Whenever we think of Scotland, old castles, lakes and wilderness in general, mixed with endless fields. But there is so much more to the beautiful country than that, things people appreciate less and less these days. Days, when wild, untouched nature is becoming a rarity. But here, in this beautiful part of the world, most of it is still breathtaking and wonderful.

[photo by: foxypar4]

Both flora and fauna of Scotland are typical of the north west European part of the Palearctic ecozone. Aside from the agricultural areas, most of the country is covered in woods, heather moorland and peatland. You can see a lot of native Scots Pine, Silver Birch and Heather, although there is not as much of it as it used to. In near proximity of these tres, you can find beautiful Creeping ladies tresses, which is one of the few British orchids that is almost exclusive to Scotland. If you are looking for more secluded and wild scenery, it is best to go north, where human influence is not as visible as in the rest of Scottish land, especially Western Isles.

[photo by: foxypar4]

Because of the location on the world map, the plants grow differently there. The growing season starts later than in more southern parts of Britain. In the beginning of the year nothing is growing much, with just a few species flowering, but during the months of June, July and August the you can see myriads of flowers blooming all around.

[photo by: left-hand]

[photo by: RATAEDL]

When it comes to wildlife, Scotland also has a lot to offer. It is home to a wonderfully diverse range of species, from the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth to the capercaillie of the Central Highlands and the thousands of seals and puffins inhabiting the beautiful coastlines. If you want to spy some of rarest specimens, then you’ll have to confine your search: to the wet lochside woods around Fort William for the brightly coloured chequered skipper butterfly; or the north coast of Caithness and Sutherland and Orkney for the Scottish Primrose endemic to the shores.

[photo by: Cayetano]

Of course, when speaking of animals, we shouldn’t forget the one and only Nessie, supposedly habiting the depths of Loch Ness. But that’ of course, is another matter entirely.