Ensure spatially defined Nature Networks are being implemented in every Local Authority area to provide connectivity between important places for biodiversity, deliver local priorities and contribute to strategic priorities at local, regional and national scales.
Objective 2: Protect nature on land and at sea, across and beyond Protected Areas
Priority Action 11. Identify, expand and enhance Nature Networks and ecological connectivity
Nature Networks are now embedded in planning policy through the Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), which requires Local Authorities to support their development through Local Development Plans. NatureScot guidance defines Nature Networks as spatially planned ecological connections between important areas for biodiversity, including protected sites, Local Nature Conservation Sites and other habitat-rich areas, designed to improve ecological connectivity and resilience across landscapes.
The Nature Networks Framework sets out a long-term ambition for locally defined, spatially mapped networks across Scotland that connect habitats and support nature recovery. In practice, implementation is underway but uneven. Some Local Authorities are starting to map Nature Networks and integrate them into planning and local strategies, while others are still at an early stage due to limited ecological data, capacity and resources.
A clear example of delivery in practice is the Edinburgh Nature Network, which provides a mapped, city-scale framework identifying key habitats, corridors and restoration opportunities to guide biodiversity action across the city. However, this level of spatial planning and delivery is not yet in place across all Local Authorities, and there is currently no complete national, consistent Nature Network covering Scotland.
No. While the policy framework is strong and there are good local examples, delivery is still patchy and depends heavily on local capacity. Nature Networks are not yet operating as a coherent, nationwide ecological connectivity system.
The main barrier to delivery is capacity at local authority level. Biodiversity and planning teams are under-resourced, and many Local Authorities do not have sufficient biodiversity officers or ecological expertise to map, design and deliver Nature Networks effectively.
To make Nature Networks work in practice, Local Authorities need sustained funding and staffing support, particularly biodiversity officers and ecological planners, so they can properly design networks, embed them in planning decisions, and work with landowners and communities to deliver them on the ground.
Alongside this, better coordination with protected areas, Nature30 sites and landscape-scale restoration projects is needed so that Nature Networks function as part of a joined-up national system rather than separate local initiatives. A clearer national baseline and monitoring approach would also help ensure consistency and allow progress to be tracked in a meaningful way.
Nature Networks are designed to improve ecological connectivity between habitats, linking protected sites and other biodiversity-rich areas to support species movement, population resilience and ecosystem function. NatureScot guidance identifies connectivity as critical for adapting to climate change, allowing species to move and habitats to function at landscape scale rather than in isolated patches. Effective delivery depends on capacity and funding for biodiversity officers within Local Authorities, who are needed to map, design and implement Nature Networks through planning and on-the-ground action. Evidence from early delivery (e.g. Edinburgh Nature Network) shows spatial mapping can identify corridors and restoration priorities, but ecological benefits depend on consistent implementation across all areas. Overall, Nature Networks have strong ecological potential, but outcomes depend on resourcing and coordinated delivery across all Local Authorities.
NatureScot – Nature Networks for Planning Authorities (NPF4 guidance)
NatureScot – Nature Networks Framework
Edinburgh Living Landscape – Edinburgh Nature Network
Undertake mapping of opportunities for creating Local Authority wide Nature Networks that connect locally important areas for biodiversity, provide linkages with 30 by 30 sites, and address local and regional priorities for climate and nature.
Promote Nature Network implementation via local and regional decision-making processes, following the Nature Networks Framework.
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