Nature in urban regions 147perpendicular to it, would provide connectivity for the future as development
spreads outward.
[N8]Small woods are common in open areas close to the forest/woodland landscapes in
two-thirds of the regions; however, in a sixth of the regions few small woods are present
around wooded landscapes(Figure6.2).
The presence of small woods around a large natural patch not only enhances
theviability and persistence of key interior species, but increases connectivity
forregional species movement (Opdam and Schotman1987,Opdamet al.1992,
Forman1995). The basic concept probably also applies here to whole landscapes,
though less strongly so. Many of the regions are satisfactory for this pattern,
though in a small number, increasing the density of small natural patches near
natural landscapes should improve ecological conditions (see Figure 2.2).
[N9]In about half the regions with abundant small woods around wooded landscapes,
the woods are mainly linear(Figure6.2).
This pattern provides greater connectivity value as well as, usually, stream-
corridor protection benefits. Except along streams, in habitat restoration it is not
worthwhile elongating woods, because too much of the wooded area is lower-
quality forest-edge habitat. It would be better to increase the size or number of
patches.
Connections and gaps as strategic points
[N10]Most regions have few connections and gaps between natural landscapes,
mainly because few natural landscapes are present(Figure6.5).
In these cases connections are key strategic points for land protection, and
gaps are key points for land restoration, particularly in the outer urban-region
ring (where patterns are more likely to persist in the face of urbanization). Where
natural landscapes are widely separated, establishing stepping stones between
them may be desirable. Creating whole new natural landscapes, e.g., by inter-
connecting clusters of natural patches, would be quite significant.
[N11]Most regions have more major gaps than connections between natural landscapes
(Figure6.5).
This indicates poor regional connectivity for species movement. Restoring
corridors that reconnect the natural landscapes, especially in the outer urban-
region ring, is apriority.
[N12]In nearly 30 % of the regions, at least one natural landscape is isolated by a single
major gap(Figure6.6).