Multi-scale and cross-scale assessments of social-ecological systems and their ecosystem services

► Ecosystem service assessments benefit from being done at several scales, especially if cross-scale links are made explicit. ► 2-4 scales are usually sufficient to realise the benefits of multi-scale and cross-scale assessments. ► Careful choice of the scale and resolution of the assessment in time and space makes them easier to do and communicate. ► Methods are available to guide scale choice, move information between scales and investigate scale-related issues.