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Scotland's Biodiversity

Find out how Scotland’s abundant species and complex mosaic of habitats shape its distinctive and internationally important biodiversity

In this section

What is Biodiversity?

Biological diversity – or biodiversity – is simply the variety of life. Biodiversity supports our lives and is vital for our survival. It is therefore essential for our health and well-being that we protect our biodiversity and the services that it provides.
Benefits of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life. It includes all living things all around us: the soaring eagle, the leaping salmon, the towering Scots pine, the burring earthworm , and the
Biodiversity - what can you do?

Find out what you can do to help enhance and protect biodiversity. Whether you’re a land manager, business owner, teacher or concerned citizen, you can do your bit.
Key pressures on biodiversity

Find out what pressures biodiversity currently faces and learn more about why biodiversity is important for us all.
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy

Find out more about the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy – an ambitious strategy to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity, including our aims, approach and priorities for action.
Species on the Edge

Species on the Edge is a partnership of eight of Scotland’s lead nature conservation organisations dedicated to conserving and protecting our native wildlife.
Make Space For Nature
Helping Scotland's Pollinators

Find out more about Scotland's Pollinator Strategy, projects, resources and how to get involved.
Biodiversity - where to find data

Discover where you can find biodiversity information and why it is valuable to survey and record biodiversity data, from identifying protected species to informing planning applications.

News & Blogs

An online hub has been set up to share news, information and a space for conversation.

Kerry Wallace highlights some examples of how derelict land is being reused and explores the benefits, for both nature and people.

Blog - 04 October

People in Orkney and north-east Scotland are being asked to look out for greylag geese with special GPS collars.

News - 5 September

Roddy Maclean reports on research using place-names to highlight past locations of trees and woodland.

Blog - 30 September

Mapping stories and restoration potential of Scotland’s forgotten woodland sites.

News - 30 August

Tha Ruairidh MacIlleathain ag aithris air pròiseact a tha a’ taisbeanadh ainmean-àite co-cheangailte ri craobhan is coilltean.

Blog - 30 September