The origins of Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Natural Heritage was formed in 1992 from the amalgamation of the Nature Conservancy of Scotland and the Countryside Commission for Scotland to “secure the conservation and enhancement of, and to foster understanding and facilitate the enjoyment of the natural heritage of Scotland.”

Since then, Scotland’s nature agency has worked to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. So that all nature in Scotland – our key habitats and landscapes, all our green space and our native species – is maintained, enhanced and brings us benefits. It is the job of all of us to achieve a balance in the sensitive management of our natural world in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

Beinn Eighe

Please tell us a bit about the work that you do on a day-to-day basis

Scotland’s natural heritage gives us so much. Our work helps to protect our natural assets and their many benefits. Scottish Natural Heritage promotes, cares for and improves Scotland’s natural heritage. We enable a greater awareness of nature and help people to enjoy nature responsibly. Looking to the future, we promote the sustainable use of natural assets now.
Like everyone else, lockdown has affected our work and forced us to adapt, but the work continues. So, for instance, we recently invited musicians of all genres to compose new music as part of a high-profile national competition and song writing project called “In Tune with Nature”. We are also encouraging people to take part in Citizen Science activities; for example, taking part in surveys to gather information that will help scientists understand how the environment is doing and where action is needed.

Dunardry

We love the web address nature.scot Why did you choose .scot?

A .scot domain clearly highlights our role as an organisation working in Scotland for the people, nature and landscapes of Scotland. Additionally we will be rebranding to NatureScot* and so Nature.scot is a natural extension of our brand.
Nature is at the heart of our work and it will be in our name too.  As NatureScot we will be more recognisable to the general public as the organisation at the heart of helping to deliver the transformational change needed to ensure a nature rich future for Scotland, which is part of Scotland’s commitment to tackling climate change. We know the importance of nature to the wellbeing of Scotland’s people and places and we are keen to encourage everyone to become a NatureScot.

* The rebrand, due to take place on 1 May 2020, has been postponed due to the current Covid-19 situation.