Supporting Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

We are delighted to share that we are now proud supporters of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, and fully support the principles of the Biosphere Charter. 

The Biosphere Charter signifies that Sandgreen Caravan Park pledges to support the following six principles:

• Help to conserve the natural resources of the Biosphere
• Support the economy to benefit people and nature
• Promote cultural heritage and local products
• Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community
• Develop knowledge, understanding and promote research
• Raise awareness of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

As a Proud Supporter, we recognise the value that the UNESCO Biosphere designation brings to people and nature, and we work hard to make southwest Scotland a great place to holiday, live, work and play.  We hope our commitment and energy inspires others to explore the Biosphere – to try new activities, visit places they haven’t seen before, and to learn more about our natural and cultural heritage.

A little more about Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSA) and what they do:

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a non-profit organisation working across the UNESCO region, creating and facilitating projects that support conservation, education, climate resilience, and a sustainable local economy. They collaborate with multi-sector partners in initiatives that benefit people and nature alike.

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere covers more than 9,700km² of southwest Scotland, is home to more than 100,000 people, and includes outstanding and rare habitats which are home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife. These landscapes stretch from coast to mountain, meeting woodland, grassland, farmland and more in between. Its geographical boundary was defined in 2012 based on catchments of the rivers flowing out of the Galloway Hills, and extended to include the marine environment in 2023.  Every UNESCO Biosphere is a centre for learning and research, and for testing solutions to some of the most critical challenges of our time.

The Core Area of any UNESCO Biosphere is the region of highest conservation value; in Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, these are the wetlands at Silver Flowe, and the National Nature Reserve (NNR) at Cairnsmore of Fleet. The GSA Biosphere’s work in the Core Areas is focused on research and the protection of species, habitats, landscapes and ecosystems.

The UNESCO Biosphere is part of Scotland’s rural southwest, where the land and its uses remain integral to everyday life. The Biosphere is home to historic industries such as farming, fishing and forestry; a variety of micro-businesses and SMEs; and communities that range in size from tiny hamlets to small towns.

Right across Galloway and Southern Ayrshire the GSA Biosphere Partnership celebrates positive cultural values and identity, helping people learn more about where they live and better understand the heritage we share.

The GSA Biosphere Partnership share knowledge, experience and ideas in pursuit of a better future for all.