Safeguarding biodiversity

Scottish Natural Heritage has a lead role in protecting Scotland's biodiversity and we do this in a variety of different ways like protecting special areas, species and habitats through legislation. But there is a lot more biodiversity out there, beyond those relatively few protected sites and species, which we also have a duty to protect.

Biodiversity is simply the variety of life - all living things around us; the plants, animals, insects in our forests, mountains, rivers, seas, gardens and parks, right down to the things living in our soils. It is the living bank balance which supports all our lives and is vital for our survival. Biodiversity provides us with crucial resources like fresh air and clean water for our daily lives and because it is basically our life support system it is really important that we look after it properly. But that is no easy task and it needs the help of many different people throughout Scotland and the UK to achieve this.

In the sections below you'll find out that biodiversity is significant in much of Scottish Natural Heritage's work including planning and development, climate change and rural development.

Find out about progress towards halting biodiversity loss in Scotland's Wildlife - an assessment of biodiversity in 2010.    

2010 international year of biodiversity

Biodiversity is the natural capital which supports all our lives and is vital for our survival, for our country and our planet.

Working with others in Scotland

Scotland's biodiversity is a shared responsibility. SNH provides a leadership role in its care, but we cannot achieve this on our own.

Invasive non-native species

These are species which would not naturally occur here and have been introduced sometimes causing major problems for our native species and habitats.

Reintroducing native species

We can enrich biodiversity by bringing back species which have been lost to our countryside.

Biodiversity and soil

Soils and underlying rocks and landforms are important components of biodiversity. Find out about their importance here and in the section on geodiversity.

Priority Marine Features

Marine habitats and species which SNH believes to be of greatest conservation importance in Scottish territorial waters.

Habitat Action Framework

Our approach to managing habitats focuses on those which bear major benefits to biodiversity and people in Scotland.

Related Links

Species Action Framework

Our approach to species management focuses on delivering significant benefits to biodiversity and people.

Planning & development

Planning sustainable development is important to help prevent damage to biodiversity.

Rural Development Contracts

Part of the SRDP offers farmers, foresters and others funding to help deliver biodiversity benefits in rural Scotland.

Climate change

Find out more about how climate change is predicted to affect Scotland's nature, landscapes and people.