Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

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Galloway and Southern Ayrshire
Biosphere is a first for Scotland

Hosting an amazing combination of landscape, wildlife and culture with communities that care about and for their environment.

Putting a global spotlight on south-west Scotland as a special place and one of only 580 Biosphere Reserves worldwide.

Providing a catalyst for new economic opportunities, environmentally sustainable development, nature conservation and education.

Offering a unique marketing opportunity through the global UNESCO brand.

The Biosphere is led by a broad partnership made up of representatives of communities, organisations, businesses, local councils and public agencies which are together committed to delivering the Biosphere Charter.

Scotland’s First Biosphere is an exciting new way to demonstrate good nature conservation and environmentally sustainable development.

UNESCO requires every Biosphere
to be made up of three zones:

The Core areas lie at the heart of the Biosphere and include extensive areas of mountain, moorland, freshwater lochs and rivers. They are home to a wide range of scarce wildlife including iconic species like golden eagle, red deer and wild goats.

The Buffer zone of Galloway Forest Park is a working landscape managed to protect the natural heritage of the core areas. The area offers tremendous recreational opportunities in dramatic landscapes. Activities compatible with good ecological practices are encouraged and include facilities like the 7Stanes mountain bike routes and the Dark Sky Park viewing areas.

The Transition area is the part of the Biosphere Reserve where people live and can work together to make the best use of our local resources. Such as the development of low energy housing, environmentally friendly farming, and nature based tourism.