Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is a Scottish public body. It is responsible for Scotland's natural heritage, especially her natural, genetic and scenic diversity. It advises the Scottish Executive and acts as a government agent in the delivery of conservation designations, i.e. National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves, Long Distance Routes, National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and the National Scenic Area.

SNH has around 800 staff with offices in most parts of Scotland including the main islands. Controversially, Scottish Ministers decided to transfer SNH's headquarters to Inverness with the loss of many jobs. The Protected areas in Scotland account for 20% of the total area, SSSIs alone 13%.

See: National Nature Reserves in Scotland.

See also

• English Nature
• Countryside Council for Wales
• Environment and Heritage Service
• Countryside Agency

External link

• Scottish Natural Heritage website

Scottish public bodies | Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department | Conservation in Scotland