Scots Revealed As Top Nature Lovers

4th November 2011

Results of a new YouGov survey for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) show that the Scottish public have a deep affection for nature. While this is true across Scotland, priorities vary slightly from area to area.

The representative sample of Scottish adults found that nine in ten (90%) enjoy seeing and hearing birds in their garden or local parks. Some 89% of the public see Scotland's celebrated woodland creatures, such as red squirrels and capercaillie, as part of Scottish culture and agree that they help make our countryside special.

Interesting results included: 83% agree that it is important that rare birds living on our grasslands, such as the corncrake, don't become extinct in Scotland; 80% like to see butterflies and want to see more in the countryside; 86% think an important part of the Scottish uplands is seeing and hearing wild birds and would like to see more; and 84% want to see otters in all of Scotland's rivers.

Priorities for the natural inheritance we pass on to the next generation were also revealed by the survey. While Scots might complain about the rain, we are a nation that loves its watery environment. When asked about the importance of protecting the quality of places for future generations, analysis of the data by SNH revealed that rivers and lochs are most highly valued, followed by coast and beaches.

According to the SNH weighted analysis of responses, the top five 'wish list' of things people wanted to see for the Scottish environment were, in order:

1. Clean waters around the coast

2. Litter free beaches

3. Well maintained parks in towns and cities

4. Wild salmon living in Scotland's rivers

5. End to bird of prey persecution

These results were seen throughout Scotland but interesting regional variations emerged across the country. SNH analysis of importance scores in the survey revealed that:

Residents in the Highlands and Islands not only gain the most enjoyment from seeing and hearing birds in their gardens, but have the greatest overall concern for protecting the countryside.

Compared with Scotland as a whole, the north east sees the countryside as most important for recreation and tourism.

Residents in the Lothians think it is more important to conserve our woodlands than anywhere else in Scotland.

Compared with Scotland as a whole, the people in the south of the country would like to see a greater mix of broadleaved trees in woodlands.

Residents of mid Scotland & Fife most strongly believe that it is important to have well maintained parks in our towns and cities.

Susan Davies, SNH's director of policy and advice, said "Scotland is fortunate to be blessed with a remarkable variety of wildlife and world-class landscapes. These survey results show that people clearly recognise this and place great importance on their continued protection so that the next generation of Scots are also able to use and enjoy them. The challenge is to ensure that the social and economic contribution of our natural heritage is widely understood and valued in decisions taken about Scotland's land use and management."

The reports can be seen at
http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/what-we-do/scottish-economy/economic-value/