Nature Networks - Decision Support Tool uses

What it does and how it works?

They show strategic links between 30x30 sites following a least cost path through the landscape while being included by ‘attractors’ such as LNCS and Ancient Woodland.

These Strategic Corridors for Nature deliver against key asks from the Framework, and provide local authorities with a starter for ten in developing their nature networks. Namely:

1. They connect together all existing 30x30 sites using a sufficient number of connections (known as redundancy) to maximise the probability of meaningful connections being possible (recognising some landowners may choose not to enact positive changes for biodiversity),
2. They incorporate and consider local biodiversity sites (ie. non-30x30 sites) such as LNCS and Ancient Woodland Sites and so begin to ensure that a place-making approach is used and that local priorities are included,
3. They pass through or touch on all major towns and cities in Scotland (those with populations over 15 000) and so begin to better connect people and communities to nearby important areas for nature, and
4. They are Local Authority border agnostic and so work towards creating Nature Network connections that could work at a regional scale, linking them all into a national scale network.

These corridors are not intended, by design, to be finalised routes for spatially defined NNs as they operate using national data sets with associated limitations and, they are able to take into account a limited number of local/regional opportunities and priorities.

How can it be used in LDPs?

Spatially defined corridors such as those offered by AECOM offer an evidence-based starting point for LDP preparation and stakeholder and community engagement on spatially defined Nature Networks. Clearly demonstrating the scale and ambition at which Nature Networks will be operating and providing a reference point to work from. 

• LAs can identify this map as an evidence source in LDP Evidence Reports. It is not expected that the map needs to be detailed at this stage, but it will be useful to explain how this evidence may be used in the process of planning for spatially defined Nature Networks to feature in the new LDP. Please see the ‘Planning Authorities and Nature Networks’ simplifier on the role of Planning Authorities and Local Development Plans for Nature Networks. 

• Through the stage of Proposed Plans as identified in the simplifier, LAs can use this map as a basis for their Nature Networks, building on it using local knowledge of the area and local priorities through discussions with stakeholders. 

• As part of this iterative process, corridors may move or entirely new corridors could be added or replace those provided by the AECOM decision support tool. Questions to consider when working with stakeholders could include: 

1. Given the sites being connected, if structural connectivity is being sought, is the route sensible to achieve this? 

2. Are there local priorities/ important biodiversity areas nearby that a corridor could sensibly also be connecting? 

3. Are there known restrictions along a corridor, that are unlikely to offer any flexibility with regards to biodiversity improvement, that a corridor should re-routed around?  

4. Are there known planned projects (positive or negative concerning biodiversity) that should be factored into the route? 

• Nature Networks should be planned and delivered through a collaborative, bottom-up approach taking into account national and regional, as well as local priorities. Please see the Nature Network Framework regarding delivery principles on decision-making and engagement. The Nature Networks Toolbox will provide further support and guidance on engagement and communication in time. 

• Planning for nature networks, and adding to the baseline provided by the tool, should consider where corridors cross, or link to sites across administrative boundaries. Neighbouring Local Authorities will need to work together to ensure coherency of Nature Networks continues at the regional and therefore national scale.  

• NatureScot will look to ensure all LA adopted spatially defined Nature Networks are bought together and hosted centrally (e.g. on our website or another suitable platform) and would appreciate working with LA GIS colleagues to share this information, providing a platform for viewing the coherent Nature Network across all of Scotland. The AECOM tool will then use this data so that future opportunities and decision-making includes nature networks.  

Additional uses?

• Those exploring opportunities on the platform will be able to see where different opportunities for projects will be contributing to a wider, strategic Nature Network. This will help focus nature-based projects in areas that strategically contribute to improving connectivity.

What it does and how it works?

Along the strategic corridors, the model will suggest opportunities for habitat creation or enhancement for four habitat types; heathland, grassland, woodland and wetland. These are influenced by the wildlife connectivity maps as well as proximity to areas identified and weighted by local authorities, such as flooding zones, historical sites etc.

These suggested opportunities identify areas along the corridors that will improve connectivity for wildlife and help turn that strategic corridor from a concept to existing on the ground.

It is expected, as with any other opportunities mapping tool, that ground truthing is needed before putting any suggested opportunities into action. Similarly, some opportunities wouldn’t be suitable due to things like land ownership, competing land uses or the presences of specialised species assemblages.

The opportunities once again provide a starter for ten when it comes to project selection. This may be useful particularly when funding opportunities present themselves with quick turn arounds.

They can also be a first step when discussing potential restoration on land owned by partners or other stakeholders. If deciding to go ahead with a strategic corridor, it can be a tool to clearly show where a project is contributing to a wider network and improving connectivity across the landscape. It is anticipated LAs would not lead on much of this project-based work.

How can it be used in LDPs?

We wouldn’t expect to see this opportunity map in an LDP.

Additional uses?

This could be useful for when short-term/unexpected funding opportunities present themselves, and there is a capacity shortage, by providing evidence-based opportunities along corridors for project selection.

What it does and how it works?

These connectivity maps can be an additional data source when establishing a base line for current connectivity in the region. Particularly it can highlight areas where species movement is impeded, for example due to linear infrastructure and similar barriers for movement.

How can it be used in LDPs?

LAs may look to identify this as an evidence source in LDP evidence reports.

Additional uses?

We’d see this as an additional useful data source to inform projects in relations to Nature Networks as well as when making wider planning decisions where it would be useful to know the impacts on connectivity across the landscape.