Wildlife & Conservation
50 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,…
Read MoreButterflies face climate threats in Scotland
BUTTERFLIES in Scotland are facing threats from climate change, despite a temporary rise in their numbers. That’s the warning from NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency know previously as Scottish Natural Heritage. The number of butteries spotted from nine species – including red admiral, orange-tip, and ringlet – increased between 1979 and 2021 due to warmer…
Read MoreLook out for shelduck feathers at the beach
SCIENTISTS are asking visitors to beaches to look out for shelduck feathers this summer. Shelduck replace their feathers by moutling over the summer. They can’t fly for between two and four weeks, and so need to find safe places to moult. British shelduck either moult on mudflats in the UK or fly across the North…
Read MoreGreat British Beach Clean launches today
THE Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is today launching its annual Great British Beach Clean. The charity wants volunteers to help clean beaches on 16-25 September, and to record the rubbish that they collect. The MCS has used data collected to campaign for carrier bag charges, single-use plastic bans, and Scotland’s deposit return scheme for bottles…
Read MoreBalmoral Estate among wildlife award winners
THE Queen’s Balmoral Estate is among seven recipients of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) accreditation. The international award recognises the estates’ and farms’ ongoing work in wildlife management and conservation. Together, the seven estates cover nearly 170,000 acres. WES accreditation needs to be renewed every five years. Glenlyon Estate in Perthshire received its maiden accredition during…
Read MoreGlasgow votes for more local nature reserves
COUNCILLORS in Glasgow are to create more local nature reserves (LNRs) and extend some existing sites. A total of 22 open spaces are poised to be designated as LNRs or have their boundaries extended. Glasgow currently has 12 LNRs, which together cover 522 hectares. The vote by the local council’s city administration committee will add…
Read More