Biodiversity

Scotland can be proud of the fact that it contains some of Europe's most diverse and valued natural habitats and species.

Biodiversity is about the variety of life, protecting and enhancing
a diverse range of plants, birds, animals and the habitats upon which they rely.

The Biodiversity Convention agreed at the Rio Earth Summit recognised the importance of conserving 'biodiversity' (biological diversity - in other words all the different species and sub-species of living things on Earth, and the many interconnections between them).

The 1992 EC Habitats Directive aims to establish a series of protected areas on land and at sea - Natura 2000 areas - which will represent some of the finest nature conservation areas in the European Community.

SNH gives Scottish Ministers scientific advice on the areas which might merit designation and undertakes on his behalf consultation with owners and occupiers of proposed areas and in future will designate approved areas.

Guidance and Information on Biodiversity:

• Priority Species and Habitats Action Plans
• Local Biodiversity Action Plans
• Protected Areas
• Guidance on Establishing and Managing Local Nature Conservation Site Systems in Scotland

Grassland Guidance

• Guidance on restoring and creating species-rich grassland
• Sources of information on wildflower grasslands

Seminars/Workshops

SNH run various seminars and workshops in order to share good practice. Some of these courses may be of interest to Planners and Landscape Architects as part of their Professional Development. A list of the current seminars/workshops is available and to register an interest or book a place e-mail sgp@snh.gov.uk

Useful External Web Links:

• Planning for Biodiversity, a good practice guide written by David Tyldesley.
• Biodiversity in a Nutshell is a useful summary on the Scottish Executive website.
• UK biodiversity website - For loads of information on the UK Biodiversity Process.
• Scottish Biodiversity  Forum website - this site has the latest on the strategy and the implementation plans. You will also be able to download the very useful new publication "Best Value and Biodiversity in Scotland: a handbook of good practice guidelines for public bodies".
• Business and Biodiversity – why biodiversity matters to business and best practice guidance for business about the contribution they can make to conserving biodiversity.
• Biodiversity Stories – valuable resource of stories and information about Scottish wildlife and habitats and their cultural, economic and ecological importance for interpretation and raising awareness.
• Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

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