Forest habitat networks

Given that much of this woodland is broken up, biodiversity can be impacted. This is important, when you consider woodlands only occupy 19% of the land in Scotland. 

By connecting woodland through forest habitat networks, we create improved woodland cover that:

• benefits wildlife by providing wider and more sustainable habitats
• enhances opportunities for people who live near, work in, or simply enjoy our woodlands.

It is important to view woodlands as an integral part of the wider landscape, rather than as individual stands of trees. 

Woods and forests must also be placed within the context of the many other forms of land use.

Native Woodland Targets and Forest Habitat Networks in Scotland

Forest habitat networks are also known as 'habitat corridors' or 'connected woodlands' They are important for biodiversity because they allow species to move, interact, and thrive across landscapes. 

Here's why they matter:

Wildlife Movement and Gene Flow

• forest networks connect isolated habitats, enabling animals to migrate, find mates, and access resources
• this reduces inbreeding and maintains genetic diversity, which is vital for species' long-term survival

Resilience to Climate Change

• as temperatures and weather patterns shift, species need to move to new suitable habitats
• connected forests provide safe pathways for this migration

Support for Specialist Species

• some species rely on specific forest conditions (e.g., red squirrels, woodland butterflies)
• networks ensure these species can find and colonise suitable patches

Ecosystem Health

• forest connectivity supports pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators, which are essential for healthy ecosystems
• it also helps control pests and diseases naturally

Buffer Against Habitat Loss

• when forests are fragmented, small patches are more vulnerable to disturbance, edge effects, and degradation
• networks create larger, more stable habitats