Terrestrial habitat, vegetation and soil data from a survey of Shetland, carried out in the summer of 1974 by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. Nearly 1000 x 200m2 plots were surveyed from across the islands, selected on the basis of a stratified sampling strategy. Details about plant species, soils, habitat types and major biota present were collected using standardized survey methods. This survey was part of a larger project to assess the status and value of Shetland's plant and animal species and communities.