Scotland's Earth Heritage and Landscape
Geology and Geomorphology
The natural heritage of Scotland owes much to the rocks, fossils and landforms which make up its geological and geomorphological foundations. This ‘Earth heritage’ , in conjunction with other factors such as climate, exerts a powerful influence on natural systems, land use, biodiversity, industry and infrastructure, and has profoundly influenced the social, economic and cultural development of Scotland.
Conservation of our Earth heritage (or ‘geoconservation’), therefore, is an important and intrinsic part of conserving Scotland’s varied character and natural heritage.
Scotland contains an unrivalled Earth heritage diversity (or ‘geodiversity’), with rocks from almost all periods of geological time represented in its relatively small area. Scotland also has many superb glacial landscapes, active rivers and coasts.
To find out more about the geological heritage of Scotland visit www.scottishgeology.com. To find out more about the pressures upon it and the steps being taken to protect it and promote its wider understanding, you can visit our page on ‘Scotland’s rocks, fossils, landforms and soils’
Places to visit: