Putting networks into practice: teachers, rangers and those involved in education

Implementation of habitat networks can be divided into three main areas:

• inclusion and promotion in policy / strategic documents;
• mapping new networks;
• implementing changes in the management of individual blocks of land to create that network.

Policy - As highlighted in the policy pages of this guidance, habitat and green networks are now supported and promoted in some policy documents.  The new Scottish planning policy highlights networks as an important factor in the development planning process and this should mean they are incorporated in future strategic and local development plans.  Educating policy makers to recognise  the importance of habitat networks, understand their meaning and include them in relevant future policy and strategy is likely to be a necessary first step in achieving wider implementation.

Mapping - Where support for networks exists, specialist advice from a range of organisations is likely to be required to map new networks (see 'further information'), especially those focused on delivering functional connectivity for particular species.  Data will be required from a wide range of sources and ideally, partnerships will be created so that networks can be mapped which deliver a range of benefits.

Implementation - To implement networks on the ground, changes in land management and the creation of new areas of habitat will be required. Individual land managers will need to understand the networks concept and may need advice on implementation on their land. In some cases, financial incentives through grant schemes may be available - for example, the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) includes some local habitat networks as a priority for action under the Rural Priorities scheme.

Some land managers may also want to create a structural network on the land they manage - physically linking one area of habitat to another. The scientific literature gives mixed views on the likely impact of structural connections - the use of habitat corridors has been widely researched with differing findings to date. However, creating new areas of habitat, particularly larger, good quality areas, will be beneficial for biodiversity and can be linked to other socio-economic benefits such as improved opportunities for recreation.

It's also important for the wider public to be aware of the concept of habitat networks. Individual gardens can potentially be contributing to the overall connectivity of an area, so everyone can make a difference, even if they live in the middle of a city. For further information, see the urban greenspace  pages.