Scottish Natural Heritage

Plants, animals, rocks, landforms, soils and the landscapes they create, make up the natural heritage of Scotland. From the parks and open spaces in our towns, to the remote and wild areas of the Highlands and Islands, and to the seas around our shores, nature and landscape contribute greatly to our well-being and quality of life.

The role of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is to look after our nature and landscapes, help people to enjoy and value this important resource, and encourage people to use it sustainably. Our priorities are - caring for nature; responding to climate change; delivering health and well-being; supporting the Scottish economy and delivering a high quality public service.

Why are Scotland's nature and landscapes important? They are unique and make a significant contribution to Scotland's character. Natural places have great intrinsic value and greatly enrich our lives. They are a foundation for economic and social activity and provide great opportunities for leisure and learning. To continue playing this role, they need to be looked after, improved and used sustainably.

The Scottish Natural Heritage topic sheet   provides further information about SNH, links to the curriculum and web-links to help you find out more.