Scotland leads the way with Nature30 sites

The pioneering Nature30 sites recognise and celebrate Scotland’s nature heroes - farmers, foresters, communities, public bodies, businesses, charities, organisations and others - who are managing areas of land that are delivering amazing things for biodiversity now and into the future. The grassroots, voluntary approach to this recognition will complement Scotland’s existing protected areas (also known as designated sites). Being part of the initiative is not just about celebrating nature heroes, the aim is also to use this global accolade as a means of securing investment and incentives to support their great work.

Scotland is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. There are currently nearly 2,000 protected areas in Scotland, which cover 18 per cent of our land and freshwater. To meet the 30 percent by 2030 target, almost one million more hectares will need to be recognised, either as protected areas or as voluntary Nature30 sites. These sites will not just help nature, but in a warming and more chaotic climate they will increase flood protection, reduce fire risk, protect soils, provide clean air and water, catch and store carbon and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

The collaborative approach to Nature30 sites, which forms part of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy delivery plan to 2030, saw NatureScot bring together over 150 people and organisations to co-design the approach. More sites are due to be recognised, and NatureScot is inviting new nominations. 

NatureScot’s Head of Protected Areas, Dr. Ben Ross, said: “These Nature30 sites are an important first step in the mass movement we need to reverse nature loss, and to help us all to become more resilient to climate change. They can deliver high quality nature, but also food, materials, energy and many other benefits to society, so we need to recognise, celebrate and reward them.

“Achieving the 30 by 30 target is hugely ambitious, but collectively Scotland can do it. We’re excited to work with everyone who cares passionately about nature, adding to the great work already happening across the country, and we encourage anyone who owns or manages land that is or will be delivering great things for nature, to consider applying for Nature30 recognition.”

Scotland’s first four Nature30 sites are:

• Findhorn Hinterland, Moray
• Knapdale, Argyll
• Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, Lochaber
• Loch Wood, Lanark

Jonathan Caddy, Chair of Trustees, Findhorn Hinterland Trust in Moray, said: “Nature30 gives official recognition of the importance of Findhorn dunes for biodiversity, and for all the hard work the FHT has carried out over the last two decades, mostly by volunteers. It will help to raise the profile of the important nature recovery work we have planned for the next ten years, directly contributing to Scotland’s 30 by 30 target. We are proud to have taken part in piloting this national conservation initiative.”

Callum Strong, Regional Environment Advisor at Forestry and Land Scotland in Argyll, said: “We are delighted to have been engaged in the recognition process of a Nature30 site. Knapdale, on the coast of Argyll, is one of Forestry and Land Scotland’s most exciting opportunities for rainforest restoration. Nature30 land will join up areas already designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. Much of this area has been under restoration to native woodland for a number of years and Nature30 status will underpin the future value of this habitat and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts”.

Victoria Connick, Treasurer at Blackwood Estate Community Association in Lanark, said: “Our whole community is delighted at the Nature30 recognition for our local ancient woodland. Being part of this international conservation program helps us protect, monitor and enhance an increasingly rare habitat. We believe this is vitally important for effective environmental education in Scotland."

Angela Mercer, from Loch Arkaig Community Forest, said: “Arkaig Community Forest welcome the recognition of Loch Arkaig Pine Forest as a Nature30 site. We feel that working as a genuinely collaborative partnership has enabled us to work at a far greater scale and deliver nature recovery much more effectively. Alongside developing a more resilient and involved local community, which will in turn ensure a flourishing and biodiverse landscape in the long term.”

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