Scottish Nature Notes

Last December, we wrote about how some of Scotland’s wonderful wildlife was under threat and facing a precarious future. This was due to the lack of a decision by the Scottish Government about the vitally important Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS). Thankfully, the Scottish Government announced at the end of 2020 that the scheme would be reopening in 2021, although not fully and with no guarantee of funding beyond…

I asked my non-birdy partner for his top tips on how to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, when you don’t know that much about birds!

Right now, we could all do with a bit of cheering up. They say laughter is the best medicine, and when teamed with hard-core data collection, what more could you need? The last weekend in January (29-31!) is Big Garden Birdwatch, here are some silly ways you can get involved, whilst contributing to the world's largest garden wildlife survey!

Cécile Farber, our Community Fundraising Manager, gives a huge thank you to our amazing pin badge volunteers, for the incredible work they’ve done this year despite all the challenges of 2020!

Last year over 33 thousand people across the Scotland took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. Together, you counted almost half a million birds! That’s amazing! And the good news is, it’s almost time to dust off those binoculars, check your feeders are topped up, and get counting again! Here’s a countdown of Scotland’s top five visitors from Big Garden Birdwatch 2020, and some handy ID tips if they’re visiting you.

You might be celebrating Christmas a bit differently this year, but your garden birds will be just as hungry as ever! In the winter there’s less food available in the wild, so any food you put out in your garden, balcony, window feeder or park will be very gratefully received. Here’s a quick guide to what you can put out and foods to avoid.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five facts about some of the nature we associate with Christmas.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five ways to give nature a helping hand during winter.

Andrew Stark, RSPB Scotland Land Use Policy officer, discusses the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and why it is so important for our nature and wildlife.

A look at what has lead to the Scottish Government decision to introduce a licensing scheme for grouse shooting.

Katie and Kirsty, members of our Climate Change Youth Project, share some of their experiences of standing up for nature as a young person.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some of RSPB Scotland’s highlights from this year.

RSPB Scotland’s Marine Policy Officer Ruby Temple-Long discusses why the Scottish Government's recent announcement of twelve new Special Protection Areas is such an important step and what we would like to see next to secure a brighter future for our seabirds.

By this time in the festive season we’re usually singing about a partridge in a pear tree, two turtle doves and three French hens, but this year, a new gift…

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some ways to celebrate nature as winter sets in and the holidays approach...

Nothing is quite as special as the first time you spot a kingfisher. Except perhaps the second time you spot one. Or maybe the third? Basically, every time you catch a glimpse of that unmistakable bright blue streak is not a moment you’ll forget in a hurry. Molly Martin tells us five facts about this gorgeous little bird.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five facts about bullfinches.

The Continuity Bill aims to fill gaps in laws as we exit the EU, but it must be strengthened to safeguard existing protections and unlock future action for nature. Isobel Mercer, Senior Policy Officer, tells us how.

Molly Martin tells us five facts about one of our less familiar finches, the hawfinch.

GPs at five practices in Edinburgh are now able to prescribe nature to patients as part of their treatment, thanks to an innovative project designed by RSPB Scotland, in collaboration with NHS Lothian’s charity partner, the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation. Elaine Bradley, Project Development Executive for Nature Prescriptions, discusses this new initiative and how it might benefit both people and nature.

Many of us associate ravens with halloween, darkness and mythology. Here RSPB Scotland's Shona Morrison gives us an insight into these fascinating birds.

When you think of ravens, what are your initial thoughts?  Some people may think pests, some may think of them as shrewd, crafty characters.  Others, like me, think of them as beautiful, intelligent, capable birds.  The reason I have chosen to write about ravens is to…

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five ways we can help nature this autumn.

Molly Martin takes us for a bad weather walk and shares the highlights of being outside when most people are inside.

I’d like to start off by making one thing very clear, I don’t think there is such a thing as “bad” weather. I’m a strong believer in appreciating the outside world in all its wonder- even if sometimes that does mean getting a bit soggy. There’s a famous quote by Alfred Wainwright “'There's…

RSPB’s Abernethy reserve was once managed in part for shooting. Now we’re restoring it to make it a place that helps nature in the widest possible way.

In less than three months, Scotland, and the rest of the UK, will lose the oversight of the European Commission and the European Court of Justice. These institutions have played an invaluable role in ensuring nature is strongly protected, by giving a voice to the public on environmental matters and holding governments to account. It is vital that Scots do not lose the ability to speak up and request action.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some of the exciting signs of the arriving season to look out for.