Wildlife & Conservation
New Fair Isle bird observatory takes shape
CONSTRUCTION of a replacement bird observatory for Fair Isle took a step forward yesterday. Modules built in a factory in Sheffield arrived at the island on a barge, ready to be assembled. The world-famous observatory burned down in 2019. Fair Isle has hosted a bird observatory since 1948. As well as carrying out scientific research,…
Read MoreHighlanders asked to spot red squirrels
CONSERVATIONISTS are asking people in the Highlands to report their red squirrels sightings to help protect the endangered species. Enviromental charity Trees for Life has been moving red squirrels from around Inverness, Nairn, and other parts of the Inner Moray Firth to areas where they’ve been missing. Over the past six years, the charity has…
Read MoreAtlantic Salmon Trust auction is open
THE Atlantic Salmon Trust has launched its annual auction to raise money for research. More than 100 lots are up for grabs, including fishing, shooting, and stalking experiences at some of Scotland’s most exclusive locations. Works of art, clothing, and food and drink are also going under the online hammer. Wild salmon stocks have plunged…
Read MoreFeeding call as National Red Squirrel Week looms
IF YOU live in an area with red squirrels then keep feeding them during the autumn and winter. That’s the message from the Red Squirrel Survival Trust ahead of National Red Squirrel Week, which runs on 10-16 October. The trust recommends a mix of hazelnuts in their shells, walnuts, unsalted peanuts, and sunflower seeds, along…
Read MoreGroups warn over ‘Hunting With Dogs’ Bill
COUNTRYSIDE groups have warned Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) about “unintended consequences” from the Hunting With Dogs (Scotland) Bill that’s making its way through Holyrood. Representative from the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), the Kennel Club, and Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups (SRMGs) met with MSPs to warn them that the bill poses…
Read More50 sites join Northwoods Rewilding Network
FIFTY sites have joined the Northwoods Rewilding Network during its first 18 months. The network was set up in April 2021 by rewilding charity Scotland: The Big Picture. Its aim was to attract 20 sites within its first two years. Now, Glassie Farm at Aberfeldy has signed up as its 50th member. Northwoods now covers…
Read MoreScottish beaver strategy unveiled
LANDOWNERS and conservationists have today unveiled a joint beaver strategy. More than 50 organisations contributed to Scotland’s Beaver Strategy 2022-2045, with a Scottish Beaver Advisory Group being created to deliver the strategy. Bodies that took part in the development of the plan ranged from the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland and trade body Scottish Land…
Read MoreAnother six golden eagles moved to the south
SIX golden eagles were moved from the Highlands to a secret location in the Borders over the summer during the latest phase of a reintroduction scheme. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project now estimates that there are around 40 birds in the area – the most for 300 years. The project is now preparing…
Read More‘End is nigh’ again for capercaillie, warn experts
THE capercaillie could become extinct in Scotland for a second time unless its predators are controlled, according to conservationists. This year’s brood survey by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) found only 300 to 400 birds now live in Scotland, with 90% confined to part of Strathspey. That number has fallen from around 2,200…
Read MoreScotland’s seabirds disturbed by rising boat traffic
INCREASED boat traffic is disturbing many of Scotland’s seabirds, according to new research by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). The charity monitored 11 species of seabirds during ferry journeys around Orkney. Data on more than 6,000 flocks was recorded. Red-throated divers, Slavonian grebesm and black-throated divers were the most sensitive to boats Black guillemots,…
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