New research report explores socioeconomic benefits of ‘nature networks’ to inform policy decision making

9 September 2026: A new report by Dr Hannah Salamon, and commissioned by ClimateXChange, examines evidence of potentially under-appreciated socioeconomic benefits of ‘nature networks’, to improve understanding and inform policy decision makers.

Habitat fragmentation is a major cause of biodiversity loss. It makes it harder for plants and animals to move between habitats, adapt to climate change and remain resilient to other pressures. Nature networks can help by creating corridors and stepping stones between habitats.

The Scottish Government has identified nature networks as a key action in its Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan. However, nature networks’ wider benefits for communities are not always recognised.

ClimateXChange - Scotland’s centre of expertise connecting climate change research and policy - commissioned Dr Hannah Salamon, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow Centre for Public Policy to examine existing evidence on the socioeconomic benefits of nature networks and habitat connectivity, with an aim to inform policy implementation at a local level.

The report - Assessing the socioeconomic impacts of nature networks - also includes two Scottish case studies in the Moray Council and Edinburgh City Council areas.

The report finds that nature connectivity can provide a range of socioeconomic benefits, including ecosystem services, health and wellbeing, community benefits, economic benefits, and greater climate resilience, but that these benefits are not guaranteed and depend on local context and trade-offs between different benefits.

It also finds there is a lack of evidence in the measurement and open reporting of the direct benefits of nature connectivity, and nature networks, for people and communities in Scotland, which would support decisions that protect and create climate-resilient, nature-rich places across Scotland.

It recommends clear guidance on the expected outcomes of nature networks, including their socioeconomic benefits; flexible monitoring and evaluation that reflects local circumstances and minimises reporting burdens; and targeted engagement with key groups, including farmers, landowners and local communities, to ensure these benefits are widely shared.

An infographic leaflet by University of Glasgow Centre for Public Policy accompanies the report and illustrates the range of wider socioeconomic benefits that an investment in nature networks can offer, to support sharing the key messages with a range of audiences.