Integrated features planning
Conservation features Access features Interpretation features Research features
graphic
Definition of IFP
The site chosen to illustrate the logic of producing an integrated features plan is Cors Caron,  a large raised bog, eight hundred hectares in area, lying in the agricultural heartland of Ceredigion in Wales.
The mind map is based on the chapter entitled Access and Recreation Section of the Management Plan forCors Caron National Nature Reserve, written by Paul Culyeri and Rosanne Alexander for Management Planning for Nature Conservation by M. Alexander, (c) Springer 2008
Description of site
Cors Caron  it is one of the few remaining largely intact examples of this once common habitat. It stands out dramatically from the surrounding countryside as vast sweep of golden-red lying in a dish of green hills.  It was one of the last strongholds of the red kite when populations were at their lowest, and, although they are now much more common, these birds remain traditionally associated with this area and are one of the main attractions for visitors. Birds, such as curlew, redshank, snipe and water rail breed among the bog vegetation, which is highlighted in summer by flowering plants such as bog asphodel, bog rosemary and bog bean. The spectacular landscape supports a great variety of wildlife, ranging from water voles and polecats to moths and dragonflies.
Logic of plan
An integrated features plan is in four parts corresponding to the division of its features into:
  • conservation features;
  • access features;
  • interpretation features;
  • research features.
In this example only the access features have been taken to the level of projects.