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Landscapes and habitats

Scotland’s rich and varied landscapes and habitats have been shaped by underlying rocks, soils and landforms, our seas and the Scottish weather.

In this section

Discover how our species, habitats and land management combine with an astounding complexity of geology, landforms and soils.

Scotland has a wide array of habitats – from hedgerows and field margins to coastal cliffs – and each supports a particular range of plants and animals.

The Habitat Map of Scotland will publish all available habitat data for Scotland and manage a programme to survey those areas for which we need new information.

News and events

The search is on for 10 major new projects that showcase the outstanding local scenery, wildlife and culture of the Highlands & Islands.

News update - 17/09/18

A Scottish conservation project has recorded activity never seen before in a rare bird of prey, the hen harrier....

News update - 14/09/18

This afternoon, the Scottish Government released its 2018 Programme for Government, identifying its priorities for the coming year. Scottish Natural Heritage was pleased to see the focus on maintaining and improving Scotland’s natural resources for future generations, and the recognition that a clean environment has a positive effect on physical and mental wellbeing.

News update - 04/09/18

Specialists have warned that those operating drones could be causing stress to wildlife. Drones have become increasingly popular for taking aerial photographs and for conservation work, such as scientific surveys.......

News update - 31/08/2018

The Spey Fisheries Board and Scottish Invasive Species Initiative have located hidden patches of the invasive non-native Giant hogweed and Japanese Knotweed plants, thanks to a high-tech drone flying over the River Spey.

News update - 27/08/2018

Scientists seeking to discover whether Scotland's seas are a mating ground for basking sharks have gathered new footage showing the sharks being sociable, including a first look at groups forming on the seabed.

News release - 15/08/2018

Landscapes and habitats

In this section

About Scotland's landscapes

Habitat types

Habitat Map of Scotland

About ecosystems

News and events

£5m funding boost for Highlands & Islands tourism

Conservation project records new hen harrier behaviour

Scottish Natural Heritage responds to 2018 Programme for Government

DRONES AND WILDLIFE: Operators warned against misuse

Eye in the sky reveals hidden alien invaders

Discover why basking sharks come to Scotland

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