Early morning autumnal light on arable fields Strathmore, Perthshire. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Connecting People and Nature in Scotland

These are part of what makes Scotland special and are among the country's greatest assets.

About SNH

Key sections

Scotland’s great outdoors is yours to explore. Find ways to enjoy our incredible landscapes and wildlife and get closer to nature.

Decisions made by professionals may affect Scotland’s nature and landscapes. Our advice and guidance can help to steer any actions positively.

Scotland’s diverse habitats are alive with the colour, movement and sound of thousands of species. Learn about our conservation priorities.

Our rocks, landforms and soils form the basis of Scotland’s superb scenery and the habitats in which so many species thrive.

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.

Our climate is already changing. We must all take action to mitigate and help nature adapt to climate change impacts that are now unavoidable.

Explore our information library, download publications about Scotland’s nature and find out about our research projects.

Scotland’s most special places carry international, national and local designations that safeguard their natural heritage interests for the future.

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.

Discover how Scotland’s distinctive biodiversity – from its abundant species to its rich and varied landscape – is important both nationally and internationally.

The Atlantic Salmon Run

Duration

01:39

Each year Atlantic salmon make incredible journeys back from the ocean, swimming upstream and leaping up waterfalls to return to their breeding grounds.

Surely this makes the Atlantic salmon the 'King of Fish'.

Watch our short video to see this mighty fish propel itself, like a dart, up and over the fast flowing waters of some of our finest rivers in Scotland.