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A blackbird drinking from a pool of water, perched on a lichen-covered branch.

Make Space for Nature

summer tips

View of Loch Kinord

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A group of coastal nesting gannets with white plumage, dark wingtips and distinctive yellowish-buff colour on their heads and necks. The birds are densely packed together on a dark, rocky ground.

NatureScot

Latest guga hunt statement

A scuba diver in full equipment, silloutted against green tinted water, with rocky formations visible in the background.

The Plan

Our plan: nature thrives, people flourish

Forvie NNR - SNH staff volunteer day - picking up rubbish on Forvie beach clean. ©SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Whats on this summer

Events

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Puffins on the Isle of May NNR, sitting on rocks.

Our climate is already changing. We must all take action to mitigate and help nature adapt to climate change impacts that are now unavoidable.

Accessible boardwalk and viewing area overlooking the estuary with the beach and dunes in the background.

NNRs and Nature reserves. Visit and be inspired by the amazing landscapes and wildlife of our reserves across Scotland.

Native birch woodland natural regeneration, Choill a Choire, Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

NatureScot deal with almost all species licensing in Scotland, including non-native species licensing. We can also license out-of-season muirburn for certain purposes.

A digger operator reprofiling peat hags. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library

Decisions made by professionals may affect Scotland’s nature and landscapes. Our advice and guidance can help to steer any actions positively.

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Discover how Scotland’s distinctive biodiversity – from its abundant species to its rich and varied landscape – is important both nationally and internationally.

Seagrass bed, (C) NatureScot/Ben James

We’re working hard to help people and nature mitigate, and adapt to climate change.

Fishing boats at Helmsdale ©George Logan/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Natural capital is a term for the habitats and ecosystems that provide social, environmental and economic benefits to humans.

River winding through an area of field and woodland

Do you know we offer funding for projects that supports the natural heritage across Scotland? Discover more ...

Tourists on a Sea Kayak taster day at Plockton

Scotland’s great outdoors is yours to explore. Find ways to enjoy our incredible landscapes and wildlife and get closer to nature.

Meadow of flowers in foreground with residential houses behind.

Find out how nature can help create better and more resilient places.

Explore our information library, Scotland’s nature publications, current research projects, interesting blogs and fascinating podcasts.

Featured items

willow saplings on mountain side

The Will in the Willows: Restoring Ben Lui's Rare Mountain Plants

In this episode of the podcast we head to the high slopes of Ben Lui in the Southern Highlands. We join volunteers and NatureScot staff for a day of tree planting on one of Scotland's nature reserves.

Listen to our other Podcasts and find out how you can Make Space for Nature.

News - Help prevent wildfires on our nature reserves

Stop wildfires starting

When the risk of wildfires is high, don’t have campfires – the damage can devastate wildlife and local communities. When you leave, take everything with you.

Get tips on responsible camping and find out more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

News and Blogs

Herring Gull flying over water

According to new statistics from NatureScot, Scotland's seabirds are struggling to survive with many in long-term decline.

Tiree Ranger, Hayley Douglas, smiling at the camera standing next to the Tiree Ranger van.

What better way to celebrate World Ranger Day than to go on an adventure with Tiree Ranger, Hayley Douglas…

Collie dog jumping over a farm gate beside a flock of sheep in a pen.

Projects to expand woodland, restore peatlands, and protect threatened species across Scotland have been awarded £880,000.

Moth with white front wings with brown blobs, and orange lower wings with blue blobs, and a red and brown head.

Discover the amazing diversity of moths and their roles in nature, culture and folklore at Forvie NNR, Aberdeenshire.

NatureScot has issued general licence restrictions to two estates in Angus and Perthshire.

Self heal and a six spot burnet moth on the Vatersay machair

Join Butterfly conservation’s David Hill for a morning of moth identification at Taynish Woods.

Event 15 August