Enjoying the outdoors Scotland’s great outdoors is yours to explore. Find ways to enjoy our incredible landscapes and wildlife and get closer to nature.
Professional advice Decisions made by professionals may affect Scotland’s nature and landscapes. Our advice and guidance can help to steer any actions positively.
Plants, animals and fungi Scotland’s diverse habitats are alive with the colour, movement and sound of thousands of species. Learn about our conservation priorities.
Landforms and geology Our rocks, landforms and soils form the basis of Scotland’s superb scenery and the habitats in which so many species thrive.
Landscapes and habitats Some of Scotland’s landscapes and habitats are world-class. Our peat bogs and oakwoods are among Europe’s best, and machair is found only here and in Ireland.
Climate change Our climate is already changing. We must all take action to mitigate and help nature adapt to climate change impacts that are now unavoidable.
Information library, publications, data and research Explore our information library, download publications about Scotland’s nature and find out about our research projects.
Protected areas Scotland’s most special places carry international, national and local designations that safeguard their natural heritage interests for the future.
Scotland's National Nature Reserves Be inspired by the magic and beauty of Scotland's NNRs. These reserves protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes and each one is waiting to be discovered by you.
Scotland's biodiversity Discover how Scotland’s distinctive biodiversity – from its abundant species to its rich and varied landscape – is important both nationally and internationally.
Marine litter impact Litter in our oceans can have a devastating impact on wildlife at sea. Most of us have seen upsetting images of turtles, whales, dolphins or seabirds entangled with plastics or discarded fishing gear. Perhaps less well known is the tragic effect that marine litter can have on land mammals when it washes up on our beaches. 23 May, 2018
Volunteer in the outdoors Nature conservation work in Scotland relies on volunteers. Give a little time and gain a whole lot in return – skills, friends, satisfaction and a great workout. 12 Apr, 2017
Scottish Rural Development Programme Land managers can apply for a wide range of management measures through various SRDP schemes. The AECS application window closed on 13th April, except for IPA cases and cases involving five or more collaborators, for which the deadline is 31May. 12 Apr, 2017
Work for SNH We're recruiting! Our dedicated and committed team is our greatest asset. Find out more about working for us. 12 Apr, 2017
World class nature reserve boost for Wester Ross economy The ground breaking Wester Ross Biosphere will bring a range of cultural and economic benefits for the region, said Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) chair, Mike Cantlay. News update - 23/05/18
Scotland's Biodiversity Progress to 2020 Aichi Targets - Interim Report 2017 On International Biodiversity Day, Scotland is leading the way in progress towards meeting international nature targets. News update - 22/05/18
Warning: High risk of deer on the roads in May and June Warning to motorists in Scotland to slow down and be on the lookout for deer on the road, especially in May and June. News update - 17/05/18
Trusadh ainmean nam maorach/Gathering names for shellfish Tha co-chomhairle phoblach air liosta de dh’ainmean Gàidhlig air maoraich a ghabhas lorg timcheall costa na h-Alba air tòiseachadh an-diugh (8 Cèitean) le Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba (SNH). A public consultation on recommended Gaelic names for the most common shellfish in Scotland's seas has been launched today (8 May) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). News update - 08/05/18
SNH response to RSPB on the Strathbraan licence Mike Cantlay, Chair of SNH, responds to the RSPB’s letter on the issuing of the Strathbraan licence. News update - 03/05/2018
Nature of Scotland Awards 2018 Enter the Nature of Scotland Awards! Deadline for entries is 11 June. News update - 30/04/2018
SNH Statement on Strathbraan Licence Across Scotland, our curlews, lapwings, and oyster catchers bring delight to many of us with their distinctive flight and calls. While they bring our hills and islands alive in spring, their numbers are in serious decline. News update - 26/04/18
Loch Carron possible MPA Consultation 20 March - 13 June 2018 Find out more about Loch Carron's marine life and be part of the public consultation. Consultation