Key Considerations for the Development, Mapping and Implementation of Nature Networks

This report summarises key considerations relating to the development, mapping, consultation, implementation, and monitoring of Nature Networks within the Local Development Plan (LDP) process. It reflects current good practice and emerging guidance, while recognising that Nature Networks will continue to evolve over time.

The overarching aim is to support the creation of a coherent, connected network that benefits both nature and communities.

Scottish Government and NatureScot have made available a number of free resources and tools to assist with Nature Network design and implementation, including the EcoUplift Nature Network mapping tool and the Commonplace consultation platform.

Nature Network connects together nature-rich sites, including restoration areas and other environmental projects, through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors, and stepping-stones.

The primary purpose of a Nature Network is to connect nature-rich sites, including locally important sites, to form a single, coherent network operating at local, regional and national scales. While the resolution may vary depending on context, there is ultimately one Nature Network.

Connectivity of 30 by 30 sites is central. Although other sites may contribute to ecological connectivity and broader biodiversity outcomes, not all will necessarily form part of a defined Nature Network corridor.

Nature Networks should deliver multiple benefits for both people and nature. In addition to improving ecological connectivity, they can strengthen people–nature connections, particularly in urban contexts through green and blue infrastructure.

The scale and form of the network will vary according to context. For example, corridors in urban areas may differ significantly from those in rural settings. All forms, however, contribute to the wider network.

Authorities are encouraged to:

• Follow the principles set out in the Nature Networks Framework, and make use of existing guidance such as the Practitioner’s Guide, Rules of Thumb and FAQs. Make use of existing resources, including available mapping tools.
• Integrate Nature Networks into policy frameworks as early as possible.
• Align Nature Network objectives with related initiatives (e.g. blue–green networks in urban areas).
• Build monitoring and reporting into the process early-on. Utilise existing data collection and reporting routes. Consider whether existing assessment processes such as Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equalities Impact Assessment may be pertinent.
• Consider relevant statutory duties (e.g. biodiversity and climate duties) when designing policy.
• A regional approach is strongly encouraged. Ecological corridors may function more effectively across neighbouring local authority boundaries rather than within a single boundary. Early cross-boundary dialogue will therefore be beneficial.
• A bottom-up approach, including meaningful community engagement, should be embedded throughout.
• Consider which route(s) may secure effective Nature Network delivery- make use of existing partnerships, including e.g. Climate Hubs, Local Biodiversity Partnerships, Community Planning Partnerships, Local Place Plans etc.

Nature Networks should be incorporated into plans using the best available information at the time. They are not fixed entities and will evolve through future LDP iterations, Delivery Programmes and supporting documents.

Within the LDP, the Nature Network should be presented as a high-level strategic map identifying:

• Key biodiversity sites
• Areas of opportunity
• Strategic corridors

While a static map may be included in the LDP, authorities are advised to maintain a live, updateable map which is referenced within the plan. This will also aid consistent monitoring and reporting at a national level.

Variation in local approaches is expected and appropriate. However, shared principles, cross-boundary coordination and clearer standards will be essential to support a coherent national Nature Network.

Some detailed refinements may sit within non-statutory technical documents referenced by the LDP. Transparency is important: methodologies, limitations and plans for future refinement should be clearly documented.

National Planning Framework (NPF4) policy already provides substantial support for Nature Networks. Where additional local policy is proposed, early discussion with NatureScot planners is recommended.

Consultation on Nature Networks should occur throughout the design and implementation process. Consultation is also an important part of the LDP process, with engagement proportionate to the stage reached.

Key points include:

• Consultation does not need to be separate from the LDP process, provided Nature Networks are clearly presented and explained. However, it is good practice to consult further on Nature Networks if capacity permits (note that this may be via other routes, such as existing partnerships, and may be carried out by staff not directly working on the LDP).
• Consultation should be practical, proportionate and embedded within the broader evidence and Proposed Plan stages.
• Standalone consultation may be particularly appropriate where significant prior work has taken place.
• It is good practice to consult at each stage of Nature Network preparation, as set out in the Framework.
• Additional engagement may support project development, refinement, monitoring and long-term implementation, including through existing partnerships.

The full local authority area and all statutory sites should be considered when identifying Nature Networks, alongside other important nature-rich areas.

Connectivity requires a whole-area approach, even though the physical form of the Network may differ between contexts (e.g. urban green/blue infrastructure versus broader multifunctional rural corridors).

Local variation is expected; however, core principles must remain consistent, particularly in relation to:

• Connectivity
• Ecological functionality
• Prioritisation

Cross-boundary collaboration is essential. Shared standards can help reduce divergence between neighbouring authorities and strengthen regional coherence.

Mapping habitat networks and developing opportunity maps is a valuable step in developing Nature Networks. However, a suite of disconnected habitat maps does not in itself constitute a Nature Network.

A final step of refinement is required to identify coherent Nature Network corridors. Some examples of good practice include the draft Nature Networks for Moray Council and East Ayrshire Council (see Case Studies).

Effective Nature Network corridors:

• Are geographically “tight”, rather than being diffused across the whole landscape
• Connect key biodiversity sites (30×30 sites)
• Incorporate a mosaic of habitat types
• Maximise connectivity for a wide range of species
• Reduce competition between habitat priorities
• Support clear, focused mapping that aids engagement
• Enable prioritisation of funding and project development
• Encourage partnership working
• Reduce the risk of spreading limited resources too thinly
• Allow easier monitoring and adaptive management
• Provide a repeatable and defensible methodology
• Ensure alignment at local authority boundaries and support national reporting
• Remain flexible and able to change in response to future change

Corridors can be named/ numbered to integrate with place-based approaches.

This approach supports clarity, place-based identity and local ownership.

At present, there is no formal standardised metric or agreed procedure for assessing Nature Network effectiveness. Work is underway to define monitoring and reporting (M&R) requirements, and new guidance will be issued in 2026.

Reporting mechanisms are currently under discussion. A forthcoming Biodiversity Metric (expected in 2026, subject to commissioning) may support aspects of monitoring but is not intended to act as the sole tool.

Standardisation of data will be important to enable national reporting. This is likely to include a requirement to hold a spatial Nature Network map in a defined format and spatial resolution. Other outcomes will be monitored, guided by the Nature Networks Framework. Due to resource constraints, emphasis will be placed on using data already collected and reported through existing processes. Longer term, research may be commissioned to assist with measuring ecological connectivity and any other identified gaps in our current knowledge.

Nature Networks represent an important opportunity to strengthen ecological connectivity while delivering meaningful benefits for communities. Although approaches may vary to reflect local context, adherence to shared principles — particularly around connectivity, collaboration and transparency — will be key to achieving a coherent and resilient national network.

By embedding Nature Networks early within the LDP process, working collaboratively across boundaries, and adopting a clear, adaptable methodology, authorities can lay strong foundations for long-term ecological recovery and sustainable place-making.