Description:
Proportion of designated natural features on protected nature sites (SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI ) which are in favourable condition; or are recovering, with the necessary management measures in place.
Source of Data:
Data is collected by NatureScot staff, partners and independent consultants under contract to NatureScot. NatureScot publish the figures as Official Statistics.
Feature condition data for individual sites can be accessed through clicking on this link.
The Official Statistic will be published on the NatureScot website.
Data will be published annually in May.
The indicator will be measured using the results from the Scottish element of the UK-wide Common Standards Monitoring programme, known as Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) in Scotland.
The Site Condition Monitoring assessments are carried out for medium or high-risk features on a ten-year cycle. Risk depends on feature type, known threats and current assessed condition. All other features will have some form of a review in each cycle, but only the full assessments form part of this Official Statistic.
Site Condition Monitoring is carried out using agreed UK-wide standards as an interpretative framework. These are published in JNCC's (Joint Nature Conservation Committee) Common Standards Monitoring Guidance. Where appropriate the UK Common Standards are modified in Scotland to better suit Scottish sites; either at a national or site-level.
Up to date results of Site Condition Monitoring can also be found on the SEPA website.
Monitoring of bird features has been impacted by avian influenza in 2022 and 2023. Its impact on feature condition is yet to be determined and a number of planned surveys have been cancelled.
Definitions:
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are identified as "special" for plants, animals, fungi, habitats, rocks, landforms or a combination of these features. NatureScot selects sites after detailed survey and evaluation drawing on UK-wide guidelines published by JNCC.
Natura 2000 is an EU-wide network made up of sites designated under the EC Birds and Habitats Directives. Sites designated under the Birds Directive are termed Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Sites designated under the Habitats Directive are termed Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
Ramsar sites are classified under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
Designated natural features mean the habitats, plant or animal species or geological or other features of the land for which the site was designated.
The assessment of favourable condition will be made using guidelines produced by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) drawing on the work of the national conservation agencies.
Favourable condition means that the features for which SSSIs or Natura sites are designated are in satisfactory condition; or are recovering, with the necessary management measures in place, such that NatureScot predicts, using expert judgement, that the land will in due course reach favourable condition.
Criteria for Change
This evaluation is based on: any difference in the percentage within +/- 1 percentage point of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Future issues or reviews:
NatureScot acknowledges the need for monitoring reform e.g. in response to the nature/climate emergency and Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting 30% of Scotland’s land and sea by 2030. Review and consultation on the impact of these reforms on this Official Statistic and other Official Statistics that use this data will be undertaken. It is expected that this review and consultation will take 2-3 years.