Bluebells, Endymion non-scriptus. Kinloch Woods, Isle of Rum NNR. ©Laurie Campbell/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

Image of a virus cell. copyright Fusion Medical Animation at unsplash.com

Coronavirus update - Phase 3

Mobility scooter and dog walkers, multi-user access at Mugdock Country Park near Glasgow. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Exercising Rights of Access Responsibly

Stay safe

View from the tower at Flanders Moss NNR. ©Dougie Barnett/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

National Nature Reserves

Plan ahead –maintain physical distancing

Explore the sections

Soprano Pipistrelle Bat. ©Laurie Campbell. NON SNH COPYRIGHT, FOR SNH USE ONLY ON THE WEBSITE. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

Woman picking flowers in community garden. ©beckyduncanphotographyltd/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Discover the various funding streams that support natural heritage projects across Scotland. Options include our own funding.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) feeding from a peanut feeder

Explore our information library, Scotland’s nature publications, current research projects, interesting blogs and fascinating podcasts.

Self heal and a six spot burnet moth on the Vatersay machair

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

Birds foot trefoil and daisies growing on the Benbecula machair, Western Isles. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

Evening light on the sand dunes at Sands of Forvie NNR, Aberdeenshire. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or nature.scot

Be inspired by the magic and beauty of National Nature Reserves (NNRs). These reserves protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes and each one is waiting to be discovered by you.

2 children playing chase and tig in the long grass

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

Autumn reflections at Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

Creag Meagaidh landscape view © P&A Macdonald/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

SNH is working with the Scottish Government to ensure that Scotland’s Nature will have the same protections it had before EU Exit.

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

andslides at the Table, Quirang,Trotternish ridge,Isle of Skye. ©Lorne Gill/SNH

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.

Smoo cave a limestone cave near Durness, North Highland Area ©Lorne Gill. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

Featured items

SOAC - Responsible access during Covid-19 - plain 0

Enjoy exploring your local area

For the moment please continue to keep to day trips which avoid camping or other overnight stays. Remember that facilities like cafes and toilets may still be closed. Please take away all your litter #staylocal.

Find out more about access to the outdoors.

#MakeSpaceforNature

It's a busy time of year for pondlife too. Building a small pond in your garden can really bring it to life - and with plenty of guidance on the internet, it's easier than you might think. As well as frogs and toads a pond can attract newts, dragonflies and much more.