Applying landscape ecological methods to analyse and design ecological networks.

Ecological networks are a sound concept for creating sustainable spatial conditions in which species can survive. In recent decades at Alterra, much research has been done on ecological networks and the spatial conditions of species for sustainable networks. This has resulted in methods to assess the quality of ecological networks and to design sustainable ones. In Cheshire (UK), among other habitats, woodland has been assessed and evaluated and a sound ecological network designed, involving stakeholders. We present this as a case study to illustrate that: ecological networks can be assessed and evaluated using the computer model, LARCH sustainable ecological networks can be designed and used in land use planning, based on simple guidelines and rules which have been developed the maps and guidelines enable stakeholders to input to the design process and final design.