Natural Heritage

Places which are important for biodiversity or geology can be protected by being designated.  There are different types of designations, offering different types of protection:

Types of Protected Sites in Edinburgh

• Special Protected Area (international designation - designated by Scottish Government)
• Special Area of Conservation (international designation - designated by Scottish Government)
• Ramsar site (international designation - designated by Scottish Government)
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (national designation - by SNH)
• Local Nature Reserve (local designation - by City of Edinburgh Council )
• Local Nature Conservation Site (local designation - by City of Edinburgh Council )

The location of designated sites is shown on the Rural West Edinburgh Local Plan and Edinburgh City Local Plan.

Find information on the different types of designation on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.