Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
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Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is a unique and special place.
So much so that the area has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere: a status awarded to world-class environments that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.
As a pioneer in sustainable tourism, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
is one of 13 sites included in Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, a global first that showcases the best of the country’s offering to visitors from the UK and abroad.
Here an array of landscapes including open moorland, scenic lochs, and ancient oak woodlands support some of Scotland’s most precious plant and animal life.
For walkers, cyclists and photographers the Biosphere is a place of discovery, contemplation and awe.
This region and its people have fired the imagination of creative minds for centuries, inspiring painters, poets, and musicians.
From Andy Goldsworthy’s Striding Arches to Crawick Multiverse, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks, a tour of the Biosphere will lead you to people and places of international renown.
For a truly authentic lowland Scotland experience
you need to meet some of the people who live and work here, to discover for yourself how our UNESCO Biosphere is a place of cooperation and collaboration in our vibrant rural villages and towns.
Visit one of our Biosphere Communities where you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome from people who want to celebrate and share the stories of their natural and cultural heritage.
Join one of our Biosphere Guides to experience some of the unique and memorable sites of our Biosphere.
Or, try our Biosphere Routes, specially designed to give you a self-guided experience around some of our hidden gems.
However, you decide to explore our Biosphere you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.