Skip to main content

Barred Red Moth © Laurie Campbell/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Scotland's Trends

Scotland's Trends

Biodiversity is being lost at a rapid and increasing rate globally. It’s important that we know what changes are taking place in Scotland.

To monitor our changing environment, we’ve adopted a consistent approach based on targets and indicators. We also collate information on trends that show how Scotland’s wildlife and special places are changing over time. Monitoring trends in people’s attitudes to the environment is just as important.

We continually update and add to the information we hold on Scotland’s trends. Any new publications will be made available via this page.

Trend notes

Trend notes are a great starting point to begin exploring a topic. They’re written in a clear and accessible style, and can direct you to more detailed information if you would like to find out more.

We continually review and develop our trend notes, which cover a wide range of topics.

Freshwater - Ponds - 2002

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Trend Notes - Climate Change and Rivers - February 2011

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Six spot Burnet moths. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Trend Notes - Scottish Moths

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Breeding Farmland Birds (Oct 2013), Seabirds in Scotland (Oct 2012)

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Trend Notes - Bats in Scotland - Oct 2015

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Trends of Otters in Scotland - 2015

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Scotland’s wildlife: An assessment of biodiversity in 2010 Natural Heritage Trends: The Seas Around Scotland 2004 Natural Heritage Trends: Scotland

Scotland's Trends and indicators

A summary of land cover change in Scotland from 1947 - 1988 and changes to Land cover from 1940s - 1980s

Scotland's Trends and indicators

News and stories

Last night the winners of the Nature of Scotland Awards 2019 were announced by Gordon Buchanan.

News - 05 December

Dubh locahn and blanket bog looking splendid in the setting sun (Flows NNR, Forsinard). ©Lorne Gill/SNH/2020VISION. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

The Flow Country is a crucial spot in the battle against climate change – on the best and biggest peatland of its type in the world.

Blog - 12 December

Wildflowers. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Additional funding is now available to improve habitats as the Biodiversity Challenge Fund opens its latest round.

News - 04 December

Native Birch woodland in winter at Creag Meagaidh NNR ©Lorne Gill/SNH

Many of our reserves have accessible walks for all to get up close to and appreciate the grandeur of snowy peaks in winter.

Blog - 11 December

View over Scots pines and Loch Maree from the mountain trail, Beinn Eighe NNR, West Highland Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

The report measures the value of the natural capital of land owned and managed by SNH.

News - 04 December

2019 EUROPARC conference, ©Paul Barclay, TCV

A visit to Latvia to talk about a project which helps people with poor mental health out into the green spaces of Cumbernauld.

Blog - 09 December

Back to top