Rivers, lochs and wetlands

With its high rainfall and rugged, glaciated landscape, Scotland is rich in freshwater and wetland habitats. Clean water is an essential resource for people but is also vital to our wild plants and animals; and our wetland vegetation helps to maintain that water quality.

From tiny mountain burns to the mighty Tay; from small ponds to the deep and mysterious Loch Ness; from isolated lowland bogs to the vast Insh Marshes, Scotland's wet places support many important habitats and species.

Fen Management Handbook

Fen Management Handbook

Freshwater lochs

Standing waters range from bog pools to huge water bodies such as Loch Ness.

Lowland wetlands

Wetlands include fens, marshes, swamps, reedbeds, flushes and springs, as well as domed raised bogs.

Ponds

Ponds may be small but support a wealth of wildlife

Rivers, streams and headwaters

Running waters include headwaters and mountain burns as well as larger rivers.

Related Links

Upland bogs

Find out more about about upland peat bogs in our mountains, heaths and moors section.