Local Designations

Local natural heritage designations identify areas that are important to people, generally in a Council area.  Local nature conservation sites and special landscape areas may be known locally by other names but all are used to direct local planning policies and highlight local sites of interest.  Local nature reserves are areas of at least locally important natural heritage which local authorities own or manage to provide opportunities for people to find out about their environment.

Local designations are generally made by local authorities, though many are proposed by special interest and conservation groups, such as local Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) Groups or the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Local nature reserves

Local nature reserves - opportunities to get closer to nature, close to where you live.

Special (local) landscape areas

Special landscape areas - used by local authorities to guide countryside developments.

Local nature conservation sites

Local nature conservation sites, including LWS, SINCs and RIGS,identify locally important natural heritage that could be damaged by development.

Country parks

Country parks - opportunities for outdoor countryside recreation close to towns and cities.

Regional parks

Regional Parks are large areas of attractive countryside which lie close to Scotland's larger towns and cities, and which are popular for outdoor recreation

Community marine conservation area

Lamlash Bay on Arran is the only area in Scotland with this community-inspired designation