Biodiversity projects
We are the lead on the delivery of a number of key biodiversity projects within the region.
Nature Networks
Nature Networks are a Programme for Government commitment and key delivery mechanism of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045. They also contribute to Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) and align with international targets set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Nature Networks are embedded throughout the fourth National Planning Framework as being key to ensuring positive effects for biodiversity from development. Local authorities will need to facilitate the spatial design and implementation of Nature Networks through their Local Development Plan.
The Nature Networks Framework (November 2024) states: "By 2030 Scotland will have evolving, flexible and resilient Nature Networks connecting nature-rich areas allowing wildlife and natural processes to move and adapt to land use and climate change pressures."
We have commenced the mapping of a strategic Nature Network for the Scottish Borders. The strategic Nature Network will be based on existing areas of high biodiversity value and will show opportunity areas for habitat improvements and connectivity which could become part of the network.
Borders wetland vision
We co-ordinated the Borders wetland vision project, which is a strategic approach to wetland conservation in the area and a first for Scotland which received a scottish award for quality in planning in 2006.
Biodiversity offset projects
A number of projects have been developed through the planning process to deliver compensatory habitats in biodiversity offsets to help ensure no net loss of biodiversity through development. This work received a scottish award for quality in planning in 2012.
Projects have included:
- two black grouse projects
- natural flood management in the Gala water catchment
- two projects for blanket bog restoration being managed by us, which we have been working on with LBAP partners and developer