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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

Scotland's rocks, landforms and soils

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

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

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

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

Find out more

Uncover secrets, discover varied landscapes and travel through historic geology with our Landscape fashioned by geology publication series

News

More than £5.8 million in recovery funding to be spent improving Scotland's popular visitor destinations.

NatureScot has today launched a new guide to the place-names of Inverness and the surrounding area.

A NatureScot project on Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve (NNR) is seeing promising results.

Our NatureScot student placement scheme provides great opportunities for recent graduates to get invaluable work experience.

Visitors to the Muir of Dinnet NNR are being asked to stay off Loch Kinord at this sensitive time of year for nesting birds.

Grow 73, a charity based in Rutherglen, works to encourage local growing, increase biodiversity, and improve the local environment.