About the Toolbox
The Nature Networks Toolbox is a live resource for local authorities, partnerships, organisations, and groups.
The aim is to facilitate the effective design and implementation of Nature Networks at the local and regional level and support strong alignment in approaches across Scotland.
Page last updated 30 April, 2025
Who manages the toolbox?
The Nature Networks Toolbox is a joint initiative coordinated by NatureScot and the Scottish Government.
The Toolbox will evolve over time with its contents responding to the needs of those delivering. Basic elements include;
- Learning from existing and proposed projects for NatureNetworks, e.g. through case studies and best practice
- Guidance and signposting to potential resources
- Connectivity and opportunity mapping tools
- Information on public and private funding, finance and
investment.
NatureScot are responsible for the day to day management of the toolbox, including updating the information, guidance and resources which it contains.
The toolbox looks to be co-designed driven by the needs of delivery partners. To date, input has been gathered through co-design and consultation workshops.
Towards the end of 2023 a couple of workshops were run to gather input on what the Nature Network needed to contain – a summary of these workshops is available to read here.
In order for the toolbox to continue to be a useful tool for everyone, we invite all users to share their feedback, as well as suggestions for guidance and resources that you think should be included. We’d also love to hear about any successful Nature Network projects that we can include as best practice case studies.
If you have information to contribute, please get in touch with the team at NatureScot, by clicking the button below.
How to use the toolbox
The toolbox has been divided into three main sections:
1. What are Scotland’s Nature Networks?
The pages in this section set out the basics of what does (and doesn’t) constitute a Nature Network, building on the principles set out in the Nature Networks Framework – which you will also find a link to. If you’re new to the toolbox, we suggest you start here.
2. Guidance
In this section you’ll find more in-depth information specific to different sectors, habitats, and species. You can also filter the content here relevant to your role or the stage you are at in the creation of a nature network.
3. Resources
Here you’ll find case studies showcasing the good work already underway on spatially identifying nature networks and delivering projects on the ground. As well as links to useful tools and data sources, and information on funding and finance opportunities.
You will also find an Updates page, which will highlight any significant new content found on the toolbox, as well as relevant news.
To help explain some of the terminology used throughout the toolbox, we have created a Glossary. Where words are underlined with a green dashed line like this, you can find a quick definition by simply hovering over the word.
Creating and sharing a custom toolbox
Throughout the main sections of the toolbox, you will find lists titled ‘References to save to your toolbox’ and ‘Actions to save to your toolbox.’
References relate to further information regarding any content highlighted in bold within written copy. These references provide supporting information that may be useful to consider when creating a nature network.
Actions point you in the direction of more in-depth guidance and resources.
You can save any of these references and actions to refer back to at a later date by checking the save icon next to the item in the list. Your saved items will appear under ‘My Toolbox’. You can then also share your saved items with others.
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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