Scotland’s geomorphological heritage and its conservation

Geomorphological features and processes contribute significantly to the geodiversity and geoheritage of Scotland. Key sites identified through the Geological Conservation Review are mostly protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These sites represent the variety of geological, glacial, periglacial, fluvial, coastal, mass-movement and karst features that distinguish the Scottish landscape. Scotland’s geodiversity and geoheritage have additional value for educational, aesthetic, cultural and ecological reasons and in the delivery of ecosystem services. Greater recognition of these values is fundamental to more holistic approaches to nature conservation, the development of nature-based solutions to societal challenges and connecting people and nature.