Algae Algae support life forms both large and small. These primitive plants are immensely productive and serve as a vital food source and form essential habitats, such as coastal kelp beds.
Amphibians and reptiles Scotland's cool climate is a challenge for cold-blooded herptiles. Find out how our six amphibian species and three common species of reptile cope.
Birds Scotland is a feeding station, a winter haven and a nesting site for birds. More than 140 sites are so important for birds they hold international designations.
Ferns Ferns aren’t only the large-fronded type used by florists and seen most commonly in damp woodlands and by streams.
Fish Scotland’s native freshwater fish species are small in number but highly diverse. Our much wider variety of sea fish includes the world’s second largest fish.
Flowering plants Plants make almost every square metre of land in Scotland green in summer. Most have flowers that add yet more colour.
Fungi Our woodlands, grasslands, mountains and coasts provide special habitats for more than 12,000 species of fungi.
Invertebrates Between land and freshwater alone, Scotland may be home to some 50,000 species of invertebrate.
Lichens Some of Scotlands staggering variety of more than 1,500 lichens are important on a European or even global scale.
Mammals Scotland still has a wealth of mammals, although the largest all live at sea and most of those on land have learned to come out only at night.
Mosses and liverworts Scotland has almost 1,000 moss and liverwort species. They play a hugely important role in the health of our environment and how it functions.
NatureScot Board vacancy NatureScot is recruiting Board Members. Find out more information on how to apply. News - 12 May
Taynish Art Trail Open Evening A free evening event on 19th May to celebrate the 2022 Taynish Art Trail, with story-telling from guest speaker Iain Campbell Waugh. Event
Green finance initiative launched A ground-breaking initiative is being launched today to transform the health of Scotland’s coasts and seas. News - 11 May
Enhanced Shepherding Lambing season on Scotland’s hills can be a challenging time for farmers and crofters. Guest blogger Freya King explains more about this complex issue. Blog - 12 May
A new hide at Loch Leven NNR The new Phoenix Hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) has been officially opened by Mike Cantlay, chair of NatureScot. News - 06 May
Discovery Day at Loch Leven NNR Discovery Day returns to Kirkgate Park at Loch Leven NNR on 29th May. Event - 12 May