Greater protection exists for brownfield sites (from a very low base) with the Open Mosaic Habitat  OMH Survey Form and associated OMH Survey Handbook. This is the first time the UK has recognised brownfield as a Priority Habitat.

In order to qualify the following  5 criteria in the table need to be met. This will help recognise the importance of sites in the Thames Gateway. The photograph shows dead bramble stems on bare ground which offers oppotunities for breeding for some insect species.