Update from Scottish Government to Local Authorities

EcoUplift Mapping Tool:

 The Scottish Government is providing continued free access to the EcoUplift tool and additional support for all Local Authorities for at least a further year.

EcoUplift has been developing continuously over the last year thanks to feedback received from Local Authorities. Tailored support and a deep dive into the tool functionality are available via:

• in-person workshops (at the request of Local Authorities)
• one-to-one meetings using MS Teams
• video tutorials, update notes and guidance can all be found within your own account

Local Authority officers with minimal training in using the tool will be able to:

• quickly produce a starting map of potential Nature Network corridors tailored to an authority’s needs and priorities, which can be used to facilitate engagement and communication around Nature Networks during LDP development.
• keep the Nature Network ‘live’ by easily editing Nature Network map corridors in response to public engagement or planning decisions.
• download and import any corridors and projects created within the tool into the Authority’s GIS platforms or other mapping tools, retaining data ownership.
• use the tool to carry out natural capital calculations and reporting relevant to the Authority’s estate, or land about which decisions are being made.

If you have forgotten your log-in details, would like to find out about drop-in sessions or arrange an in-person session tailored to your needs, please contact EcoUplift lead Ross at [email protected] and Rhona at [email protected].

Additional support:

The Nature Networks Toolbox

A reminder that the Nature Networks Toolbox remains a live resource for all to use and contribute to. In it you can find a practitioner’s guide, case studies, advice on funding, frequently asked questions, the Nature Networks framework and lots of additional resources. New content coming soon will include guidance on monitoring and reporting, climate and community.

The toolbox can be found at https://naturenetworks.scot/.

A full case study is being prepared but officers may find it helpful to look at the example provided by East Ayrshire, where the EcoUplift tool has been used to generate a draft Nature Network for publishing, consultation and engagement.

If you would like to see more content added, by yourselves or others, please email [email protected].

NatureScot Support

As co-leads for Nature Network development and implementation in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan, NatureScot staff are available and keen to support Authorities.

This support could be from Operational Staff from your local area, regional Planning Advisers or the central Nature Networks team. If you are unsure of who is best to contact then please contact the central team at [email protected].

NatureScot are piloting the use of the Commonplace engagement platform. Local Authorities wishing to make use of this platform for their Nature Networks consultation process should contact the Nature Networks team at [email protected].

Scottish Government Support

If you have broader questions or would like to bring attention to areas needing greater clarity then please contact Cristina at [email protected] or Kathryn at [email protected].

Green Action Trust – Nature Networks Project

The Green Action Trust are supporting a handful of local authorities to develop pilot approaches for engagement and project development related to Nature Network implementation. This pilot phase will be completed by May 2026, with case studies being made available on the Nature Network Toolbox shortly afterwards.