Grampian
Natural Heritage
From the North Sea and the coast to the high tops of the Cairngorms, Grampian is rich in landscapes and habitats. The area holds a great diversity of plants, animals and geological features and offers many opportunities to learn and enjoy the outdoors. This is our part of Scotland’s natural heritage. It is for us to enjoy, use and look after and to pass on to future generations.
Grampian covers the districts of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Deeside, Gordon, Moray, Banff and Buchan. We have a team working locally throughout the area to carry out SNH’s duties. Select a category for more information about Grampian's natural heritage:
| Around Grampian | Protected Sites in Grampian |
From Global to Local
Global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, fears over the loss of the rain forests.
These are some of the issues that have made us aware of the Earth’s fragility. It is only right to be concerned. Conservation helps sustain life on earth and affects the quality of our lives.
While it is important to think globally, we must act locally to preserve the well-being of our natural heritage. Grampian is a wonderful area where you can enjoy nature in the countryside and in the towns. We work locally with other people to keep it that way.
Advice
We work with land managers, sporting interests, planners, farmers, foresters, voluntary groups, or anyone with relevant interests in Grampian. We comment on local and regional plans, planning applications and woodland grant schemes and other proposals.
Grampian has a special responsibility to conserve a range of rare or protected animals and plants and places of landscape and wildlife value. SNH can advise on landscape protection, facilities for responsible access and the law that safeguards species as well as promoting schemes to protect wildlife and landscape. We want people to be able to enjoy this wonderful heritage in a way that does not harm it.
Survey and evaluation is central to much of our work. Sometimes we do this ourselves or contract specialists to do it for us. When we know what we have, we can advise and direct efforts to conserve and promote enjoyment and understanding of the natural heritage more effectively.
Natural Care Schemes in Grampian
Several Natural Care Schemes aimed at improving the management of the land for the benfit of the natural heritage are underway in Grampian. Please follow the links below for further information.
Sites of International Importance
Grampian is internationally important for its wetlands and birds. The high level lochs of the Cairngorms; Loch of Skene and Loch of Strathbeg for their wintering wildfowl; and the coastal site of Fowlsheugh have been designated as international conservation sites.
Britain has special responsibility for these sites, and our staff provide practical advice to owners and local authorities over their management and conservation.
National Scenic Areas
With such a wealth of fine landscapes, it is not surprising that Grampian can boast two National Scenic Areas - Deeside and Lochnagar and the south east portion of the Cairngorm Mountains. Both are noted for their superb mountain landscapes and native pinewoods. We advise local planning authorities on planning applications that could significantly affect the scenic value.In addition, Grampian has a variety of distinctive ‘farmscapes’ shaped by farmers over hundreds of years and many spectacular sea cliffs and ‘seascapes’.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Our staff identify and notify these sites and advise on management. SSSIs are a vital part of a network of sites which represent important examples of wildlife, habitats, species and geology found throughout Britain and which deserve protection.
Access and Enjoyment
Access to nature - in the towns or countryside - contributes to our quality of life. Promoting access, recreation and enjoyment is also our responsibility.
Coastal paths, off-road cycling through woods and glens, hill walking, canoeing, orienteering, pony trekking, skiing, nature study and climbing are just some of the range of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in Grampian.
It is our aim to promote responsible development of these activities in a way that respects the interests of wildlife, landscape and those who own and work the land. We also help to mend the results of wear and tear, for example repairing footpath erosion on Lochnagar.
Understanding Nature
The more you know and understand about nature - the more you appreciate and enjoy it. To encourage this SNH tries to work with everyone, young and old, to help you get the most out of your natural heritage. We provide signs, visitor centres, educational materials and produce booklets, information and other resources.
We also support Countryside Rangers to help us promote the natural heritage. Rangers may be employed by local authorities, the National Trust, private land owners and other groups.
Personal contact plays an important part. So we:
- give talks to community, amenity and special interest groups
- lead groups on our National Nature Reserves
- advise on a range of practical land management work (including tree and hedge planting, or creating wildlife areas)
- Advise schools setting up nature gardens.
Working with Others
Joint action is the key. We could not achieve our objectives without the support of everyone who uses, looks after or owns land or manages wild creatures such as red deer or grouse.
We work with others in a number of ways and may offer financial support for projects we judge will benefit the natural heritage - whether in the Cairngorms, on a farm in Buchan or in Aberdeen City.
Some of the things we consider important are:
- creating and managing wildlife habitats
- schemes to improve the landscape
- developing and maintaining footpaths
- producing educational and interpretative materials
- developing community or voluntary initiatives.
Schools Travel Grant
Scottish
Natural Heritage has been assisting schools locally through Travel Grant
Schemes since 1993 and are continuing to support environmental education
within the curriculum through this scheme.
It is hoped that this offer of assistance will encourage schools in
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray to use local sites (including
unstaffed sites) of natural heritage value and to visit, for example
local woodlands or parks, neighbouring Local nature Reserves, National
Nature Reserves and Country Parks. Many of these have SNH-funded Ranger
services who can assist with educational visits and who may be willing
to help your class at other locations near to your school.
The grant
is administered by Buchan Countryside Group (BCG) on behalf of SNH.
