Phase 1 surveys (polygons only) have been made available to download from Natural Spaces on 05/07/2017. Caveat for data usage: this is an archived dataset and is no longer updated or maintained. The data is dated - mainly from the 1980’s and 1990’s, it does not comply with the INSPIRE Directive, it is not in the EUNIS classification system and does not assist SNH in reporting on its statutory commitments.The aim of Phase 1 survey is to provide, relatively rapidly, a record of the semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat over large areas of countryside. The habitat classification is based broadly on vegetation, augmented by reference to topographic and substrate features, particularly where vegetation is not the dominant component of the habitat. The nature of the vegetation can provide an effective means of classifying and surveying habitats. Ideally a phase 1 survey should be followed up by a phase 2 survey that looks at plant communities more closely, this should be done using the NVC.For access to GIS colour mapping palettes please see http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4258.

World Heritage Sites are designated to meet the UK's commitments under the World Heritage Convention. The UK's ratification also extends to its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. These sites are designated for their globally important cultural or natural interest and require appropriate management and protection measures. Natural properties may be terrestrial or marine areas.

Nature Conservation Orders (NCOs) are made to protect any natural feature of land that is within (1) a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), (2) a European site or (3) other land of special interest, and where it is either being actively damaged or there is evidence that it is under threat of damage. The Orders set out certain prohibited operations and the land to which they apply.

SPAs in Scotland are classified by Scottish Ministers . These are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and regularly occurring migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs are classified under the EC Birds Directive and together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network. Proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA) may be subject to change prior to classification. Note: Orkney Inshore Waters is at draft SPA status and is not afforded policy protection. Please contact SNH for further information

Merged dataset containing land owned by or leased from SNH.

SACs in Scotland are designated by Scottish Ministers under the EC Habitats Directive. They are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs in terrestrial areas and marine areas out to 12 nautical miles are afforded protection through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). Possible Special Areas of Conservation (pSAC) may be subject to change prior to submission.

The Geological Conservation Review (GCR) is the register of known nationally and internationally important Earth science (geological and geomorphological) sites in Great Britain. The GCR underpins designation of Earth science features in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The majority of GCR sites, therefore, now have statutory protection through designation as notified features in SSSIs. In these cases the GCR site boundary indicates the extent of the Earth science interest within the SSSI. Some GCR sites, however, remain unnotified and are known as unnotified GCR sites. National Park Authorities and some Local Authorities treat these as candidate SSSIs and afford them the same protection as SSSIs. Some unnotified GCR sites are also Local Geodiversity Sites (LGS), and as such they are afforded levels of protection appropriate to locally important sites (though they are, themselves, considered to be of national or international importance). The remaining unnotified GCR sites have no statutory protection, although they are considered to be sites of national or international importance. Initially developed between 1977 and 1990, the GCR network is periodically updated and this dataset is subject to change. Boundaries of GCR sites are often not co-incident with SSSIs. Captured to old version of OSMM (the same one as SSSIs) so will need to be adjusted to PAI.

Parks are set up by Local Authorities to provide open-air recreation facilities close to towns and cities. All the parks have a rural character and are managed primarily for informal recreation. Some have nature reserve areas and most have a visitor centre and ranger service to encourage and facilitate visitor understanding. Country Park is not a statutory designation. Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 Section 48 gives local authorities power to assess and review the need for Country Parks in consultation with SNH.

Boundary of all Deer Management Groups in Scotland. For more information go to https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/managing-deer

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey. Classifies British vegetation into a series of plant communities according to phytosociological groups using standard field methods and data analysis/classification techniques. The methodology is based on taking quadrats using a strict sampling system from stands of homogeneous vegetation.