Professional advice

See how the marine planning system works and the part we play in plan preparation, implementation and monitoring.

Get in touch to discuss plans or proposals, and with any general enquiries about our approach to planning and development.

Scotland's existing marine Natura sites and Nature Conservation MPAs are helping the UK to meet the OSPAR Marine Protected Area commitment.

NatureScot, alongside other public bodies and agencies, are seeking to embed the place principle as the way we do business.

Guidance for planning authorities on how to assess current and future open space needs, and develop locally appropriate open space standards.

Planners, developers and others can explore the type and extent of urban greenspace across Great Britain using the free, interactive Greenspace Map.

‘Green exercise’ improves physical, mental and social health and well-being. Find out how individuals and communities can benefit from spending time outdoors.

Find out about popular green exercise programmes taking off across Scotland, and read inspiring case studies of local and regional green exercise projects.

Managing Scotland's nature and landscapes with tourism in mind ensures that visitors can easily enjoy nature while avoiding damage and disturbance to wildlife.

NatureScot and the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital (SFNC) hosted the “Why invest in nature?” short film competition in 2019

The current state of the world’s climate and nature and the scale and pace of effort required to address them makes the case for investing in nature more urgent and more important than ever. Within these 9 reports, Marco has produced a fantastic resource to that end which we share here for use across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

At NatureScot, we’re working with many partners including Skills Development Scotland to help to realise opportunities for new jobs presented by the transition to net zero.

This partnership project aims to get pupils in some of Scotland's most disadvantaged areas learning in their local greenspace frequently by 2020.

Our CLPL programme and initial teacher education together ensure that we help educators at all stages to develop skills in outdoor learning.

Anyone can use any National Nature Reserve for outdoor learning, and some NNRs also offer formal educational opportunities.

Secondary school teachers and students can get ideas for projects by exploring areas of our work that connect to Curriculum for Excellence.

Camera trapping is a great way to encourage outdoor learning. Watch some of the winning videos from our successful project.

Learn about travel grants to help with the cost of getting to either of Scotland's National Parks, and locate other sources of funding.

The aim of the Outdoor Learning in Nature Fund is to support more young people to have regular, frequent, structured and progressive outdoor learning experiences.

Access to, and involvement in, nature is important for the wellbeing of everyone in Scotland – for young people it

Find out about coastal characterisation and how it can guide planning decisions that affect our seas and coasts.

Human activity and natural processes continue to change Scotland's landscapes, which play a vital role in our health, economy and international reputation.

NatureScot is the Scottish Government's statutory adviser on landscape. Read about our landscape remit.

Scotland’s Landscape Monitoring Programme lets us assess how our landscapes are changing. Find out how the programme works and browse the published indicators.

Scotland's Landscape Charter challenges everyone to take action for landscape - to celebrate landscape, improve our understanding of it, and promote its care.