How are SPAs managed?

Most Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)  in Scotland have been used by people in some way or another for many years and the sites often reflect the influence of these activities, either now or in the past. Usually designation as an SPA will not make a big difference to the way a site is managed, but sometimes changes are needed in order to protect the natural heritage interest or to prevent a site from deteriorating.

Scottish Natural Heritage works with owners and occupiers of sites to make sure they are managed appropriately. Sources of funding are available to help with this process, for example through the Scotland Rural Development Programme or through partnership projects under the European LIFE-Nature fund. Many Natura sites are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), while others may have their own specific positive Management Schemes.

• How do I find out about funding through the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP)?
• What about specific Management Schemes?
• Tell me more about European LIFE Nature  funding

An example of work in Scotland supported by European LIFE Nature funds is the Capercaillie LIFE project  .

Monitoring the protected species within SPAs is important because this will help us to know whether the management of sites is working.  Of course, other factors may also affect the numbers of birds using a site, but the right management can be critical in ensuring that protected areas maintain their value for the species of interest over the long term.  Scottish Natural Heritage's Site Condition Monitoring programme provides this information and also contributes to regular reporting on the UK's progress in implementing the European Habitats and Birds Directives.