The use of spatial data and tools is essential in helping to identify, plan and deliver Nature Networks. As Nature Networks become established, data will also play a vital role in monitoring and reporting. Here we provide an outline of some tools and data that can be used in a variety of landscapes. This page will continue to be updated as more resources become available.
Covering Framework Delivery Principles:
- Data, mapping, & monitoring
- Finance & resourcing
- Governance & decision making
- Knowledge & skills
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Participation, engagement, & communication
- Policy & Mainstreaming
- Project Development
- Project Implementation
- Spatial Mapping
Overview
The nature network framework outlines the following delivery principles for data, mapping and monitoring;
- We will be adaptive in our approach to delivering Nature Networks and use the opportunity to improve our understanding of developing effective ecological connectivity.
- Monitoring approaches for Nature Networks will be developed with, and for, stakeholders to inform management and action that maximises effectiveness of the network.
- We will employ innovation and best practice in data collection, management and use.
- Mapping and use of data will be collaborative and holistic in approach.
We cannot give definitive answers on which tools to use or how to use available data, or provide an exhaustive list of available tools and data. However, we have provided a summary of those which we think are currently important, useful and relevant.
About Decision Support and Opportunity Mapping Tools
Decision-support, including geospatial and opportunity mapping tools, often work by bringing together a range of different datasets such as habitat maps and species data, and other land use data, and present the information in such a way to support the user in making land use decisions.
In addition to presenting existing information, they often involve the production of new datasets through applying spatial models to these existing datasets. This approach can provide additional information and highlight opportunities that would not have been identified before.
Tools can support users to consider various influencing factors in identifying nature networks and wider land use decisions, as well as provide suggested opportunities for creation, restoration, and/or enhancement maximising benefits for nature and people. The use of tools can be particularly helpful in the planning and stakeholder engagement stages of delivering Nature Networks or projects that contribute to Nature Networks.
Things to consider
When using decision-support tools, there are a number of things to take into consideration;
Data quality, quantity and extent
The models and tools, and the data they produce, are only as good as the information upon which they are built.
Caveats, assumptions and limitations
The models and methodologies within the tools will be simplifications of complex ecological processes. Models are not perfect (and they are not meant to be) so it’s important to understand the caveats, limitations and assumptions of them, so you can make the most informed decision using them.
Scale and place
To ensure Nature Networks consider national, regional and local priorities, it’s advisable to have both national and local datasets feeding in. It is important to understand data at a range of scales and to acknowledge that national coverage does not necessarily mean poor local scale resolution, and conversely resolution at a local level may not be adequate to base decisions on.
Ground truthing and local knowledge
With any tool we would strongly recommend ground truthing, particularly before undertaking any of the suggested opportunities, and using the outputs alongside local knowledge of the area.
Please note that while it was identified in the co-design process for the Nature Network Framework, that using decision support and opportunity mapping tools would be useful and expected to help many different groups in developing Nature Networks, use of a tool is not mandatory. If deemed useful however, it is recommended that you look into each to see which is most suitable for your needs.
As well as the above considerations, it is worth using the following prompting questions when exploring and selecting a tool;
- What are you looking for the tool to do? Different tools will do different things, some helping to map whole Nature Networks, others more suited to individual project planning. Make sure your needs align with what the tool can deliver.
- What data is already used within the tool and what additional data may you want to bring in? Does the tool allow you to do that or is this something to consider within your wider project?
- Does the tool use data that requires licences, and therefore the use of any outputs require the user to also obtain the licence?
- What level of digital or technical expertise is needed to use the tool?
- With Nature Networks being all about improving connectivity across landscapes and regions, consider what tools, if any, neighbouring local authorities or others are using.
- Do you have a budget that can help cover the cost of pay-to-use tools?
Also, remember that these tools are designed to be supportive in decision-making, not do the deciding for you. Please explore the rest of the Nature Network toolbox for support and guidance on other elements that feed into the decision-making of designing and delivery of Nature Networks such as meaningful engagement and financing.
- This tool supports the development of Nature Networks by helping identify areas of connectivity, strategic corridors for nature, and opportunities for enhancement and restoration. It also allows users to calculate biodiversity and natural capital accounts as well as plan, review and compare future land use scenarios.
- An innovative new decision support tool for Scotland, being developed by NatureScot in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. It will allow decision makers to spatially map and measure the benefits that nature provides in the landscape, as well as identify areas in need of more benefits, and places to improve ecological connectivity.
- A new habitat mapping tool which shows existing habitat patches across Central Scotland and predicts opportunity areas where these can be connected.
- Opportunity maps identify areas of habitat across central Scotland which could be protected and improved, and key sites for connecting these habitats so that species can move between them as part of a Nature Network.
- The index provides a measure of functional connectivity that allows an assessment of current habitat connectivity to be made. When repeated any change in connectivity will be reflected in the index value, allowing for improvements in habitat connectivity to be measured as the Nature Network is developed.
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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