Wildlife conservation

The Council is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and has identified numerous Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). It is also party to a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) prepared jointly for East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. In addition several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which are of national importance, exist within the area.  

The natural heritage also includes landscape features within a broad range of landscape character types, which house an extensive range of landscape character areas. A broad range of woodland types are found ranging from intensive commercial conifer plantations to relic ancient or semi – natural woodland of high conservation value.

Woodlands make an important contribution to the landscape and amenity of the area. A variety of woodland types are found locally ranging from intensive commercial conifer plantations to relic ancient or semi–natural woodland of high conservation value. Woodlands make an important contribution to the landscape and amenity of the area. In addition to the SINC’s and SSSI’s some groups of trees and woodland within urban and rural areas are covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s).  

Eaglesham was Scotland’s first Conservation Area and is designated as ‘outstanding’. Parts of Busby, Giffnock and Upper and Lower Whitecraigs also have Conservation Area status and much of the Netherlee area is also protected. The character of these areas is subject to special planning controls. Greenbank House is included in the ‘Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes’and Rouken Glen Park is proposed for inclusion.

There are also many Listed Buildings in the area, including 5 Category “A”buildings, being of national importance. East Renfrewshire contains many important archaeological remains, with a number of both nationally and locally important sites, including Scheduled Ancient Monuments.