This also serves to highlight the positive work of managers and staff throughout the network, without whom this Action Plan could not be implemented. The Transport and Planning Group intends to identify areas alongside trunk roads which have particular biodiversity interest, and areas where opportunities for enhancement exist. This task will be carried out in partnership with existing Local Biodiversity Steering Groups, nature conservation networks and other organisations. Joint projects, for instance with adjoining landowners and local groups, can have a beneficial effect on a wider area than the immediate road environment. Opportunities exist to use high profile or frequently visited trunk road locations to put across the biodiversity message, for example in urban areas, at lay-bys and by service stations.
Roads are an integral part of leisure and amenity access for people.
A large proportion of tourism in Scotland is based on the richness of the country's natural habitats, wildlife and scenery. The Tourism and Environment Task Force, a body established by the Secretary of State, is supporting local partnerships across Scotland to look at issues of sustainable tourism development and to raise project funding. There are therefore potential partnership links with organisations such as the Tourist Board which promote the locality. In time, biodiversity objectives will become fully integrated into existing policies, practices and planning. The long term strategy is to make the protection and promotion of biodiversity as much a part of normal, everyday working good practice as are health and safety.