Shetland has rich and varied natural heritage, being home to many significant species of animal and plants and internationally important habitats, such as blanket bog. The geology of Shetland is very varied, particularly when considering the land area of the Islands, spanning almost 3 billion years.
The varied natural heritage requires varied management or conservation, with important input from both the public and private sector, including vital input from land owners and managers.
The Biodiversity Duty
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 gives all public bodies in Scotland a duty to “further the conservation of biodiversity” as they carry out their work. This Biodiversity Duty means that the Council has a duty to consider the impact on biodiversity of all its activities.
The Council has now published its BIODIVERSITY DUTY REPORT 2021 - 2023 which sets out how the Council has complied with the biodiversity duty for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023.
Biodiversity Duty Report 2021-2023
Biodiversity Duty Report for Shetland Islands Council 2021-2023
Designated Sites
There are a number of different designated sites that occur in Shetland, these include:
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Protection Areas
- Ramsar Sites
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- National Scenic Areas
- National Nature Reserves
- Marine Protected Areas
More information on specific designated sites in Shetland can be found on SNH’s Sitelink website.
Local Nature Conservation Sites
As part of the Local Development Plan, 49 sites of importance that are not designated under legislation were identified as deserving of protection. Information on the proposed Local Nature Conservation Sites can be found in the Local Nature Conservation Site Supplementary Guidance to the emerging Local Development Plan.
Geopark Shetland
More information on the geology of Shetland can be found on the Geopark Shetland website.
Trees
The Council may make Tree Preservation Orders to protect individual and groups of trees considered important for amenity or for their cultural or historic interest. The consent of the Council is required to undertake any works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
Trees in Conservation Areas are also given protection. Any proposed works to a tree or trees in a Conservation Areas require to be notified in advance to the Council’s Planning Service. This is to give the Council the opportunity to consider if it wishes to make the tree(s) the subject of a Tree Preservation Order.
Trees within conservation areas are protected
Shetland Tree Preservation Orders
Contact:
Natural Heritage Officer
Planning Service
Development Services
Shetland Islands Council
8 North Ness Business Park
Lerwick, Shetland
ZE1 0LZ
Tel: +44 (01595) 744293
Email: development.plans@shetland.gov.uk