A NEW look website has just been launched to draw together resources dedicated to Scotland’s environmental information under one banner.
Called Scotland’s Environment it is managed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on behalf of a network of stakeholders.
It will focus on key areas around Scotland’s soils, Scotland’s aquaculture, Scotland’s noise and the NBN Atlas Scotland.
Partner agencies include SEPA, The James Hutton Institute, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland, Food Standards Agency, The Crown Estate and National Biodiversity Network.
Others include Cairngorms National Park Authority, Crofting Commission, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and the Scottish Land Commission.
Agencies feeding into the group feature Zero Waste Scotland, The Conservation Volunteers, Met Office, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Historic Environment Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, Greenspace Scotland, Education Scotland, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the British Geological Survey.
The site, which is live now, is mobile first recognising most user behaviours, along with easy to navigate calls to action split into key functions on desktop.
It replaces previous portals first launched back in 2009.
Key features include data rich areas and powerful map tools, including layers, and facilities for quick look PDF files alongside digital links.
Our web address has changed. Don’t forget to update any links & bookmarks to the new website – https://t.co/O1sMaOqWNX #scotenvironment
— ScotEnvironment (@ScotEnvironment) October 6, 2017
Future developments are said to include an improved Land Information Search tool with additional topics and tagging being updated.
Blogs, newsletter sign-up options and social channels also provide greater engagement and audience development opportunities.
One impressive feature includes allowing people to submit their own data to the groups involved, and includes links to useful mobile apps to help.
The network comes as the Scottish Government pushes a renewed agenda involving the environment including its recent Programme for Government launch and forthcoming Climate Change Bill discussions.
Want to learn more? Read: Scotland’s environment – Welcome to our new website
Image credit: Scotland’s Environment