Introducing Version 2.1

Introduction

The UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) is a unified and comprehensive habitat classification system for all terrestrial, freshwater and coastal habitats in the United Kingdom. Launched in 2018, UKHab is now used by over 10,000 professionals, land managers and environmental science students and graduates working in land-based industries across the UK.

UKHab was developed by the UKHab Working Group, supported by the UKHab Advisory Forum. Since 2020, the classification system has been managed by the Directors of UKHab Ltd, a non-profit entity established to maintain and promote the classification and deliver training in its use.

Rationale for changes to UKHab

UKHab has made changes to the published version of UKHab v2.0 (July 2023) to address the following issues:

  1. A need for enhanced capture of habitat details and variations, in particular in montane and upland areas of Britain.
  2. A need for more precise and consistent recording of habitat mosaics and better guidance on the recording of mosaic habitats.
  3. Provision of clearer guidance for mapping and recording using UKHab, both when using field surveys or remote-sensed and/or Earth-observation data.
  4. Provision of new or clearer definitions to existing habitat types, responding to feedback and suggestions from UKHab users.
  5. Consideration has also been given to more closely align UKHab with biodiversity metrics and other published habitat datasets across each of the nations of the UK, through consultation with Statutory Agencies.

    Consultation Version Feedback

    UKHab is consulting on the proposed changes to UKHab system and definitions. We welcome constructive criticism, offers of collaboration and reflections from users on the likely implications of the proposed changes.

    At this stage, changes have been tested in small focus groups, but large-scale application of the revisions across the UK has not been possible. We decided against further testing prior to a wider public consultation, to avoid the situation where some of our users have access to the new additions and others do not.

    We encourage users to engage with the new additions and revised definitions and to respond during the consultation period to ensure that UKHab remains the primary resource for habitat mapping in the UK. It is expected that some or all of the proposed changes will be integrated into a fully revised and updated version of UKHab at the end of the consultation period.

    The UKHab team welcomes feedback on all aspects of the following newly published consultation resources:

    • UKHab Consultation v2.1 (May 2026) (New and changed definitions only)
    • UKHab Habitat Field Key v2.1 (May 2026)
    • UKHab Correspondence Tables v2.1 (May 2026)
    • UKHab User Manual Consultation Version 2.1 (June 2026)
    • There is a response form on the contents page or use Contact@UKHab.org
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