Scottish Nature Notes

In December 1973, RSPB Scotland acquired a wetland site just outside the Renfrewshire village of Lochwinnoch. Now, 50 years later, it has become one of our flagship nature reserves.

For more than 30 years the world has relied on a series of voluntary goals and targets to tackle global nature loss. And each decade, the nations of the world have failed to meet those targets. In this blog, Paul Walton, reflects on how the plan to introduce of legally binding targets will make a difference and what it could mean for nature.

With just a week to go before the Nature of Scotland Awards 2023 today we're telling you five facts you might not know about these annual awards.

When we think of colourful birds, we often think of spring and summer, but today we’re going to celebrate the beautiful birds that can brighten up even the darkest winter day.

Check out our top tips for getting your nature fix during these short, winter days.

In this blog, Senior Land Use Policy Officer, Andrew Midgley discusses how the way that Scotland uses land will need to change if we are to reach Net Zero and why we all need to be talking about it.

Last year Jess Barrett, RSPB Scotland's Country Communications Manager took some time away from her desk job and set off on an adventure to Islay, in search of some very elusive little bees. Here she tells us all about it.

If I asked you to think of a bee, would one that burrows into coastal sand dunes spring to mind? It certainly wouldn’t have for me until a few years ago when I learnt about the Northern Colletes…

Populations of Cuckoos are increasing in Scotland. James Silvey, our Senior Species and Habitats Officers spent time on Coll earlier this year surveying these unmistakable birds and finding out how they are faring.

In today's guest blog our partners at Nature Scot tell us about the Species on the Edge project as applications open for a new Youth Panel.

Species on the Edge is excited to announce that applications for its Youth Panel are now open! Are you aged between 16 and 25, based in one of the Species on the Edge project areas, and passionate about your local wildlife? If so, this is an opportunity for you!

What is Species…

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on plans to tackle the nature crisis. Find out what they’re proposing and how you can help speak up for nature in this blog.

Before joining RSPB Scotland, Oscar, our Marine Policy Officer worked on the other side of the world. In this blog he highlights some similarites between the role of anchovies in Peru, and sandeels in Scotland, and why these wee fish play a huge role in our marine ecosystem.

In this blog we share five facts about possibly our most mouse-like bird!

Whether you're looking to go wild in nature or just want to enjoy the view with a delicious lunch, Loch Leven has something for everyone. Here are our top five reasons to visit.

There are so many reasons to visit our Loch Garten nature reserve. Here are our top five.

This is a critical time for helping end the illegal killing of birds of prey, and for reducing fires on our precious peatlands and thereby to help Scotland address the nature and climate change emergency. Use this blog as a toolkit for how you can help.

Wildfires and climate change are at the top of the agenda right now and in this blog Andrew Midgley, our Senior Land Use Policy Officer, looks at some of the issues that we face in Scotland.

In June this year, a fire started near Cannich in the Highlands and despite the best efforts of firefighters, gamekeepers and our staff, this fire eventually made its way on to our site at Corrimony where it ripped through about half…

Tucked away near the village of Kirriemuir in Angus is a very special place for wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon stroll or seeking some of Scotland’s most iconic species, our Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve has something for everyone.

Last month NatureScot published their third Beaver Management report. What does this show for this important species?

Common Lizards are the reptile you’re most likely to come across in Scotland, although as they are very quick you might only just spot a scaly tail as it vanishes into the undergrowth! Here are five facts about this speedy species.

We've partnered up with the Harris Tweed Authority, who have recently developed a series of patterns inspired by the breathtaking wildlife of the Outer Hebrides.

As part of this year's Refugee Festival Scotland, our Dundee Project team recently ran two events to explore the connections we share through the natural world. Project Manager, Hope Busák, tells us more about meeting the city's newest Scots.

Rainforests are one of the rarest and most important habitats in Scotland. Explore this blog and find out a little more about them.

Proposed Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have the potential to be a vital tool in the restoration of our seas and, integrated properly, can be a massive boost to our coastal communities.

We know that muirburn is a hot topic right now that’s why we want to make our position clear.

In this blog we dive a little deeper into one of RSPB Scotland’s longstanding policy asks – a ban on industrial sandeel fishing – and share some ocean optimism this World Ocean Day!