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.

Other trends

The State of Scotland’s Environment and Natural Heritage

The Nature of The Cairngorms: Diversity in a Changing Environment

The Changing Nature of Scotland

Find out more

Scotland’s Environment

Trend Notes - Scottish Moths for 2019 and 2011

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Freshwater - Ponds - 2002

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Trend Notes - Climate Change and Rivers - February 2011

Scotland's Trends and indicators

The black long necked bird known as the European shag standing on the rocks

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

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Otter with its head poking out of the water

Trends of Otters in Scotland - 2015

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Someone holding a bat in their gloved hand

Trend Notes - Bats in Scotland - Oct 2015

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Front cover of publication - Burnet moths on a purple flower

Biodiversity is the variety of life. The spectacular and varied wildlife within our iconic landscapes, coastal areas and seas are

Scotland's Trends and indicators

Front cover of seas around scotland publication. A large pink sea anenome

Natural Heritage Trends: Scotland 2001 Scotland’s seas, positioned between subpolar and subtropical influences are among the most biologically productive in

Scotland's Trends and indicators