Networks and managers of conservation land and greenspace

There are a variety of references to habitat networks in international, Uk and Scottish policy and legislation.

European and international references

Article 3 and Article 10 of the Habitats Directive make reference to member states improving the ecological coherence of designated sites. Although this will include actions on the sites themselves, it is also likely to require actions in the area surrounding the sites, to ensure that species and habitats can maintain favourable condition in the long term.

Article 10 mentions some specific features which may contribute to that ecological coherence.

"Such features are those which, by virtue of their linear and continuous structure or their function as stepping stones are essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species."

However, from an ecological perspective, implementing Article 10 won't be limited to just these specific features, but should encompass any features which may improve the coherence of sites.

Article 3 of the Birds Directive also makes reference to the need to undertake conservation actions both within and outside designated sites. It asks member states to ensure that the "preservation, maintenance and re-establishment of biotopes and habitats shall include the following measures:. (b) upkeep and management in accordance with the ecological needs of habitats inside and outside the protected zones;"

UK and Scottish references

Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 - this act   places a specific duty on all public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity and to have regard to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy  . That strategy, published in 2004, aims to achieve by 2030 a landscape where, amongst other things:

"Organisms can move, feed, reproduce and disperse effectively, and are better able to adapt to changing circumstances of land use and climate change".

Scottish planning policy - the new Scottish Planning Policy   states that authorities should take:

"A strategic approach to natural heritage in which wildlife sites, landscape features and other areas of open space are linked together in an integrated habitat network can make an important contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of local biodiversity. Planning authorities should seek to prevent further fragmentation or isolation of habitats and identify opportunities to restore links which have been broken."

Scottish Forestry Strategy - habitat networks are mentioned under outcome three of the Scottish Forestry Strategy  , which states that an objective is to 'promote a landscape-scale approach to habitat networks'. This strategy is the starting point for regional forestry strategy and their associated implementation plans.

See also specific information about greenspace in the 'urban greenspace and gardens' and 'sustainable urban drainage systems' pages.