Landscape infographic

This infographic illustrates some of the evidence for the importance of Scotland's landscapes. It is relevant for NatureScot's work, Scottish Government's National Outcomes and Scottish society as a whole:

Scotland’s landscape

more than just pretty places...

• Scenery & landscape are the top motivations for people visiting Scotland

• Scotland has a great variety of landscapes: 354 distinct landscape types – that’s almost one to visit every day of the year

• Viewing natural landscapes lowers blood pressure

• 94% of people think Scotland’s wild land should be protected

• Creative places poets, writers, artists and musicians are inspired by Scotland’s landscapes

• TV & Film Our landscapes provide distinctive locations for this multi-million pound industry. Doune castle has had a 90% increase in visitors since Outlander was first aired

• £21 billion annually is the value of the benefits provided by Scotland’s ecosystems (including our landscapes) e.g. jobs, food, fuel, well-being

• 94% of people visiting the outdoors say it helps them relax and unwind

• Visitors spent over £5 billion in 2015 enjoying the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland

• 1 hectare of mature woodland absorbs the carbon of 100 cars

• 2/3 of businesses believe Scotland’s natural environment benefits their company

• Learning and play in natural spaces has a positive impact on school children, improving engagement, challenge and enjoyment. 

• Surgical patients recovered faster (and with less pain relief) when they could see leafy views

• 3/4 of people believe that more effort is needed to improve the landscape around Scotland’s towns and cities

• 67% of adults live within 5 minutes of a useable greenspace

• Scotland’s varied coasts host 60% of the world’s breeding gannet population

• £3.7 billion is spent annually on marine recreation and tourism activities

Quality places are successful places, and landscape is at the heart of Scotland’s identity

(Sources: SG SPP 2014 and Creating Places 2013)

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