Uploaded on 2015-12-01 by SimonObendorf

a. Provisioning services Lincoln and its surrounding areas has a range of food-provisioning ecosystems. In addition to managed agro-ecosystems like farms (Lincolnshire is a predominantly agricultural county) there are also riparian ecoystems (both the River Witham and the Fossdyke Canal) offering fish and fresh water. ![Inner City Vineyard, Medieval Bishop's Palace, Lincoln][1] ![The River Witham][2] b. Regulating services Lincoln has a range of parks, open spaces and vegetated/forested areas that play roles in regulating local climate, water run-off and carbon sequestration/storage. For instance large urban parks such as the Lincoln Arboretum and three large areas of Commons land as well as smaller vegetated areas throughout the city help in this regard. The centrally located Roman-era inland harbour, the Brayford Pool, also acts to lessen (though not eliminate) the likelihood of flooding from the River Witham which runs through the centre of the city. The presence of a large body of water in the centre of the city also plays a role in temperature regulation in the city. ![The Brayford Pool, Lincoln][3] ![Parks and Countryside, Lincoln][4] c. Habitat or Supporting services Parks and waterways in Lincoln are significant habitats for bird, fish and small mammal wildlife. They also support - in some aspects - the human habitation of the area through provision of fish and water. Open green spaces such as the Commons provide spaces where genetic diversity of plant species and their adaption to local condition can occur. ![The swan is the symbol of Lincoln and many swans live in the centre of the city][5] ![Swans in their habitat, Lincoln][6] d. Cultural services The ecosystems in Lincoln are of significant cultural and tourist value. The Brayford Pool, Fossdyke Canal and River Witham form a major tourist hub in their own right, as well as providing locations for water-based recreation (canoeing, kayaking, narrowboating, fishing) and economic activity. They have formed a strong part of the city's identity and inspired everything from the city's coat of arms (featuring the swan) to fine art, ceramics and literature. They help shape and define the city in the mind of its inhabitants and visitors. Commons land enables people to keep and ride horses and also to undertake allotment farming. Parks are also a major tourist attraction. ![Lincoln West Common][7] ![Recreational Narrow Boating on the Fossdyke Canal, Lincoln][8] See also - http://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/lincoln-arboretum - http://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/west-common - http://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/south-common [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489879905736209.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489881951400085.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489883572276368.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489887388436527.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489878538855065.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489885324066964.jpg [7]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14489874391455046.jpg [8]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1448987582540283.jpg