Local Authorities: Ecological Networks

Why identify ecological networks?

Traditionally, nature conservation has focused on protecting important sites. This approach cannot sustain biodiversity in the long-term because important sites are fragmented and isolated from one another. We also need to take into account physical factors such as water and nutrient cycling which link sites to the wider landscape and affect the habitat found.

Maintaining and improving connectivity is one of the key principles identified by the Lawton Review that protected sites should be ‘more joined up’.

What happens outside ecological networks?

Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is important, wherever it is. Biodiversity in areas outside ecological networks should still be protected and enhanced. It is simply a way of showing where the efforts and limited resources can be targeted to achieve the best results – protecting, enhancing and linking existing habitats.

How can ecological networks be used to inform decision-making?

Ecological networks can be used to support Local Plan preparation and inform local Biodiversity Action Plan. They help to plan green infrastructure that will benefit landscape permeability for wildlife. Local Authorities can use these connected habitat networks to:

  • Identify key locations that maximise habitat connectivity across a local area
  • Minimise the impact of development and other land use change to prevent the further isolation of important habitats
  • Influence the type of habitat mitigation and compensation schemes to improve habitat connectivity
  • Identify key conservation interventions to improve habitat connectivity, either of local authority owned land or land owned by partners.

Can development take place within ecological networks?

Ecological networks do not represent a statutory designation or a constraint upon activities. They indicate areas where there are substantial opportunities to make positive changes for biodiversity, and should be used to inform conservation strategies and place-planning. The impact that development will have on connectivity should be taken into account (and compensated for) in the development management process.

See Ecological Networks.