Enhancing ecosystems & green infrastructure

Healthy ecosytems  are essential if we are to maintain or enhance the services  which they provide. Scotland is fortunate in that our ecosystems already have extensive areas of semi-natural habitats.

One of our biggest challenges it to ensure that these areas do not become fragmented. This will allow species and habitats to adapt to climate change.

Making the connections

One of the biggest challenges is to ensure that these areas do not become fragmented and if they already are to try to link them together again. This is necessary because many species find it difficult to move between isolated patches of their preferred habitat.  It parts of Scotland it can be particularly challenging to maintain habitat networks as they become separated by roads, towns and other development.

A general rule is that when the area of habitats increase, their biodiversity value also increases.  A habitat network of connected biodiverse areas contributes to green infrastructure  .  Linking different habitats using habitat corridors creates an integrated habitat network.  This in effect increases the size and variety of available habitats for species, and which people value and enjoy.

Find out more about different types of networks in Habitats and spatial ecology and Habitats and networks.

Examples of network projects in Scotland include the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network  and most ambitious of all the Central Scotland Green Network  .

Embracing mapping technology

Geographic Information Systems provide an opportunity to spatially plan infrastructure and this technology is increasingly being used throughout Scotland.  For example Glasgow Clyde Valley Green Network is identifying opportunities for multibenefit habitat management  using spatial mapping.  The technology requires accurate data on habitats, species and the physical environment.