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

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

This December, Loch Awe tourism businesses can share ideas on new ways to promote the local area.

News - 14 November

Celebrate the magical winter light by building our lanterns and to go out for a little procession and light up the reserve at St Cyrus NNR.

Event - 21 November

Forvie NNR - SNH staff volunteer day - picking up rubbish on Forvie beach clean. ©SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Forvie NNR staff is challenging local people to be creative in beach cleans by re-using some of the many recovered items.

News - 12 November

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

Join us for some beach combing, learn about marine food webs, and be a seaside superhero by spreading the message to protect the sea!

Event - 24 November

A beautiful but elusive flower has been planted in a river gorge in Aberdeenshire.

News - 11 November

Least Willow (Salix herbacea) growing near the summit of An Caber, Ben Wyvis NNR. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Get into the festive spirit by making wreaths out of willow and other natural materials at St Cyrus NNR.

Event - 05 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

Your say on Awe's tourism future

Lantern Walk

Forvie beach clean challenge

Seaside superheroes

Fresh hope for rare plant

Wreath making

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