Unable to move between the fragmented pockets of habitat that remain, dormice are confined to isolated areas. Cut off, populations are at risk from inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. Better connecting our woods will be key if the dormouse decline is to be reversed. We're addressing habitat fragmentation by taking a landscape-scale approach to conservation. This means we consider the role of woods and trees in the wider environment.
We want to create a network of woods and trees that is bigger, better and more joined up by:. Do your bit to help combat habitat fragmentation by planting a tree - or several. Trees outside woods can provide habitat in their own right.
We have single trees and tree packs to meet your needs, from wildlife to woodfuel. Delivery is free. We want to make sure everyone in the UK has the chance to plant a tree. Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? Look no further.
Whatever your reason for planting, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us. What is habitat fragmentation and what does it mean for our wildlife?
What is habitat fragmentation? What are the effects of habitat fragmentation? Habitat fragmentation can negatively impact wildlife in several ways. Even so, these problems can be avoided with some careful planning. Re-establishing a more connected landscape should be seen as a conservation priority.
There are many projects worldwide aimed at addressing fragmentation. In Britain the concept of Forest Habitat Networks is helping create more connected habitats across the landscape.
There are also a lot of conservation bodies and private landowners who are teaming up to make a difference on a large-scale. These rewilding projects are an exciting step forward in nature conservation. What remains are small and scattered remnants. To counter this, we have already taken steps to create a more connected forest. For example in — we established the Allt na Muic forest corridor, as a north-south link between Glens Moriston and Affric.
Over the decades, with the support of other landowners, we have also been helping expand tree cover further west in Glen Affric. Species such as black grouse are already benefiting from this expansion. Our East West Wild project seeks to build on this work by creating a large-scale corridor across this part of the Highlands. Reversing fragmentation can take decades, or even centuries. In the meantime our Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project has helped these animals recolonise former haunts.
In most cases it would have been a long time before they managed to do this on their own. Supporting the work of organisations such as Trees for Life, and coming on a Conservation Week can really make a difference. So can speaking out to prevent further fragmentation.
There are also ways in which you can increase connectivity in your local area. There are around 24 million gardens in the UK and they can be a vital refuge for wildlife. Leaving some patches to go wild is really helpful in our over-sanitised landscapes. There are also lots of available resources on wildlife gardening. Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive.
Plant a tree Donate. Search for:. Habitat fragmentation. The problem of fragmentation Habitat fragmentation is a major problem across the Earth. Solutions Conservationists use a range of techniques to help increase connectivity in fragmented landscapes.
What can you do to help reverse fragmentation? Sources and further reading Bennett, A. Bright, P. Mammal Review. Chadwick, D. In: Hudson, W. Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity. Island Press: Washington D. As human activity increases, however, the influence of fragmentation becomes greater.
Today, in the vast circumpolar area, many ecosystems are still relatively undisturbed. They are large enough to allow ecological processes and wildlife populations to fluctuate naturally, and for biodiversity to evolve and adapt.
These areas, which are among the last remaining wilderness areas of the world, therefore, constitute a global heritage. However, Arctic ecosystems are under increased pressure from development activities. Road construction, pipelines, mining activities, and logging are among the significant causes of fragmentation. For example, roads block the movement of small animals, expose large animals to heavy hunting pressure and poaching, cause sedimentation of rivers from erosion, and stimulate more development, thus creating further habitat fragmentation.
Cumulative impacts may be more serious in the Arctic as the permafrost, underlying the thin biologically active layer, magnifies disturbances and makes restoration efforts difficult or impossible.
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