The Nature Networks East Lothian initiative aims to work with local communities to seek views on what people would like to see in their local parks and open spaces that would enhance their environment. Such changes can bring wide ranging benefits not just to nature, but also to the health and wellbeing of local communities whilst helping to tackle the climate emergency.
Scotland's Nature Agency, NatureScot, describes Nature Networks as: "A Nature Network is effectively just a network that connects nature-rich sites, restoration areas, and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and stepping-stones. As well as supporting regional and national approaches to protect and restore nature, they provide local benefits to wildlife and people.
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"To ensure Scotland's nature can thrive, nature-rich areas must be connected through a series of networks linking them all together."
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing, Cllr Colin McGinn, said: "Earlier this year East Lothian Council was awarded £23,865 to support delivery of a nature restoration in parks action plan programme to improve Nature Networks for East Lothian's communities. This public consultation is the first stage in identifying where nature networks can be expanded into our urban areas closer to where people live.
"I would like to encourage residents, whether as individuals or members of interested groups, to take part in the consultation and provide their views on both current and future opportunities to enhance the natural environment in their local area."
The £23,865 funding was from the Scottish allocation of the Levelling Up Parks Fund provided to the Scottish Government by the UK Government. greenspace scotland is managing the funds on behalf of the Scottish Government.
