Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Forests, coastlines, hills, and protected landscapes in south-west Scotland

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere covers a large area of South West Scotland, where forests, river valleys, moorland, coastline, and upland landscapes combine to create one of the country's most distinctive natural environments. Recognised for its biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable management of the landscape, the biosphere includes a diverse mix of habitats and communities across the region.

Located within the wider landscapes of Dumfries and Galloway and southern Ayrshire, the biosphere forms part of a network of routes, landscapes, and places connected by long-distance trails, forest tracks, and coastal paths. The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere links protected landscapes, wildlife-rich environments, and historic routes across one of Scotland's most significant designated areas.