CSGN - Habitat Networks and Opportunity Areas

These are a suite of datasets which make up the CSGN 2021 Habitat Connectivity Map. The map identifies areas of habitat (woodland, grassland, wetland and bog and heath) across central Scotland which should be protected and improved, as well as key sites for connecting these habitats so that species can move between them.

These data are intended to support planners, developers, land managers and communities identify where there are areas of neutral grassland and the dispersal zones will help identify where there are opportunities to improve habitat connectivity. These opportunities are highlighted on the Grassland Opportunity Areas dataset. The data will also support the Scottish Government’s commitments to protect and restore biodiversity and to develop nature-based solutions to the climate emergency.

The existing habitats shown on the Connectivity Map are limited to ‘natural’or ‘semi-natural’habitats. This means that they have not been significantly modified by humans; they have natural characteristics with a range of associated plant and animal species. Therefore, the existing habitats shown on the map do not include coniferous forest plantations or urban green spaces such as parkland. The map does not show acid or calcareous grassland habitats, nor does it show coastal, intertidal or marine habitats. Watercourses and open water are not included within the model, but can be identified from the base map or through other GIS layers used for analysis. Information on the current condition and future targets for rivers, lochs, coastal waters and groundwater can be found on the SEPA water environment hub. It is recommended that each habitat type is initially viewed alongside the other habitat layers, to ensure that the full range of habitats in an area are included in the decision-making process.

本套数据集构成了2021年CSGN栖息地连通性地图的重要组成部分。该地图识别了苏格兰中部应予以保护和改善的栖息地区域（包括林地、草地、湿地、泥炭沼泽和荒原），以及连接这些栖息地的关键地点，以便物种能够在其间迁移。这些数据旨在协助规划者、开发者、土地管理者和社区识别中性草地区域，并有助于确定改善栖息地连通性的机会。草地区域改善机会数据集突出了这些机会。此外，数据还将支持苏格兰政府保护与恢复生物多样性的承诺，以及开发基于自然的应对气候紧急情况的解决方案。地图上显示的现有栖息地仅限于‘自然’或‘半自然’栖息地。这意味着它们尚未受到人类的显著改变；它们具有自然特征，并伴随多种植物和动物物种。因此，地图上显示的现有栖息地不包括针叶林人工林或城市绿地如公园等。地图未显示酸性或钙质草地栖息地，也未显示沿海、潮间或海洋栖息地。水系和开阔水域未包含在模型中，但可从基础地图或其他用于分析的GIS图层中识别。有关河流、湖泊、沿海水域和地下水的当前状况和未来目标的信息，可在SEPA水环境枢纽网站上找到。建议在决策过程中，将每种栖息地类型最初与其它栖息地图层一同查看，以确保一个区域内包括所有栖息地类型。