Nature Networks, LDPs and planning decisions

Recorded Wednesday 15th January 2025

The National Planning Framework 4 emphasizes the significance of Nature Networks in both the Green Belts Policy and the Biodiversity Policy.

But what exactly are Nature Networks, and how do they integrate into the planning system? Furthermore, what implications could they have for future development and sustainable land use?

Guest speakers

Deborah Long– Chief Officer, Scottish Environment LINK – will give an overview of the importance of Nature Networks, why they matter and how a national Nature Network needs to work.

Christian Christodoulou-Davies – Project Manager | 30×30 and Nature Networks | Protected Areas, Innovation and Data Activity, NatureScot – Christian covers the policy background to nature networks, what NPF4 says about them and what this might mean for LDPs and planning decisions in future. As we discussed previously, we hope you can also touch on how local people might engage with Nature Networks via LDPs and the evidence-gathering stage of the process.

Alexandra Hoadley – Greenspace Development Officer (Ecology), City of Edinburgh Council – Alexandra talks about the more local aspects of Nature Networks and what they have already been doing in Edinburgh. How they have (or could) work with local people to add value/strengthen Nature Networks.