Land cover change in Scotland
The causes and consequences of land cover change in Scotland reflect, to varying degrees, threats to the natural heritage which have been reported across Europe. Prior to the systematic study of land cover change which became possible through the 'National Countryside Monitoring Scheme' (NCMS), it had become evident from observation and local studies that dramatic changes had been taking place. Concerns arose over the visual, amenity and ecological impacts of changing agricultural and forestry practices, urban expansion and road development.
Yet little could be said about the overall impact of human activities or semi-natural habitats, the pace of change, or its relative magnitude in different parts of the country. We now have the benefit of a remarkable new account of how Scotland's land cover has altered during the latter half of the twentieth century.
Monitoring Land Cover Change
The study subdivided Scotland's land cover into 31 areal and five linear components. In order to detect land cover change, a stratified random sample of 467 sample squares covering 7.5 percent of Scotland's land area was designed. This was intended to allow changes of 10 percent-or-more among commonly occuring features to be estimated with 95 percent confidence. By aggregation, the study is capable of providing results at a range of geographical scales.