A small red squirrel perched on a mossy tree branch, holding and nibbling on a white nut. Facing left against a soft, blurred background of green foliage.

Make Space for Nature

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About us

A group of coastal nesting gannets with white plumage, dark wingtips and distinctive yellowish-buff colour on their heads and necks. The birds are densely packed together on a dark, rocky ground.

NatureScot

Guga hunt statement

A scuba diver in full equipment, silloutted against green tinted water, with rocky formations visible in the background.

The Plan

Our plan: nature thrives, people flourish

National Nature Reserve

Isle of May celebrates 70th Anniversary

Explore the sections

Puffins on the Isle of May NNR, sitting on rocks.

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

Accessible boardwalk and viewing area overlooking the estuary with the beach and dunes in the background.

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

Native birch woodland natural regeneration, Choill a Choire, Creag Meagaidh 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

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.

A digger operator reprofiling peat hags. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library

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.

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

Fishing boats at Helmsdale ©George Logan/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

River winding through an area of field and woodland

Do you know we offer funding for projects that supports the natural heritage across Scotland? Discover more ...

Tourists on a Sea Kayak taster day at Plockton

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

Meadow of flowers in foreground with residential houses behind.

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

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

Featured items

A coastal landscape. On the left side a dune rises covered with dense, tangled shrubs and dry, brown branches. Small bright yellow flowers are scattered throughout the vegetation. The landscape stretches towards a dark line of trees or low hills in the distance. The right side features a wide sky filled with soft, streaky white clouds against a blue backdrop above a sandy beach.

Secrets in the Sand: Findhorn Dunes Rewilded

In this episode of the podcast we head to the Moray coast to explore the Findhorn Hinterland, where a small, determined local charity is restoring dunes, grassland and woodland while keeping the whole community involved.

Listen to our other Podcasts and find out how you can Make Space for Nature.

A group of 12 people and one black dog stand in a horizontal line across a grassy hillside under a slightly overcast sky. The individuals are dressed in winter or outdoor clothing. A low stone wall runs parallel behind them, separating the grassy field from rolling hills and fields in the background.

Nature Skills Academy

Our Nature Academy is a one-stop shop for you to find out about the full range of learning events that NatureScot supports. Also details of all our planned/future upskilling events, as well as some past events where it is still possible to access recordings or other resources.

Find out more on Nature-based jobs and skills.