How can we better connect woodland fragments, creating wildlife corridors and nature networks across the region?
Work is underway on the Wood-Wide Network project, investigating options for ‘Woodland Connectivity’ across Dumfries & Galloway. This project is supported by a development grant from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, administered by NatureScot. Full project info: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/wood-wide-network/.
October 2026 Update: Making Plans
Our three contractors are underway, approaching landowners and opening dialogue on potential woodland connectivity projects across the region.
A snapshot from the Caerlaverock Consulting team, covering the Central contract:
We have been working hard on the new and exciting DnG Woodlands Woodland Connectivity Project. Anna and Andy have been contacting landowners all over Dumfriesshire to discuss the possibilities of this new project and see if there were potential sites for various Woodland Connectivity Projects. This has included new Wildlife Corridors, new small woodlands, restoring lost woodlands, lines of roadside and field boundary trees, riparian woodland connectivity, and so on.
Andy has been out on the road following these discussions and met with many landowners on site, walking fencelines, inspecting rivers and burns and looking to see what could fit into the project. This has resulted in a file of field maps with copious notes which we are now transferring into a more detailed matrix plan.
There’s a lot of tangible enthusiasm for the project and there is a great spirit of wider Woodland Connectivity
Simon Amor MICFor is covering the EAST Contract, and some of the uplands of D&G. He has initially focussed on data gathering, looking up landowners and which areas might be the most suitable to focus his time as well as approaching his network to see what personal introductions can be achieved.
Simon said:
The hard part so far has been limiting the opportunity. The potential that even small tree planting can have for connecting habitats is significant. I’m finding it really exciting to work with an organisation which can really target these opportunities, which often slip the net due to scale.
I think the positive aspect I wasn’t expecting is receptiveness to D&G Woodlands. The team have done so much positive work to enhance the perception of woodland and forestry in general. Their balance of friendliness and integrity have landed well and paved the way to making this a successful project. I just wish we had more time to continue to explore other areas with more passionate landowners!
Meanwhile Harry Fisher from SAC Consulting is getting underway with work in Wigtownshire, with a particular focus on dairy farms interested in talking about trees on their farms.
Harry said:
“The engagement in the Wood Wide Network project in Wigtownshire has highlighted the appetite for farmers to integrate trees into their farm, on their grounds. Many of the farms I have worked with have innovative approaches to tree integration, including small woodland blocks and shelter belts. Hedgerows and tree lines, agroforestry and riparian woodlands. These variety of approaches have allowed each farm to work the integration to suit their current business and farming model, with keeping ecological connectivity and climate resilience in mind. The project is progressing well, with 17 farms mapped out, and still some to be visited.”
McNabb Laurie, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands Manager, said:
“Thanks to the contractors for getting underway and their work so far. This project is called the ‘Wood-Wide Network’ project with a focus on woodland connectivity, but it cant be overlooked that we are making progress thanks to the networks of our contractors!
The plan through November will be to build on initial contact, working up potential proposals and starting the process of designing what we hope will be many years of delivery work across the region, building habitat resilience, wildlife corridors and establishing nature networks across Dumfries & Galloway.”
For more info about the aims and work of the ‘Wood-Wide Network’ project, contact mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.uk.
