Posts Tagged ‘peatland’
One small step for Sutherland spaceport
PLANS to launch rockets into space from the Highlands have taken “one small step” forward after The Highland Council granted planning permission. Economic development agency Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been given the green light by councillors to build a “vertical launch spaceport” in Sutherland. Scottish ministers will now have their say on the…
Read MoreBog Squad celebrates six years of success in peatlands
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation celebrates six years of the incredibly successful Bog Squad initiative next month. Begun in 2014 this Squad, of volunteers established and managed by Butterfly Conservation Scotland, is tasked to carry out rehabilitation works on damaged peat bogs across the Scottish Lowlands. These volunteers are working on the front lines in the…
Read MoreIt’s all in the name as Scottish Natural Heritage rebrands
Scotland’s national nature agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, will change its name to NatureScot from May 1 next year. This is part of plans to adapt the organisation to meet current environment challenges. Recent global UN reports on climate change and biodiversity loss have issued a stark warning on the need for transformational change in the…
Read MoreNew study to explore impact of peatland wildfires
A new study is set to investigate the impact of a recent wildfire on peatland in Caithness and Sutherland. The Fire Blanket project will focus on the effects of a fire on approximately 60 square kilometres of land near Strathy in May 2019. The area is part of the Flow Country, the largest blanket bog…
Read MoreBig boost to improve the Scottish environment
A new peatland restoration project aims to improve water quality, tackle climate change and help protect Black Throated Divers and Great Skua in the Outer Hebrides. Funding for the first Peatland ACTION project in the islands has been confirmed in celebration of International Bog Day this Sunday (28th). Working alongside Scottish Water, the project will…
Read MoreSearching for declining butterflies on the bog
A wildlife charity is calling on nature enthusiasts in Edinburgh to help search for a once common butterfly, which has suffered a 68% decline across Scotland in the last 10 years. Butterfly Conservation Scotland is extremely concerned about the Small Tortoiseshell and needs people to help look for the butterfly on Sunday 28 July at…
Read MoreNew bids sought to restore Scottish peatland
The latest Peatland ACTION Fund round is now open with £1.5 million available to restore damaged peatlands across Scotland. The funding comes through the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan commitments, which sets out the long-term ambition to restore 250,000 hectares of peatland by 2030. With more than 80% of peatland habitats estimated to be damaged…
Read MoreEnjoy Scotland’s natural beauty this World Wetlands Day
The people of Scotland can celebrate some of the country’s most beautiful natural sites this World Wetlands Day. Taking place on Satuday, 2 February, Scottish Natural Heritage is urging people to visit one of Scotland’s amazing wetland sites, to take in our dramatic lochs, peatlands and riverbanks, and the wildlife that lives there; and learn more…
Read MorePlans to restrict use of lead shot at wetlands
The continued use of lead shot in the UK is now at a tipping-point. This comes after the publication of the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) proposals to further restrict shooting on or over wetlands. The inclusion of ‘peatland’ within the restriction and the ban on possessing lead shot when on a wetland are the two…
Read MoreViews wanted on conservation in the Cairngorms
Time’s running out for those who want to have their say on the next Cairngorms Nature Action Plan. Launched in May 2013, Cairngorms Nature is a partnership that brings people and organisations together with the aim of driving forward conservation projects in the Park. It has seen a great deal achieved within the first five…
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