ABSTRACT
Some of the first biosphere reserves (BRs) in the world were designated in the UK in 1974–77. For the next two decades, these conservation sites were barely recognized either locally or nationally. Following the establishment of the periodic review process in 1995, a first national-level review of the UK’s 13 BRs showed that none met most of the criteria in the Statutory Framework. This had two outcomes. First, four BRs in Scotland were withdrawn. Second, two others were expanded. Following a second national review in 2009, a further four BRs were withdrawn and two others were expanded. In addition, two new BRs were designated in 2014 and 2016. This chapter reviews this unique process of the evolution of a national network of BRs.
