Our Latest News
New National Park Update - August 2024
Find out about the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway, and opportunities to get your opinion heard.
Comparing Apples and Apples - Professionalising Protected Area Management through standardised terminology
In this blog Duncan MacRae introduces research developed by a task force of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas proposing an initial lexicon of key terms related to area-based conservation approaches.
Galloway proposed as Scotland’s new National Park
On 22nd July 2024, Mairi Gougeon MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands announced that Scottish Ministers were proposing Galloway for designation as a new National Park.
30 by 30 and National Parks
Later this year, the Scottish Government is set to bring forward a Natural Environment Bill which could include amendments to the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. Earlier this year Scottish Environment LINK released a report called “Protecting 30 percent of Scotland’s land for nature” which SCNP and APRS contributed to. It includes coverage of how National Parks can contribute to biodiversity recovery and meeting 30 by 30.
The Wales Biodiversity Deep Dive – Unlocking the potential of Designated Landscapes
As we look at how National Parks can contribute to 30 by 30 in Scotland (see report from SE LINK), in this article we turn our attention to the 30 by 30 discussion in Wales. Howard Davies, Independent Chair of the Biodiversity Deep Dive – Designated Landscapes expert group provides an overview of how National Parks and National Landscapes in Wales have a crucial role to play in the delivery of 30 by 30 .
Campaign for National Parks - The proposal for a new National Park in North East Wales
This position statement has been prepared by Campaign for National Parks and the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes on the proposal for a new National Park in North East Wales
SCNP welcomes John Mayhew as Chair
SCNP was delighted to welcome John Mayhew as its new Chair at the April 2024 AGM. Read more about John’s appointment and his views on new National Parks in Scotland
New National Parks Update - June 2024
In May 2024, the Scottish Government reiterated its intention to designate at least one new National Park. Following the appointment of the new First Minister and a reshuffle of positions, the responsibility for National Parks now falls within the rural affairs portfolio, under the Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon MSP.
Polls show strong public support for new National Parks
Recent public opinion polls show very strong support for new National Parks, and for their leadership role in nature recovery in Scotland.
New National Parks update April 2024
An update on the new National Park process - where we are at April 2024
SCNP 2024 AGM & Workshop - National Parks - Their Future Role
SCNP 2024 AGM and Workshop - National Parks - Their Future Role. 26th April 2024
Joint statement from APRS and SCNP on National Park Nominations
The nominations process for Scotland’s next National Park closed yesterday (29th February). Read SCNP & APRS Joint Statement here…
Blue Marine Press Release - Coastal & Marine Area National Park
According to a poll carried out by Survation on behalf of Blue Marine Foundation, the Scottish public want to see a new National Park for Scotland that includes coastal and marine areas. Read the Blue Marine press release…
Funding National Parks
Graham Barrow of SCNP provides a research report on international funding of National Parks. Are we missing a trick in Scotland?
Scottish Government’s New National Park Technical Workshop
The Scottish Government led a Technical Workshop for groups interested in nominating their area for National Park status. The selection of video recordings cover a variety of topics and give an overview of some of the key areas of interest for groups nominating their area for National Park status.
Tackling the Nature Emergency
The Scottish National Park Strategy Project’s summary of the SCNP and APRS response to the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity consultation.
We are recruiting for Trustees
We are currently seeking trustees and volunteers with skills in rural planning, biodiversity/climate change, finance/book-keeping and digital marketing. But anyone with an interest and commitment to the national park cause in Scotland is invited to apply.
Sustainable Travel in National Parks
James Burns of Ansons Consulting provides a blog looking at Sustainable Travel in National Parks. Ansons Consulting authored the Sustainable Travel and Modal Shift Report for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Views from the City
MSc Students from the University of Edinburgh interviewed residents from Edinburgh and Glasgow on their perceptions of National Parks. The final report was presented at a public presentation at Scottish Parliament in April 2023. Students Julia Lisa and Mhairi McMillan provided a blog post on their work…
New National Park Nominations Open - Press release
The Scottish Government have announced the opening of the new National Park nominations process. Read the latest APRS press release.