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.
Isle of May NNR to re-open Isle of May is re-opening to public landings from Monday, as the majority of seabirds have left the island. News - 5 August
Big wins for Coigach and Assynt Read about the significant changes this community partnership have brought to this remote area. Blog - 2 August
Heading for the hills? Walkers are urged to check online for deer stalking before Heading for the Scottish hills. News - 2 August
The Willows of Loch Leven Reserve Officer Ian tells us about the importance of the willow at Loch Leven NNR. Blog - 29 July
Fairy Mountains of the Gàidhealtachd Read our latest blog with Roddy Maclean, highlighting the connection between the Gaelic language and Scotland's environment. Blog - 07 July