People and the environment
Our actions have a direct impact on the environment, and our surrounding environment affects us all. Cities and towns, historic surroundings, recreation opportunities and many aspects of our health and well-being are shaped by the environment. We all have a part to play in its protection and conservation.
Historic environment
The historic environment is the physical evidence for past human activity. It connects people with place, and with the traditions, stories, and memories associated with places and landscapes.
Landscape-scale conservation
“The future of landscape-scale conservation is not just about delivering more, bigger, better and joined up nature reserves. It is also about winning hearts and minds.” Sir John Lawton
Noise
Nuisance impacts on people’s enjoyment of their environment. Resolving nuisances requires balancing the needs of different groups. Noise has long been recognised as the largest nuisance problem in urban areas.
Planning: Environmental evidence
Environmental evidence underpins everything we do to plan and make decisions on the design and delivery of high-quality, successful places in Scotland. New evidence approaches and collaboration need to be developed so that our key information can be used more effectively to help support the delivery of key priorities for our future places and people.
Recreation
Scotland’s natural and historic environment provides many opportunities for outdoor activity and attracts millions of visitors a year.
Waste and resources
Waste is produced by households and businesses. Progress is being made to reduce waste and increase recycling in Scotland, providing environmental and economic benefits.