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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

Last call for BCF applications - Francesca and Roseanna, ©SNH

There are still opportunities to bid for the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, but time is running out!

News - 23 January

New Forest burnet (male & female), ©Ilia Ustyantsev, Butterfly Conservation

The New Forest burnet survives at just one, small coastal site where it is a protected species.

Blog - 23 January

Highland cattle among the dunes

YCW2020 Coast Lines of Tentsmuir competition is looking for verses inspired by the Fife national nature reserve.

News - 22 January

Nevis Landscape Partnership bus

£3.4 million, 19 projects and tremendous volunteer support, benefiting key habitats.

Blog - 21 January

Group of children holding hands laying on the ground in a circle

A group of home schooled children took part in a groundbreaking project to help safeguard the future of Golden Eagles in the UK.

News - 21 January

Snorkeler, ©Morven Carruthers/ SNH. All rights reserved. Please contact CMEU for details - snhmarinephotos@snh.gov.uk

The award celebrates Seasearch Scotland's 31-year contribution to marine conservation.

Blog - 10 January

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