Wildlife & Conservation
Look 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 MoreRiver Clyde boom aims to net litter
PLASTIC and litter will be stopped from entering the sea thanks to a new River Clyde boom. Plans for the boom were announced this morning to mark the United Nation’s World Oceans Day. Glasgow City Council is discussing possible locations for the boom, but said it will be “below the weir and will not cross…
Read MoreEriskay Pony Society launches biggest ever DNA project
THE Eriskay Pony Society is working with genetics experts at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) to carry out the biggest survey of Eriskay Pony DNA. The project aims to help protect and promote the critically-endangered native breed. The society is funding the project, with help from the Horserace Betting…
Read MoreCairngorms big nature weekend hailed as ‘big success’
THE Cairngorms big nature weekend took place in person following two years online. More than 1,000 people took part in over 70 events over the two days. Activities included organised events – such as a nature fair in Glen Tanar and a river adventure on the Spey – to art workshops and behind-the-scenes tours of…
Read MoreHave you seen a spotted flycatcher?
THE spotted flycatcher is one of six species of migratory birds returning home to Scotland right now – and scientists need your help if you spot one. Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are fitting spotted flycatchers with tags so that they can track their flights between Scotland and Africa. Monitoring the birds…
Read MoreLangholm Moor extension for community buyout
THE Langholm Moor community buyout has been given an extra two months to raise the money it needs to purchase 5,300 acres in Dumfriesshire. The Langholm Initiative needs to raise £2.2 million to buy the land from Buccleuch Estates. A deadline of 31 May had been set to complete the deal, but the landowner has…
Read More‘Phoenix’ bird hide rises from the ashes at Loch Leven
THE “Phoenix” birdwatching hide at Loch Leven national nature reserve (NNR) was opened officially on Friday. Mike Cantlay, chair of Nature Scot, the Scottish Government agency formerly known as Scottish Natural Heritage, was joined by reserve manager Neil Mitchell and Kinross Beaver Scouts for the event. The previous hide burned down last year, sparking outrage.…
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