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

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

Scottish Natural Heritage has published new guidance for the planning and construction industry.

News - 23 October

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

Student placement, Marijke Leith talks about the many features that make this reserve such a special place to visit at this time of year.

Blog - 18 October

Loch Leven NNR pink footed geese ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Photographers have captured stunning images of wild geese and waders flocking to Scotland as they put on spectacular autumnal show

News - 18 October

Family group exploring the seashore near Kildonan on the Isle of Arran. ©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 protecting the sea! Suggested age is 9+ years.

Event - 27 October

The ReRoute panel with SNH staff ©Young Scot

SNH Future Routes Fund is aimed at those aged 11-26 and supports young people to make a positive impact on the environment.

News - 17 October

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

Landforms and geology

In this section

Scotland's rocks, landforms and soils

Importance of geodiversity

Pressures on geodiversity

Protecting our geodiversity

News and stories

Developers urged to help pollinators

Autumn delights at Tentsmuir NNR

A spectacular autumnal show

Seaside Superheroes

£20,000 for youth nature projects

Lantern Walk

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