What a year it’s been – 2023 has seen some huge victories for nature, but it also came with its fair share of challenges. Today we’re looking back at some of the highlights, from ground-breaking TV shows to game-changing legislation, with lots of wonderful wildlife along the way.
House Sparrows rule the roost in Big Garden Birdwatch
January can be a long and difficult month, but for many, the annual Big Garden Birdwatch provides the perfect tonic. Now in its 44th year, this UK-wide survey gives us a hugely important snapshot of how our garden birds are faring and allows thousands of people to connect with nature in their own patch.
In 2023, over 36,000 people took part across Scotland, counting an incredible 671,958 birds! And for the 12th year running, the mighty House Sparrow finished top of the league table.
Thanks so much to everyone who took part. Have you signed up for 2024 yet?
Image credit: Ben Andrew
Beavers are back on the bonny banks
This year saw not one but two Beaver releases at our Loch Lomond nature reserve; the first in January, with another pair joining them in November. As well as being marvellous mammals in their own right, these ecosystem engineers will help develop the landscape and make it even better for wildlife.
We've already seen signs of regeneration where the Beavers have been feeding on willow trees, while the lack of new dams indicates that the existing habitat is already ideal for them.
Beaver fans have even more to be excited about next year, as we have also been granted permission to release them at our Insh Marshes nature reserve in the Cairngorms. Watch this space.
Image credit: Beaver Trust
Wild Isles inspires the nation
Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and now Wild Isles. This year, British wildlife joined the prestigious list of epic BBC nature series narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Who can forget those incredible shots of White-tailed Eagles hunting geese in the skies over Islay, the Orca chase in Shetland or the minibeast battles between caterpillars and ants?
But perhaps more importantly, the programme also highlighted the threats facing our wildlife. For many people, this was the first time they’d been made aware of these challenges, and we’ve been inspired by some of the reactions. Through our Save Our Wild Isles campaign, in partnership with WWF Scotland, we’ve seen a new generation of environmentalists spurred into action through initiatives such as the Aviva Community Fund and "Our Beautiful Wild", a stunning new film made by young people from across the UK.
Image credit: John Moncrieff
Sandeelin’ great
Times are tough for seabirds. As well as longstanding issues such as climate change, many species have been devastated by bird flu in recent years. But now we have an opportunity to address one of their biggest challenges – industrial sandeel fishing.
Back in July, the Scottish Government launched a new consultation that proposes an end to industrial trawling for sandeels in Scottish waters. Around the same time, we launched our own petition supporting the proposals, which was signed by over 11,000 people! Thank you to each and every one of you who lent us your voice. We're now waiting to hear the outcome of the consultation, but thanks to you, our message has been sent loud and clear.
Image credit: Chris Gomersall
Devastating wildfire at Corrimony
Perhaps the biggest challenge we faced this year was the outbreak of a wildfire which destroyed around half of our Corrimony nature reserve. Tragically, swathes of native woodland were lost, along with precious species such as crossbills and Black Grouse.
However thanks to fast action from local RSPB staff and volunteers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and many of our neighbours, we were able to tackle the fire and prevent the damage from being even worse.
A huge thank you to the many supporters who donated to our emergency fundraiser. By helping us raise £220,000, you not only helped stop the fire, but put us well on the way to restoring this special landscape for nature.
Image credit: RSPB Scotland
Award winning accessibility
Inclusion and accessibility have been a key focus of the work at our Loch Leven nature reserve in recent years. With a new underpass, mobility scooters and a changing places toilet, more people than ever can now immerse themselves in nature.
As well as being able to welcome many new visitors to Loch Leven, this year we were delighted to win the Inclusive Tourism Award at Visit Scotland’s Thistle Awards for Central and East Scotland. Pop by and discover a world of playful Red Squirrels, soaring Ospreys and delicious scones.
A welcome boost for Corncrakes
For the first time in five years, we saw an overall increase in the number of Corncrakes surveyed in Scotland. 870 calling males were recorded across the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and few spots on the west coast. Last year’s figure was 828.
While this increase is welcome, these numbers are still worryingly low. Through our Corncrake Calling project, we’re working with farmers, crofters and local communities to raise awareness of the birds’ plight, encourage Corncrake-friendly farming practices, and improve both the quality and quantity of their habitats.
Image credit: David Dinsley
And the winners are...
2023 was a record-breaking year for the Nature of Scotland Awards. With more entries than in any previous year, the 12th annual ceremony was an inspirational celebration of Scotland’s conservation heroes. Amongst the winners were volunteers looking after their local greenspace, nature-friendly farmers, landscape-scale partnership projects and many more.
In what has become another tradition of the awards, we launched our annual fundraiser with the lucky winner heading off to Islay this summer. We’re delighted to announce that this year’s fundraiser raised a whopping £8,935, all of which will help support our vital conservation work.
Wildlife wins in the Scottish Parliament
November saw the first debate of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill in the Scottish Parliament. This legislation proposes licensing systems for grouse shooting and muirburn, practices which, if not undertaken responsibly, can and do have devastating impacts on our upland wildlife
We were delighted when parliament voted in favour of the general principles of the Bill and took us one step closer to protection for Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers and many more iconic birds of prey. This is just stage one though, and we'll be watching closely as the Bill continues its journey through the parliamentary system.
Image credit: Mark Thomas
50 fabulous years at Lochwinnoch
In December 1973, we acquired a wetland site just outside the Renfrewshire village of Lochwinnoch. Now, 50 years later, it has become one of our flagship nature reserves, having welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years.
With its visitor centre, feeding stations and accessible paths, Lochwinnoch has provide opportunities to so many people taking their first steps into nature. But it wouldn’t be a nature reserve without lots of wonderful wildlife as well. From waders and wildfowl on the wetlands, to Hen Harriers soaring high above, the nature reserve continues to go from strength to strength.
Keep an eye on our events page throughout 2024, as we have lots of exciting plans to celebrate Lochwinnoch’s 50th year.
Image credits: RSPB Scotland (left) & Sam Turley (right)
All of this is just a taste of what’s happened over the last 12 months. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for the biggest nature news from across Scotland, and check out the links below for more on each of these stories.
Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve so much this year: our dedicated staff, our wonderful volunteers (over 210,000 hours in 2023!), our ever-generous members and all our supporters.
Wishing you all a wonderful time over the holidays and all the best for 2024!
Header image shows a Puffin standing with its wings spread wide. Credit: Ben Andrew.