Please note: Our email addresses have all changed from @snh.gov.uk to @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

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

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

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

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 events

As a Europe-wide ban on the sale of giant-rhubarb comes into force, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is asking the public to report sightings of this invasive non-native species and help it keep Scotland free of the plant.

News update - 01/08/2018

As the weather warms up, the deer stalking season begins. Walkers can make sure they won’t disturb stalking by checking the Heading for the Scottish Hills website, a service managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to provide details on deer stalking on estates between July and late October.

News update - 01/08/18

A report into Strathbraan Community work to support wader populations has been published today by Scottish Natural Heritage’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

News update - 30/07/2018

TV presenter Chris Packham visits Flanders Moss NNR. His goal is to investigate the extent to which the nation's wildlife species are under threat and to meet and raise money for the local projects working on conservation of wildlife habitats.

News update - 19/07/2018

It might sound odd, but volunteers are being asked to come along and remove flowers to improve Inverbervie's countryside.

News update - 16/07/2018

Scotland’s new Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon MSP, announced more than £600,000 of funding for Outdoor Learning.

News release - 12/07/2018

Terns, waders, divers and ducks are 'flocking back' to their native Outer Hebrides, following the success of a complex and challenging 17-year programme to eradicate the American mink and its devastating effect on native wildlife.

News release - 10/07/2018

After declines since the 1980s, the number of Scotland's breeding seabirds appears to have increased slightly.

News update - 05/07/2018

Back to top

Landforms and geology

In this section

Scotland's rocks, landforms and soils

Importance of geodiversity

Pressures on geodiversity

Protecting our geodiversity

News and events

Public can help prevent spread of invasive aliens as ban comes into force

Heading for the Scottish Hills this summer? Check for deer stalking first!

Update on Strathbraan licence to cull ravens

Nature reserves are not enough!

Removing flowers to keep Inverbervie beautiful!

New Environment Minister announces £600,000 for Outdoor Learning

Birds flock back to 'mink free' Hebrides

Slight increase in breeding seabird numbers in Scotland after decades-long decline