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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

Image of a virus cell. copyright Fusion Medical Animation at unsplash.com

SNH are working hard to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic that ensures we look after our staff and the public we serve.

News - 24 March

Minke whale feeding. ©Michael J. Tetley. NON SNH COPYRIGHT. Contact SNH Marine photos Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

An e fìor chreutairean a bh’ anns a’ chionaran-crò agus cìrean-cròin? / Are the great Gaelic sea-monsters merely creatures of myth?

Blog - 2 April 2020

Common or flapper skate being measured

Join Jane Dodd on fieldwork to study the critically endangered common skate in a west coast Marine Protected Area.

Blog - 31 March

Adder on wall, Muir of Dinnet NNR.

It’s spring! Adders on Flanders Moss NNR and their population status.

Blog - 31 March

Flowering currant. ©Daryl Short/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Bringing Forvie National Nature Reserve and its wildlife to you.

Blog - 29 March

Volunteers surveying. ©Jen Graham/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Meet Jen who is working on Marine Ornithology and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) as part of SNH's graduate placement scheme.

Blog - 28 February

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