Nature Networks Visual Progress Tracker (June 1st, 2026) - Nature Networks

Page last updated 1 June, 2026

A number of Local Authorities are making strong progress in spatially mapping their and beginning to engage with the public on these plans.

Moray, East Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire, and Dundee City Councils have recently run public consultations on proposed Nature Networks (see Case Studies section for more information) and several other areas have now included position statements on the future development of Nature Networks through their Local Development Plan Evidence Reports, Local Biodiversity Actions Plans or standalone Nature Network Strategies.

This work complements the existing Nature Network in the City of Edinburgh.

In order to easily access information on progress in each Local Authority area, a new interactive tracking map has been developed which allows users to easily reach the correct information for their Local Authority area. Simply click on the LA in question and a brief progress update will be displayed, along with any relevant weblinks to access more information directly.

The map will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.

You can submit updates for inclusion on the map to [email protected]

An interactive dashboard which shows progress in developing and delivering Nature Networks across Scotland has now been launched. You can view progress by Local Authority area, as well as find out more on local level projects which are delivering Nature Networks in communities.

View the Tracker here.

Help us build a useful toolbox

Share your feedback on existing guidance and resources, as well as links to others you think would be useful. We’d also love to hear about any great Nature Network projects that we should showcase.

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Glossary

30 by 30
Target 3 in the Global Biodiversity Framework “Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories”. For Scotland 30 by 30 sites are made up of Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
Corridors
A geographically defined area which allows species to move between landscapes, ecosystems and habitats, natural or modified, and ensures the maintenance of biodiversity and ecological and evolutionary processes. (IPBES)
Ecosystem health
Ecosystem health is a metaphor used to describe the condition of an ecosystem, by analogy with human health. Note that there is no universally accepted benchmark for a healthy ecosystem. Rather, the apparent health status of an ecosystem can vary, depending upon which metrics are employed in judging it, and which societal aspirations are driving the assessment and ecological and evolutionary processes (IPBES).
Ecosystem services
Processes by which the environment produces benefits useful to people, akin to economic services (CBD).
Mainstreaming
In the context of biodiversity, means integrating actions or policies related to biodiversity into broader development processes or policies, such as those aimed at poverty reduction or tackling climate change (IPBES).
Nature based solution
Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits (IUCN).
Nature Networks
A Nature Network connects nature-rich sites, restoration areas, and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and stepping-stones.
Private finance
Financial flow from the private sector (not under government control)
Protected area
A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values (IUCN).
Stepping stones
A habitat patch in a landscape that facilitates movement or offers refuge to species.
Wildlife friendly
Areas that provides a level of food and shelter or similar to support wildlife with minimal levels of disturbance.

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