Our changing environment

In a changing world it can be difficult to keep track of what is going on. Long-term trends may be masked by seasonal fluctuations.  Creeping change can accumulate over time.  Natural systems are both complex and adaptive.  When confronted by change, should we be concerned?  Possibly, but we can only assess this and form an appropriate response if we first examine the evidence.  Our evidence is presented in the form of trend notes and Indicators.

Our trend notes provide summaries of changes in Scotland's wildlife and habitats over time.  The notes cover a wide range of topics and are continually being reviewed and developed.  They are an excellent first place to visit to find out about a topic and also provide references to more detailed further information.

Indicators have been developed to monitor changes in our nature and landscapes.  They provide evidence of progress towards policy objectives and are a reality-check on what is actually happening in the world around us.

Scotland's Trends

Read our trend notes to learn about trends in Scotland's natural heritage.

Scotland's Indicators

Find out about changes in plants, animals and even how we interact with nature in Scotland.