Environment Minister Ross Finnie checks out Scotland's wildlife

The Nature Conservation Bill aims to look after sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) as well as giving all plants and creatures extra protection from activities like building development.

SSSIs already cover more than 12% of Scotland's landscape and are designed to plants, animals, insects and even land formations.

The new law will stop landowners from being paid compensation for not carrying out developments on SSSIs, but will ensure that people who farm such areas are rewarded for maintaining it.

The measures were announced by Environment Minister Ross Finnie at a farm in Kinross.

The bill also puts forward measures to clamp down on wildlife crime such as bird egg theft and animal snaring.

Cautious welcome

It has gone through consultation with bodies including Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB Scotland and WWF Scotland.

Mr Finnie said: "The Nature Conservation Bill is the product of extensive dialogue with environmental and land-owning and management interests.

"Too often in the past environmental protection has involved conflict and prohibition. The bill we are publishing today has its roots in co-operation and positive care for our special places.

The legislation aims to improve nature protection

"It is important that everyone plays their part in protecting the richness and diversity of the environment in which we live."

Green MSP Mark Ruskell gave the bill a cautious welcome.

He said: "Through this bill there could be significant opportunities to transfer subsidies away from agricultural over-production and towards enhancing Scotland's natural resources.

"But the funds need to be made available to do this. Without this funding it may just be business as usual."

Lloyd Austin, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said the bill was a major step forward.

"We see this as one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation in some time," he said.