High Level Summary of Statistics Trend Last update: Friday, June 12, 2009
Protected Nature Sites
Natura 2000 sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) represent the best of Scotland's natural heritage. These areas are 'special' either for their plants, animals or habitats, their rocks or landforms, or a combination of these. Together they form a network of the best natural features throughout Scotland and support a wider network across Great Britain and the European Union.
Over 380 Natura 2000 sites and some 1,451 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), covering more than 1,000,000 ha of Scotland, have been designated for their national or international importance, according to their special biodiversity or geodiversity interest.
The Scottish Government has established a National Indicator to increase to 95% the proportion of protected nature sites in favourable condition. In the first cycle of site condition monitoring undertaken between 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2005, 71.5% of were found to be in favourable condition. By the end of March 2009, 78.4% of natural features were assessed as being in a favourable condition, this compares to 77.5% being in favourable condition at the end of March 2008.
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Source: Scottish Natural Heritage
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