Advice for planners and developers

Advice by development type

Taking account of nature and landscapes in renewable energy, housing, minerals, river engineering and aquaculture projects

Find out about Scotland's protected animals, such as bats, badgers, otters and water voles, and what to do if they might be present on your site.

How birds can be affected by development and how to avoid adverse impacts

Planners and developers have a key role to play in protecting and enhancing biodiversity

Find out about protected areas: what they are; where they are; why they are important; how to avoid damaging them

Find out about Scotland's landscapes and how to look after them

Find out about how to reduce impacts on sensitive lochs and river catchments

How planners and developers can help improve greenspace and outdoor access

How planners and developers can look after Scotland's soils, rocks and minerals

How planners and developers can protect and enhance Scotland's woodlands

Data and information on Scotland's environment, including interactive maps

Some developments need to go through a formal process to identify, assess and reduce impacts on the environment.

Natural Heritage Futures sets out our vision, objectives and actions for Scotland's nature and landscapes in 2025