- Additional £5 million from Nature Restoration Fund to enhance
biodiversity
Scotland’s councils will invest £5 million this year to develop
Nature Networks across the country to help tackle the nature and
climate crises.
The funding from the Scottish Government will allow local
authorities to develop new woodlands, hedgerows, wildflower
meadows and ponds, as well as restoring and joining together
existing natural habitats that are important for wild plants and
animals. Nature Networks provide the opportunity to create and
improve active travel spaces, mitigate against flood risk, and
give spaces for people and communities to enjoy the natural
environment.
The Scottish Government has committed to ensuring every local
authority has a thriving Nature Network. Using practical
guidance, local authorities and communities can put in place
projects that best meet their priorities for nature and climate
change.
Local Government Empowerment and Planning Minister said:
“We are facing twin climate and nature crises, and we have a
responsibility to protect our natural environment for future
generations. Local authorities have a key role to play through
their engagement with communities to identify shared priorities
and the projects that will best allow these to be met.
“The additional £5 million from the Nature Restoration Fund will
allow councils to develop Nature Networks and build on the good
work already delivered through support from the fund to support
new, or to enhance existing, approaches to restoring
biodiversity.
“One of the key drivers of biodiversity loss is changes to how
land is used, causing habitats to be lost and/or broken up.
Remaining habitats are often isolated and less resilient, meaning
they struggle to support healthy plant and animal populations in
the way they once did. If we are to reverse declines in
biodiversity, it is vital to address this by developing robust
networks for nature across Scotland.”
Jo Pike, Chief Executive, Scottish Wildlife Trust, said:
“The Scottish Government has recognised that nature is in crisis
and that concerted action will be required to tackle the twin
crises of nature loss and climate change. We welcome the focus on
nature networks as a way of stepping up our approach to bringing
about nature’s recovery.
“Since 2019, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has been working with
the City of Edinburgh Council, with input from a host of
community organisations, to develop the Edinburgh Nature Network,
which is the first of its kind. Every local authority is
different but we hope that the methodology, which focuses
strongly on local circumstances, will provide a sound foundation
for work across Scotland.”
Background
For 2023-24, local authorities received £10 million this summer
from the Nature Restoration Fund, including £5 million for Nature
Networks. Including this funding, local authorities have received
£21 million from the Nature Restoration Fund between 2021-22 and
2023-24.
The Scottish Biodiversity
Strategy to 2045 and National Planning
Framework 4set out the Scottish Government’s expectation that
Nature Networks will be created in every council area.
30 by 30 and Nature
Networks
