Futures Wild Awarded NBN Atlas Mapping Enhancement Scoping Project

We’re excited to announce that Futures Wild has been awarded the contract to scope enhancements to the mapping capabilities of the NBN Atlas, the UK’s largest biodiversity data repository.

Commissioned by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Trust, the project will focus on modernising and improving the Atlas’ mapping features to create a more dynamic, user-friendly, and interactive experience. The goal is to provide researchers, conservationists, and policymakers with intuitive mapping tools that make biodiversity data more accessible and actionable.

The NBN Atlas, built on the Atlas of Living Australia open-source platform, plays a crucial role in collating and sharing biodiversity data across the UK. Its existing mapping tools are widely used but require updates to improve usability, performance, and accessibility. Futures Wild will engage with users to understand their needs, and take a design-led approach to ensure the new mapping features align with best practices in conservation technology and user interface design. The project will also establish a roadmap for future technical development, ensuring long-term scalability and sustainability.

Mel Hardie, Biodiversity Data Manager at the NBN Trust, welcomed the collaboration, saying, “Futures Wild stood out in the tender process because of their commitment to truly understanding our needs. They asked the right questions, listened carefully, and demonstrated a clear vision for how the NBN Atlas can evolve. We are excited to be working with them to make our mapping tools more intuitive and impactful for our users.”

Futures Wild is developing a strong niche in designing and developing digital platforms for conservation organisations. The team recently led the redesign and build of BirdLife International’s DataZone and are currently completely overhauling the IUCN Red List Species Information Service, both of which focus on improving data accessibility and user experience.

Matt Rogers, co-founder at Futures Wild, expressed enthusiasm about the project, saying, “We strongly believe in the value of the NBN Atlas and are excited to bring fresh thinking to the platform. This project aligns perfectly with our mission to advance technology for nature conservation, ensuring that biodiversity data is not just available, but truly useful for decision-makers and conservation practitioners.”

With thousands of users relying on the NBN Atlas for biodiversity insights, these improvements will play a key role in supporting conservation efforts across the UK. By focusing on usability, performance, and future scalability, Futures Wild and the NBN Trust are working together to ensure that the NBN Atlas remains an essential tool for biodiversity monitoring and recording.

For more information about Futures Wild and its work in conservation technology, visit www.futureswild.com. To learn more about the NBN Atlas and explore its biodiversity data, visit www.nbnatlas.org.