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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

Connecting the country’s 13 place-based UNESCO designations to form a dedicated digital trail.

News - 15 October

7000 years a bog, 40 years an NNR. Over this week 5 blog posts will look at the changes of this special place.

Blog - 11 October

A virtual meeting of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) gets underway today, ahead of the conference in Kunming, China.

News - 11 October

An island home to thousands of grey seals, one of the most significant Grey seal nurseries in the British Isles.

Blog - 6 October

NatureScot has extended the restriction of the use of general licences on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire until 2023.

News - 29 September

Valerian is a plant long utilised by herbalists in the Gàidhealtachd and beyond.

Blog - 05 October