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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

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

Three nature projects share funding to create better homes for wildlife around Glasgow.

News - 16 August

Dry stone seating and viewpoint on the buzzard trail, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Discover and learn about the Ancient Caledonian Forest at Beinn Eighe NNR.

Event - 21 August

A peacock butterfly (Aglais io) feeding on the SNH wildflower meadow at Battleby, Perthshire. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Buglife Scotland has been awarded Nature Fund cash to create a coast-to-coast network of special places for nature.

News - 15 August

A bumblebee feeding on a Buddleia bush. ©Lorne Gill. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

This event will set out industry examples of pollinator-friendly management.

Event - 20 August

A hillwalker enjoying the view over Loch Maree from the ascent of the mountain trail at Beinn Eighe NNR, Wester Ross. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Hillwalkers encouraged to check online for deer stalking information before setting out.

News - 15 August

Barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) at Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Join staff from Historic Environment Scotland, SNH & WWT Caerlaverock on a special evening guided walk.

Event - 16 August

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