As the weather gets drier, the risk of wildfire in Scotland increases. Fire can ignite easily, spread fast and burn with high intensity. We're all asked not to light a fire outdoors during prolonged dry periods, and to always fully extinguish cigarettes.
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Scotland's national parks and natural heritage sites
Unwind your mind and recharge your body in one of Scotland’s beautiful national parks. Take a walk on the wild side and discover our pristine landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna, and many other special sites and nature reserves.
Alongside Scotland's two National Parks, you'll discover 43 National Nature Reserves, which are nationally and internationally renowned for their wildlife and habitats.
There are five UNESCO sites - two Global Geoparks containing unique prehistoric landscapes and billion-years old geology, and three Biospheres, where sustainable communities live in harmony with their remarkable surroundings.
Scotland's national parks
The Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forests, rivers, lochs, wildlife, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.
The fault line that divides the Highlands from the Lowlands runs right across Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, making this an endlessly varied part of the world - rugged hills, wooded nooks and enticing waters.
Step outside and look, listen, and feel, and see the wonders that nature does for your soul!
Scotland's national nature reserves
These special areas are created and managed to allow you to appreciate them without disturbing wildlife or damaging the very things that make them so unique.
St Cyrus NNR, Aberdeenshire
St Cyrus has golden sands and colourful displays of summer wildflowers, all set against a backdrop of imposing volcanic cliffs.
Glen Affric NNR
Glen Affric is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland with lochs, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and ancient Caledonian forest.
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Discover the remarkable history of Glencoe, as well as its stunning landscape and wildlife.
Isle of Staffa NNR
Discover a beautiful island of distinctive rocks, magical caves and seabirds.
Isle of May
The Isle of May in the Forth Estuary is a popular spot for seeing seals and is a busy place for breeding seabirds during the spring and summer months.
Scotland's UNESCO sites
Witness sustainable development in action at our biospheres or discover areas of geological and scientific importance at our geoparks.
Global Geoparks
Scotland is an ancient land, formed over many millennia and our geoparks provide us with the best insights into how our breathtaking landscapes have developed over billions of years.
Biospheres
These special places demonstrate a balanced and harmonious relationship between people and nature in a world-class natural environment. At present, there are two UNESCO Biospheres in Scotland and only six in the UK.
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