Posts Tagged ‘biodiversity’
Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Chris Hoy and Ross Edgley triumph over tide
Long-distance swimmer and passionate environmentalist Ross Edgley teamed up with Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Kelly Holmes to take part in an epic triathlon. Taking place on the shores of Edinburgh, the athletes triumphed over the tide to raise awareness for the importance of our wild seas, covering 28.5km in 100 minutes. In a…
Read MoreCal Major becomes National Trust for Scotland ambassador
VET and adventurer Dr Cal Major has been named as a new ambassador for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Major recently visited the Treshnish Isles, the NTS’s newest site, to film a video. In her new voluntary role, Major will raise awareness of and support for the trust’s conservation work. Major – who has…
Read MoreNumber of critically-endangered capercaillie increases
Numbers of critically-endangered capercaillie have increased for the first time in eight years. The birds are on the verge of extinction in Scotland with numbers having decreased by more than 50% in the last five years. The latest national survey (2021/2022) estimated there are only 542 capercaillie left in Scotland. But the latest lek count…
Read MoreAll-female rowing crew navigates world’s most dangerous stretch of water
A team of six women rowing 2,000 miles around Great Britain have successfully navigated a dangerous stretch of water between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. Team Ithaca is currently circumnavigating Great Britain in the GB Row Challenge, the toughest rowing challenge in the world. The Pentland Firth is widely known as one of the world’s…
Read MoreGalloway registers to become Scotland’s next National Park
Campaigners in Galloway hope the area could become Scotland’s next National Park. Scottish Government Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater has unveiled a public consultation on the criteria to decide whether an area could become a National Park. And within minutes of the announcement the Galloway National Park Association registered the region’s interest. Locals said the area…
Read MoreWhisky oysters project tipped to double biodiversity
REINTRODUCING oysters near Glenmorangie distillery is expected to double biodiversity in the Dornoch Firth, according to a study published last night. The distillery has been working with Heriot-Watt University and the Marine Conservation Society since 2014 to bring oysters back to the firth. The team aims to have four millions oysters in the firth by…
Read MoreThe Helix hits ‘gold’ standard
THE HELIX park in Falkirk has received “gold” accreditation from the Green Tourism organisation after passing its sustainability tests. The park, which is home to The Kelpies sculptures, received a score of 80%. The “gold” award marks an upgrade from The Helix’s previous “bronze” ranking. Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesman for economic development and…
Read MoreWildlife struggles as climate change bites
SCOTLAND’S wildlife is struggling to recover due to biodiversity loss and climate change, according to experts. Figures published this morning by NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage, showed species are struggling to increase their numbers or to spread their locations. More than 2,800 species are stuck at 1990s’ levels, which…
Read MoreBanchory Bangle raffle deadline approaches
THE raffle to win this year’s “Banchory bangle” comes to an end on Friday. Jewellery designer Malcolm Appleby has made been making a bangle each year since 1976 to raise money for Children 1st. Appleby uses recycled gold and silver to make his bangles, which have raised £184,000 so far for the charity. Raffle tickets…
Read MoreFossils hunters have their say on Scottish Fossil Code
SCOTLAND’S fossil hunters are having their say on the revised Scottish Fossil Code. NatureScot, the Scottish Government agency known previously as Scottish Natural Heritage, published the code in 2008. It’s now being revised, with the next version due to be issued early next year. Katherine Leys, NatureScot’s head of biodiversity and geodiversity, said: “Fossil collecting…
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