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 call for BCF applications - Francesca and Roseanna, ©SNH

There are still opportunities to bid for the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, but time is running out!

News - 23 January

New Forest burnet (male & female), ©Ilia Ustyantsev, Butterfly Conservation

Ardnamurchan’s endemic moth survives at just one small coastal site, where it is a protected species.

Blog - 23 January

YCW2020 Coast Lines of Tentsmuir competition is looking for verses inspired by the Fife national nature reserve.

News - 22 January

SGP Protect your lochs from invasive non-native water plants copyright GBNNS (GB non-native species secretariat)

Do you have a loch or freshwater infested with non-native aquatic plants but don't know how to tackle it?

SGP Event - 27 February

Group of children holding hands laying on the ground in a circle

A group of home schooled children took part in a groundbreaking project to help safeguard the future of Golden Eagles in the UK.

News - 21 January

Greylag geese at Loch Leven 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

Join SNH and WWT staff to see the dusk flight of the pink-footed and barnacle geese.

Event - 28 February

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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

Last call for BCF applicants

Unique day-flying moth?

Call for poetry inspired by Tentsmuir

Invasive non-native water plants

New initiative for golden eagles

Wild goose walk

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View all events