Scotland is famed for the beauty of its natural heritage. This not only includes its landscape and geology but its plant and animal life. The concept of natural heritage can be both simple and complex and embraces the interrelationship of landform, habitat, wildlife and landscape and their capacity to provide enjoyment and inspiration.
It encompasses both physical attributes and aesthetic values and, given the long interrelationship between human communities and the land in Scotland, has important cultural and economic dimensions. Attractive and ecologically rich environments, where the natural heritage is valued and cherished, are essential to social and economic well-being.
Policy
National planning policy on landscape and natural heritage is set out in Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP), and is supported by Planning Advice Note ( PAN) 60 Planning for Natural Heritage and PAN 44 Fitting New Housing Development into the Landscape.
Key elements of the policy include:
- Taking a broader approach to landscape and natural heritage than just conserving designated or protected sites and species, taking into account ecosystems and natural processes.
- Facilitating positive landscape change whilst maintaining and enhancing distinctive character.
- Seeking benefits for species and habitats from new development including the restoration of degraded habitats.
- Siting and design of development should be informed by local landscape character.
- Encouraging connectivity between habitats, through green networks.
- Protecting internationally and nationally designated habitats and species.
- Protecting and enhancing woodland and trees of high nature conservation value.
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