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.
Birds increase in urban areas New research reveals an increase in the number of birds in Scotland’s towns and cities. News - 07 December
Ellon high water This week Daryl tells us about the ups and downs of life at Forvie NNR, after the recent wild weather. Blog - 27 November
Moray avian flu cases increase NatureScot asking members of the public and goose shooters to avoid Findhorn Bay in Moray after recent reports. News - 29 November
Winter is in the air at Loch Leven NNR Simon tells us about the winter wildlife that has been spotted on the reserve and what the staff has been busy working on. Blog - 25 November
Four Nation Call for Nature Ahead of COP15, four nations nature agencies call on governments to keep biodiversity loss and climate change at the top of the agenda. News - 23 November
Nature’s Bounty in a Brùchd Roddy Maclean tells us how piles of seaweed thrown up by winter storms can add new elements to the forager’s basket. Blog - 23 November
