evaluate key habitats across a number of regions in England. This guide has been designed to help set strategic objectives that will complement existing site-based conservation activities. It is not intended as a substitute for site-based conservation nor should it be used as a fixed blueprint. Rather it should be viewed as a starting point for defining local action; a framework for local decision support rather than another layer of designation or constraint. It has been specifically designed to support the delivery of statutory obligations as well as a number of international agreements in an ecologically robust, transparent and justifiable manner. It has the potential to inform regional climate change adaptation strategies in a direct and tangible way. The provision of functional networks will be critical for improving resilience of the environment for future generations. It is a planned response that will help to sustain biodiversity in the longer term.