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.
Nature fund tackles vulnerable species Plans are underway to take urgent action to save more than 40 of Scotland's most vulnerable coastal and island species. News - 8 July
Marvellous mining bees Mining bees or Andrenidae are the largest genus of bee in the UK with 67 different species. Read Simon's discovery.. Blog - 7 July
Musical celebration goes virtual Scotland’s unique marine environment will be celebrated in a special online event to mark the Year of Coasts and Waters. News - 3 July
Forvie's coastal defences Imposing and dynamic dunes, raised shingle beaches, impressive cliffs, these habitats are essential for our wildlife. Blog - 5 July
In Tune with Nature winners Twelve winners announced in music contest inspired by Scotland's National Nature Reserves. News - 30 June
Seizing opportunities - big and small How a local authority is developing new approaches to biodiversity loss and managing greenspace. Blog - 4 July
