NatureScot

NatureScot, formerly known as Scottish Natural Heritage, is Scotland's nature agency, an executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Established in 1992 through the amalgamation of the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland and the Countryside Commission for Scotland, the organization is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's rich natural heritage. This includes the country's diverse flora and fauna, geological features, and scenic landscapes. NatureScot plays a crucial role in advising the Scottish Government on all matters related to nature conservation and wildlife management. The agency is instrumental in the delivery of various conservation designations, such as National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). A significant portion of its work is carried out in partnership with a wide array of stakeholders, including local authorities, government bodies, voluntary environmental organizations, community groups, farmers, and land managers, to ensure a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship.

The organization's responsibilities extend to promoting public access to and enjoyment of the outdoors. A key achievement in this area is the creation and ongoing maintenance of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which provides comprehensive guidance on the responsible exercise of access rights to land in Scotland. NatureScot also supports the management of regional parks and maintains the official list of Scotland's Great Trails. In response to the pressing global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, NatureScot is focused on delivering nature-based solutions. This involves large-scale habitat restoration projects, such as peatland restoration, and promoting practices that enhance natural capital. The agency is also at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into its operations, utilizing AI, machine learning, and data analytics to improve the management and monitoring of protected areas. Through its comprehensive work, NatureScot aims to secure a nature-rich future for all of Scotland, where the natural world is at the heart of the nation's well-being and economic prosperity.