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

Landforms and geology

Discover what Scotland’s geodiversity reveals and why it’s such a valuable resource. Pressures put our geodiversity at risk – find out how to protect it.

In this section

Folded strata at Ardwell Bay, near Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway Area ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Colliding continents, ancient volcanoes, powerful glaciers and changing climates shaped our world-famous landscapes. Scotland’s geodiversity reveals how.

Gravel beds on the River Spey near Spey Bay, East Highland Area ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Looking after our geodiversity is vital to conserving Scotland's landscapes and nature and will protect many economic, social and environmental benefits.

Banded Gneiss on a beach on the Isle of Coll Lorne Gill/SNHFor information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Scotland's geodiversity is irreplaceable and vulnerable to certain activities and changes in land use. Unearth the issues at stake.

Geologists carrying our geological research at Achanarras Quarry SSSI ©Iain Sarjeant/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Some of Scotland's geodiversity is safeguarded in protected areas, and we also promote ways to conserve, enhance and manage geodiversity beyond designated sites.

News and stories

Last night the winners of the Nature of Scotland Awards 2019 were announced by Gordon Buchanan.

News - 05 December

2019 EUROPARC conference, ©Paul Barclay, TCV

A visit to Latvia to talk about a project which helps people with poor mental health out into the green spaces of Cumbernauld.

Blog - 09 December

Wildflowers. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Additional funding is now available to improve habitats as the Biodiversity Challenge Fund opens its latest round.

News - 04 December

Snapberry project at Taynish National Nature Reserve, Argyll. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Celebrating NNRs at the Scottish Parliament with pupils from the Snapberry photography project.

Blog - 06 December

View over Scots pines and Loch Maree from the mountain trail, Beinn Eighe NNR, West Highland Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

The report measures the value of the natural capital of land owned and managed by SNH.

News - 04 December

A beautiful wader, in its last vestige of purple summer plumage, on the rocky shores of Forvie NNR.

Blog - 06 December

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Landforms and geology

In this section

Scotland's rocks, landforms and soils

Importance of geodiversity

Pressures on geodiversity

Protecting our geodiversity

News and stories

Champions of Scottish Nature

Taking Wild Ways Well project to a European audience

Nature fund open for new applications

Celebrating Scotland's NNRs

Reserves generate £28m in benefits

Forvie's Purple sandpipers

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