Protected sites

Statutory Sites

These are sites that are protected and have a legal status under either UK, European or international law. These include SSSI’s, National Nature Reserves and Special Area’s of Conservation.

The map above shows:

  • Marine Protected Area: Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura
  • Special Area of Conservation: Inner Hebrides and the Minches
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): South Kerrera and Gallanach

Non-Statutory Sites

These are the sites that don’t have legal protection but have local biodiversity or conservation value.

The map above shows:

  • Area of Panoramic Quality: NorthWest Argyll (coast)
  • Area of Panoramic Quality: Knapdale / Melfort
  • Geological Conservation Review Site: Ardmore – Gallanach
  • Geological Conservation Review Site: South Kerrera (Old Red Sandstone Igneous)
  • Geological Conservation Review Site: Isle of Lismore, The Dog Stone and Coach Tholl
  • Geological Conservation Review Site: Pulpit Hill
  • Local Nature Conservation Site: Sgeir an Eitich, Ganavan

Find out more: from the Nature`scot Data Hub you can view maps of all the different protected areas across Scotland: https://opendata.nature.scot/search?groupIds=9828d34c7aee46919f28ccc859e76108

Tree Preservation order

Another form of protection is a tree preservation order, created by the local planning authority to protect trees that bring significant amenity value to the local environment and the public.

Find out more: Argyll & Bute Council website – information and map: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-guidance/tree-preservation-orders