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Special Areas of Conservation
SACs in terrestrial areas and marine areas out to 12 nautical miles are afforded protection through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, and c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).... -
Country Parks
Country parks make it easy to escape urban life for a day - or even just an afternoon. See which of Scotland’s country parks are a bus, cycle or walk away from you.Country parks... -
National Nature Reserves
Most reserves contain nationally or internationally important habitats and species, so the wildlife is managed very carefully. Visitor facilities are designed and managed to... -
Special Protection Areas
SPAs are classified under the EC Birds Directive and together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network. Proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA) may be subject to change prior to... -
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
NatureScot designates SSSIs under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. SSSIs are protected by law. It is an offence for any person to intentionally or recklessly damage... -
Possible SACs at consultation stage
SACs in Scotland are designated by Scottish Ministers under the EC Habitats Directive. They are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety... -
Biogenetic Reserves
The protected status must be adequate to ensure the conservation or management of the sites in the long term in accordance with fixed objectives.More information at the... -
European Diploma Areas
By awarding the European Diploma, the Council of Europe recognises that the area is of particular European interest for natural-heritage and that the area is properly protected.... -
Possible SPAs at consultation stage
SPAs in Scotland are classified by Scottish Ministers . These are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and regularly occurring... -
RAMSAR Wetlands of International Importance
Ramsar sites are classified under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The mission of the Convention is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through... -
Nature Reserves
SNH nature reserves (NR) are those SNH properties (owned, leased, or under agreement) it manages for nature with some provision for people to visit. SNH also manages some... -
Biosphere Reserves
Selection Any community or organisation can propose a new biosphere reserve. Proposals are made to UNESCO via the Scottish Government or the UK Government’s Department for... -
Possible Ramsar Wetlands at consultation stage
Ramsar sites are classified to meet the UK's commitments under the Ramsar Convention. The UKs ratification also extends to its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. These... -
Marine Consultation Areas
Marine Consultation Areas are identified by Scottish Natural Heritage as deserving particular distinction in respect of the quality and sensitivity of the marine environment...