Rural enterprise

In rural areas much of the economic activity is linked to the natural heritage - it is one of the key resources that rural communities can use as their 'unique selling point'.

Scottish wildlife provides many businesses with their key raw materials - ranging from shellfish and venison for food products to lichens for dye and plants used to make medicines.

Scotland's natural environment is a place where people can grow crops and animals with low levels of inputs to supply high-value markets

We support delivery of LEADER  , and are represented on many of the Local Action Groups to provide advice and in some case funding for natural heritage projects.

There are many good examples of how the natural heritage can support economic opportunities in rural areas.  The LEADER Good Practice Guide from Dumfries and Galloway   LEADER highlights some of the very best and innovative projects that have been delivered by LEADER in the area over the last two years.  Four of the 15 projects have been specifically supported by SNH - Fishing for Knowledge (p26), the Moorland Education Project at Langholm (p26), Corehead Building Biodiversity with People (p38) and Bugs in Gardens (p46). 

Working with others

We work closely with others in the public, private and third sectors, particularly with local authorities and the enterprise agencies, to help support enterprise in Scotland's rural areas and focus our support in the right places.

• We support many local initiatives, such as the Tiree Community Development Trust, which promote sustainable use of their natural environment
• We have a key role in the delivery of support to rural businesses through the Scotland Rural Development Programme - we want land managers to be rewarded for positive environmental management
• We offer assistance to the third sector as social enterprise and community groups have a key role in looking after Scotland's natural heritage and helping people enjoy it