Close-up of brown oak leaves on the ground.

Programme for Government: Public Sector Reform

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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

Hedgehog sitting amongst yellow, red and orange autumn leaves

Autumn Tips

Make Space for Nature

Upland woodland with fallen logs covered in mosses and lichens. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot/2020VISION

Consultation

Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric

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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.

News release - Crowd-funding appeal to help replace bird hide destroyed by fire

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.

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

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.

©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

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

Featured items

Share your views on proposed marine management measures

Scottish Government has launched a consultation looking at how we can improve protection for our marine wildlife. This is a great chance to share your views, helping make sure that the proposed measures work for people in Scotland today and for future generations.

Find out more about the consultation and the proposals.

SOAC - Deer stalking please use alternative route.

Heading for the Scottish hills

The busiest period for red deer stag stalking is during the first three weeks of October, and walkers and hikers should plan ahead to avoid disturbing essential deer management.

The Heading for the Scottish Hills service helps you check where and when stalking is happening before you set off.