A nature-rich future for Scotland

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

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Avian influenza (bird flu)

Isle of May NNR

Isle of May to open to the public

Spring tips

Make Space for Nature

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

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

NatureScot deal with almost all species licensing in Scotland, including non-native species licensing. We can also license out-of-season muirburn for certain purposes.

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

Natural capital is a term for the habitats and ecosystems that provide social, environmental and economic benefits to humans.

We’re working hard to help people and nature mitigate, and adapt to climate change.

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

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

NNRs and Nature reserves. Visit and be inspired by the amazing landscapes and wildlife of our reserves across Scotland.

Find out how nature can help create better and more resilient places.

Featured items

Don't allow your dog to approach animals or people uninvited. Always keep your dog in sight and under control. If in doubt use a lead...

Be a responsible dog walker

Even a well-trained dog can scare other animals and people.

Keeping your dog in sight and under control is the best way to avoid upsetting others or injuring livestock. If in doubt, use a lead.

Get tips on responsible dog walking and find out more about the Scottish Outdoor Access code.

Donya standing looking at camera with hills, clouds and water in background

Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda

In this podcast episode Tim and Kirstin chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager.

Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday.

A nature-rich future for Scotland

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Isle of May to open to the public

Make Space for Nature

Explore the sections

Professional advice

Scotland's Biodiversity

Licensing

Climate change

Natural Capital

Nature-based solutions

Information hub

Enjoying the outdoors

NNRs and Nature Reserves - Visit our nature reserves

Placemaking and Green Infrastructure

Featured items

Be a responsible dog walker

Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda

News & Blogs

Isle of May to open to the public

‘Beatha na Nathrach-nimhe’ tro shùilean Gàidhealach ‘Rìgh nan Nathraichean’

Need for more connection to nature in education

‘The Life Story of the Adder’ through the Hebridean eyes of the ‘Adder King’

Preparations for seabird return

Saving Scotland's species-rich grasslands

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View all blogs