Boosting Highland forests with some funghi fun

An innovative trial to boost reforestation of the Highlands is underway – using a mysterious mushroom mixture set. Trees for Life will harness the power of local mushrooms to boost reforestation at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston near Loch Ness. The conservation charity’s experts and volunteers are to introduce a special mix of spores…

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Eagles taken to vet studies centre by namesakes

A Scottish courier firm is playing a crucial role in understanding the environmental factors threatening the country’s most famous birds of prey. Working alongside researchers at the prestigious University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Eagle Couriers has been transporting dead birds from some of Scotland’s most remote reaches at cost to assist…

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Return of the osprey gets a stamp of approval

A celebration of the return to Scotland of the osprey is being marked in the form of a new stamp. The bird became extinct in the British Isles in 1916, but recolonised in 1954 and can primarily be found in Scotland. It is celebrated in a new series of Royal Mail stamps by award winning…

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Views wanted on future of Cairngorms nature reserve

Views are wanted on the future management of a National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) wants to hear from people with an interest in Invereshie and Inshriach NNR, to help prepare a new 10-year management plan for the reserve. National Nature Reserves are special places where people can enjoy the best…

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No need to go batty when experts can sort it

Most people are resigned to the fact that building works can be delayed by setbacks in the construction process or bad weather. However, very few people expect their property renovation to be delayed due to bats, which is a growing problem, reports property consultancy, Galbraith. Scotland is home to nine species of bats and all…

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Nature in the focus at Cairngorms family weekend

Scots are being encouraged to get into the great outdoors and enjoy fun for all the family at the Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend. Running from 11-13 May, it will be a park-wide celebration where people can get first-hand experience of some of the outstanding wildlife that lives and grows in the Cairngorms National Park. There…

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Book examines returning wild lynx to Scotland

A new publication is looking at pros and cons of reintroducing lynx to Scotland. Published by Scotland: The Big Picture, it looks at what thing could be like if the Eurasian lynx returned to Scotland. The Lynx and Us – by ecologist Dr David Hetherington, with stunning photography of wild lynx from Laurent Geslin –…

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Time to get in a flap with new avian art exhibition

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is getting set to host an exhibition of artwork by John Threlfall. John is a largely self-taught artist and is a previous recipient of the Swarovski/Birdwatch Bird Artist of the Year award. He is a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) and the Artists for Nature Foundation, and has…

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Bringing children closer to nature with local deer

A Scottish carer has turned pioneer by introducing disadvantaged children in South Lanarkshire to the wonders of the wild deer that find a home on the city fringes. David Quarrell from East Kilbride wanted to combine his skills as carer and as an authority on urban deer to help connect local kids in the care…

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Showcase your inner talents and let them shine

Scots are being encouraged to find their creative spark with special workshops exploring pastels, oils, photography, textiles and jewellery making. Five accomplished Spring Fling artists and makers are offering the chance to learn everything from painting with oils to making a beautiful silver ring. Spring Fling, in Dumfries and Galloway – which features in our…

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