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.
Investing in nature Scottish Government announce over £3 million new funding distributed across Scotland to help their conservation work. News - 22 September
Seawilding The UK's first community-led native oyster and seagrass restoration project. Nature Heroes - 21 September
Deer stalking information update NatureScot encourages hill-goers to check the Heading for the Scottish Hills service to avoid disturbing essential deer management. News - 20 September
An ally in the climate and nature crises Read all about blue carbon and why it is so important in the fight against climate change. Blog - 25 September
Fiosrachadh às ùr air stalcaireachd fèidh NàdarAlba a’ moladh do dhaoine a tha am beachd tadhal air beanntan na h-Alba sùil a thoirt air seirbheis A’ dèanamh air Beanntan na h-Alba. News - 20 Sultain
The Elusive Yews of Northern Scotland What do Gaelic place names and heritage tell us about the yew tree? Blog - 22 September