UNESCO Biosphere status signifies the importance of southwest Scotland within the global tapestry of natural and cultural heritage. The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership (GSABP) developed Biosphere Experiences to support sustainable leisure and hospitality, and to deliver unique, meaningful visitor experiences that centre connecting with nature.
November 21st 2025, by Tamara Fulcher
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has won the Nature Tourism Award at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards 2025 for Biosphere Experiences: Nature-Friendly Adventures for All.
Biosphere Experiences are tours and self-guided discoveries that connect visitors with nature, history and culture in the UNESCO Biosphere region. They include Low Carbon Days Out (LCDO), which encourage exploration by bike, bus and rail; themed adventures ‘The Sky Above’, ‘The Earth Beneath’, and ‘The Spirit Within’; and diverse outdoor experiences led by Biosphere Guides certified through GSABP’s own training course.
Within Biosphere Experiences two tours were created aimed at small groups and led by members of the Biosphere team, including local people as storytellers and leaders of outdoor and hands-on activities. These are particularly aimed at the shoulder months in response to learning from local partners that more needs to be done to bring people to the south in late autumn and early spring. The tours let visitors connect with the UNESCO Biosphere’s unique sense of place and include experiences such as observing the migrations of overwintering geese, and walks in temperate rainforest. These represent the charity’s first foray into the international travel trade.
Biosphere Experiences are multi-generational and provide for mixed abilities. The ethos of Biosphere Experiences is reflected in GSABP’s Visitor Charter which is available to local businesses and attractions to use and share. Rather than being a proscriptive list of warnings it uses accessible language to celebrate what good practice can achieve, and the wellbeing benefits that sustainable tourism brings. Ultimately, Biosphere Experiences raise awareness of southwest Scotland’s UNESCO designation and the beauty and fragility of its wildlife and habitats.
Ed Forrest, Director of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, said:
“What an incredible honour to have won the Nature Tourism category in this year’s Nature of Scotland Awards! On behalf of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership’s trustees and officer team I’d like express our pride and absolute delight. We are a small charity covering a vast and amazing region – southwest Scotland’s UNESCO Biosphere – working with local businesses, social enterprise and our rural communities to ensure tourism is a force for good. We will take the Nature of Scotland Award as inspiration to continue finding new and creative ways to deliver fantastic Biosphere Experiences that centre our world class natural heritage.”
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said:
“What a joy to see the Nature of Scotland Awards shining a light on the growing number of passionate and hardworking people doing so much for nature and climate. A massive congratulations to our inspirational winners. It is incredibly heartening to see the terrific conservation work happening in every corner of the country. Thank you for everything you do.”
Professor Colin Galbraith, Chair of awards headline sponsor NatureScot, said:
“This year’s Nature of Scotland award winners show the power of people’s connections with nature, and how this can inspire innovative conservation action. When we care passionately for our environment great things can be achieved for us all in our daily lives. Congratulations to these nature heroes for their creativity, commitment and achievements that are helping nature and everyone across Scotland.”
53 Award finalists from all over Scotland gathered at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 20 November to celebrate with hosts BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart. The awards, delivered by RSPB Scotland and headline sponsor NatureScot, have been running for over a decade.
The Nature of Scotland Awards recognises individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment. This year’s Nature of Scotland Awards have not only celebrated innovation and passion in environmental conservation but have also shone a spotlight on projects like Biosphere Experiences, that are securing Scotland’s natural legacy for generations to come.
More information about the GSA Biosphere Partnership and Biosphere Experiences is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk.
