Environment
The quality of the environment is one of the Scottish Borders’ greatest assets. It adds to the quality of life of Borderers and visitors alike. It also forms a strong basis for investment in jobs, such as those in tourism.
Protecting, Enhancing and Enjoying the Environment
We all face a challenge in preserving the Scottish Borders’ environment. Our Economic Development and Regeneration service (part of Planning and Economic Development) has a key role in providing specialist advice on issues that affect the environment. These include teams dedicated to the built, historic and natural environments. Our Development Control, Environmental Health and Waste and Recycling Services influence how we protect the environment on a daily basis. The Council also has to assess the impact of its plans, programmes and strategies through a process known as Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The Council seeks to enhance the environment in a number of ways. To assist in this we have produced an Environmental Strategy and Action Plan that will determine future actions. Our Ranger Service and Regeneration teams provide advice to schools, communities and individuals. In some cases, the Council has access to limited funding to assist with projects. The Local Biodiversity Action Plan and its complimentary Habitat Action Plans are a focus for the Council and our partners for enhancing the Borders' environment for wildlife and people. Our Living Landscapes project is also helping to put trees and hedgerows back into the landscape. A pilot project, the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative, is looking at new ways of managing and developing the Berwickshire coast.
Equally important is access to and enjoyment of our countryside and the Council plays an important part in helping you to do just that. Our Access Team is working with our partners to create new walking routes and maintain existing Rights of Way. We have created eight Town Trails in our larger settlements and have produced a series of books and leaflets that provide information on the local environment. Our Ranger Service and Heritage Officer lead guided walks and give talks to groups to educate and raise awareness of the Borders' environments. We work with our partners on large projects such as the River Tweed Interpretation Project and the Heart of Hawick, that not only improve the environment but help to increase our enjoyment of it.
Smoke Free Public Places
The Scottish Parliament has voted to introduce legislation to protect people in Scotland from the harmful effects of passive smoking. The Prohibition of Smoking In Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 come into force on 26th March 2006. The regulations apply to public places, work places and work vehicles that are wholly or substantially enclosed premises, as defined in the regulations. Details on new regulations for smoke free premises can be found on the Council website.
Community benefits from commercial wind farms
A toolkit is now available to help communities and wind farm developers and operators in their negotiations. For more information on community benefits from commercial wind farms, please download this guidance.
Unified Solutions.