Explore the Biosphere

Sustainable Tourism – What we’re trying to achieve

Our goal is to help visitors find an exceptional, memorable, and sustainable experience whether their time in southwest Scotland is long or short. We want to ensure that tourism here is nature-friendly and whenever possible, community-led. The UNESCO Biosphere ethos means creating closer connections between people and place, and we’re striving to make this part of the experience for everyone. Take a look at our Visitor Charter which encompasses what we’re trying to achieve.

The GSA Biosphere Partnership is proud to work in collaborative partnerships to promote and protect this amazing region, including with local authorities, VisitScotland, the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, the National Trust for Scotland, and the UK National Commission for UNESCO.

Why choose the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere?

The GSA Biosphere was named in National Geographic’s prestigious annual ‘Cool List’ and among Rough Guides’ ‘Best Travel Destinations’ for 2024 as part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail. It was also one of the first Scottish destinations to appear on the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map.

If you’re planning a trip, scroll down to find the Biosphere Experience for you. Biosphere Communities offer a warm welcome to all, while Biosphere Guides are available for bespoke itineraries. Our Self-Guided Discoveries are packed with ideas of where to go and what to see, and we have an exciting calendar of Sustainable Events throughout the year. Whenever you join us, an array of Biosphere-certified businesses will help you create the perfect stay.

Glentrool Holiday Cottages Your cosy retreat in Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park

<p>Hosts Beth and Dave Currie welcome self-catering guests to two beautiful cottages, Culsharg and Kelpies, in the <a href="https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/explore-the-biosphere/biosphere-communities/glentrool/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biosphere Community of Glentrool</a>. The accommodation has been awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark for sustainability and supports eco-friendly tourism with recycling, energy- and water-saving measures, elimination of single-use plastics, and bike storage/cleaning facilities to benefit low carbon travellers. Beth was one of the creators of the <a href="https://www.glentroolhive.co.uk/glentrool-kindness-path" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glentrool Kindness Path</a> and the Curries provide a wealth of information for those seeking to connect with nature and wellbeing. Glentrool is the only village within the Galloway Forest International Dark Sky Park and the ideal place to explore the night sky as the long nights of winter close in, and don’t forget to check the calendar at community hub the <a href="https://www.glentroolhive.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glentrool Hive</a> to find local events and activities for daylight hours.</p>

Home Cook School Food, glorious food!

Ballantrae Geological marvels on South Ayrshire's coast

<p>The Biosphere Community of Ballantrae has a colourful history of smugglers, mermaids, and even a local cannibal – the cave hideout of the grimly legendary Sawney Bean is shown here in our photo.  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekingsarmsballantrae/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Kings Arms Pub and Community Hub</a> is a Biosphere Proud Supporter hosting events, entertainments, and serving warming meals with a range of local beverages to go alongside. For keen walkers, Ballantrae sits towards the southern end of the 106-mile <a href="https://www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ayrshire Coastal Path</a>, with a choice of clifftop routes heading either towards Glenapp or Lendalfoot. The coast at and around Ballantrae is renowned in geological research for the great age and stunning formations of its rocks, some of which date back almost 500 million years. Read more on our <a href="https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/natureandwildlife/adventures-in-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adventures in Nature</a> page.</p>

Creeside Escape Sleep in a shepherd's hut on a working farm

Biosphere Guides and Activity Providers: local operators who can introduce you to everything special in the UNESCO Biosphere – our landscapes, environments, and the culture and history within. Biosphere-certified Guides and Tours help ensure your environmental impact is as low as it can be.

Self-Guided Discoveries and Low Carbon Days Out: a selection of themed itineraries to help you to explore our UNESCO Biosphere at your own pace, with cycle routes and hire and other sustainable travel options.

Shared Passions: a range of unique experiences put together for you, through collaborations between Biosphere Guides and Certification Mark businesses. Authentic, immersive, and not available anywhere else!

Events: unique events taking place across the whole UNESCO Biosphere region; all those listed have signed up to our Sustainable Events Charter, a commitment to creating positive local impacts for people and nature.

Find your Experience

Businesses are awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark in recognition of their commitment to sustainable practice: minimising their environmental impact and supporting local communities. It is their passion and action for the UNESCO region that makes our Biosphere so special. Find out more about the businesses that have joined this dynamic and innovative enterprise network via the button below.

Meet Our Certified Businesses