Landscape: biodiversity, geology and soils

Foundations of landscape

Scotland’s geological diversity and soils are the fundamental building blocks of landscape diversity.

Protecting our geodiversity is an important part of landscape planning and management.

Explore the relationship between geology and landscape in Scotland: The Creation of its Natural Landscape.

Habitats for wildlife

Diverse landscapes also provide a rich array of habitats for Scotland’s wildlife. Managing land for biodiversity can have important effects on landscape.

An integrated approach to supporting land management can help to create appropriate landscape-scale habitat networks and mosaics.

Design and management of habitat networks should take account of landscape character and special qualities. This will help to ensure that they meet both landscape and wildlife objectives.

Guidance Documents

• Collecting geological samples from Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Guidance (Methodology)
• Development Management and the Natural Heritage