Scottish Natural Heritage is an independent government agency, which aims to safeguard and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, particularly its natural, genetic and scenic diversity. To achieve this, it strives to foster awareness and understanding of the natural heritage; to promote public enjoyment of the natural heritage;  to engage public support and harness voluntary effort for the benefit of the environment and to encourage environmental sustainability in all forms of economic activity.
The recognition of the National and International importance of the Tweed and its surrounding landscapes gives Scottish Natural Heritage a role in not only encouraging the responsible enjoyment of recreation, environmental education and access on and around the river but also to safeguard the special biological interest of the river and surrounding scenery.