Protected Areas

Protected areas represent the very best of Scotland's landscapes, plants and animals, rocks, fossils and landforms.  Their protection and management will help to ensure that they remain in good health for all to enjoy, both now and for future generations.

They may be designated to meet the needs of international directives and treaties, national legislation and policies or more local needs and interests.

Find out how protected areas work

Protected Areas A-Z

Browse our A-Z list of designation types.

International designations

Many sites in Scotland are recognised as internationally important with a variety of different designations

National designations

Nationally important designations include areas for nature conservation, special landscapes and more...

Local designations

Local natural heritage designations identify areas that are important to people, generally in a Council area.

Site condition monitoring

Knowledge about the condition of protected areas is essential to maintain their value into the future

Related Links

Grants and funding

Supporting beneficial management activities

Trends

Find out more about how Scotland's protected areas and species are changing over time.