GALLOWAY & AYRSHIRE BIOSPHERE
Biosphere status has been awarded by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. It was originally conferred on South West Scotland because of the important upland habitats found in the National Nature Reserves at Silver Flowe and Cairnsmore of Fleet. These include extensive mire, blanket bog, montane acid grassland and wet heath. These areas are also home to nationally important breeding bird and invertebrate populations. The Biosphere designation recognises habitats within or close to the Galloway Forest Park. The Park attracts 800,000 visitors each year. Over 25,000 people live close by.

Biospheres can help sustain rural communities
The Biosphere consultaion is being undertaken by two local organisations, Southern Uplands Partnership and East Ayrshire Woodlands on behalf of the steering group.