National Designations

National designations cover a range of different types of protected area and are made by a variety of local and national authorities.  Some of these designations focus on nature conservation while others are concerned with special landscapes.  The management of multi-functional protected areas (such as our National Parks) seeks to balance the needs of people, landscape and nature. 

SSSIs

SSSIs form the essential building blocks of nature conservation in Scotland

National nature reserves

Great places for visitors to get closer to nature

National parks

Important for people, wildlife and spectacular scenery

National scenic areas

Scotland's wonderful and distinctive landscapes

Marine protected areas

Looking after Scotland's very special sea life

Marine consultation areas

Found in coastal waters around Scotland these areas are recognised as supporting high quality marine habitats and species

Other national designations

Including Garden and Designed Landscapes, Forest Parks and other woodland designations