In today’s guest blog, the Green Action Trust explains how they brought people and ideas together to help support a growing network of nature-rich sites across Scotland.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, Green Action Trust carried out a pilot project to support the creation of Nature Networks across Scotland. Working with five local authorities we identified barriers, advanced local progress and captured learning that could be applied more widely.

Nature Networks connect nature-rich sites through suitable habitat, corridors and stepping-stones. They help wildlife move more freely across urban and rural areas, allowing them to adapt to land use and climate change pressures.  And they are a vital part of Scotland’s efforts to achieve the global target of protecting 30% of our land and seas by 2030.

The five local authorities that took part in the Green Action Trust Nature Network Pilot. Credit: Green Action Trust.

Easy as 1,2,3…

We ran the pilot in three phases. In the first phase we examined all the existing guidance, resources and tools to set a baseline for the support currently available for Nature Networks. Then, through a series of focused interviews with staff from participating local authorities, we  reviewed their progress and identified common challenges, including limited capacity, staffing and expertise. In the final phase we gave targeted, practical support to each local authority based on their individual needs and capacity.

Support ranged from giving strategic advice and helping to map out Nature Network sites, to habitat assessments and assisting new partnerships. In Clackmannanshire, we supported the use of local knowledge with national guidance to develop new Nature Network corridors, while in Fife and Stirling, we gave strategic advice and guidance to support the development of their Nature Networks.

In North Ayrshire, we explored the potential for the River Garnock corridor to become a future local nature reserve. By analysing data maps, habitat surveys and site assessments, we were able to identify opportunities to restore and improve ecological connectivity. Meanwhile in East Ayrshire, we helped establish a Nature Network Delivery Group, bringing together partners to support future action, collaboration and long-term stewardship.

Learning together

One of the biggest successes of the pilot was the opportunity for local authority practitioners to learn from one another. We ran themed Q&A sessions, Nature Network surgeries and an in-person peer learning exchange, enabling people to share experiences and work through common challenges.

The Q&A sessions brought together people from 20 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, while 17 councils took part in the surgeries. These sessions offered opportunities to hear directly from policy and technical experts, and to learn from the experiences of others working through similar challenges.

Peer learning workshop and site visit at Gartmorn Dam. Credit: Green Action Trust

Collaboration was also central to the pilot. We worked closely with the participating councils, NatureScot and Scottish Government, helping to connect national policy and guidance with the practical realities of creating Nature Networks locally. Conversations and relationships built through the pilot have created a strong foundation for further collaboration and shared learning.

Looking ahead

Local authorities are committed to Nature Networks and recognise their importance. Now the next challenge is to maintain this momentum and turn plans and maps into action on the ground.

Looking ahead, continued progress will depend on long-term funding and resourcing, clear national guidance and accessible data, opportunities for regional peer learning, and stronger collaboration across council teams and with communities and landowners.

Our Nature Networks pilot demonstrates the value of practical, tailored support alongside national collaboration and peer learning. Most importantly, it shows what can be achieved when people come together to share knowledge, build relationships and work through challenges for the common purpose of tackling nature loss and restoring Scotland’s biodiversity.

Jasmine MacEwen is Development Officer at Green Action Trust