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Ian M
Two Swallow chicks on a branch are being fed by their parent.

In recent months you’ve been sending in stories about why #NatureMatters, giving joyful examples of how soaring waxwings, swooping golden eagles, and splashing otters help lift our spirits.

Last week we took your stories to the Scottish Parliament as part of an event to mark International Biodiversity Day. As MSPs and other guests arrived, they could see a steady stream of these stories on screens around the room – here are some examples…

An image of an Oystercatcher next to the following text: "Tell us about a time you had a close encounter with nature or wildlife in Scotland. I feed the birds in my garden and daily enjoy the fact that they trust me and come to my patio door when they see me at the kitchen window. As I live by the sea I also enjoying seeing birds like lots of Oystercatchers. Anyonymous, Ayr constituency."

An image of trees viewed from a wildlife hide, alongside the following text: "Why do we need targets for restoring nature? Nature needs our help and needs it now. This is our legacy to protect the vulnerable and endangered species so they can thrive and be enjoyed by our children's children and for generations after. Alex, Mid Fife and Glenrothes constituency."

An image of a sign being held up at a protest which reads, "There is no planet B". There is text alongside the image which reads, "Why does nature matter just as much as other things politicians are asked to ask on? It matters MORE than the other things, it underpins them all! Without it, everything else becomes more difficult and the world's problems just escalate. Mae, Stirling constituency".

The event was kindly sponsored by Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland, who in her opening remarks helped paint a picture about the importance of biodiversity. As she put it: “Shetland without seabirds is unimaginable.”

We then heard from some filmmaking students who attend Edinburgh College. They recorded their thoughts on why #NatureMatters to them.

We also heard from Dr Paul Walton, Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland, who spoke about the declining State of Nature, and Scotland’s low ranking on the international Biodiversity Intactness Index. But Paul also gave the room some hope, citing examples of conservation projects that have been successful, such as the concerted effort that has been made over the years to bring Corncrake back from the brink.

RSPB Scotland's Paul Walton is delivering a presentation beside a screen showing a Corncrake.

During the event we encouraged MSPs to sign our Nature Positive Scotland banner, and representatives from the five main parties did so. This shows there is consensus across Scottish politics that action is needed to restore Scotland’s wildlife.

A large banner which reads, "A Nature Positive Scotland". It shows a graph of nature's decline over recent years and hoped increase in years to come.

Among those speaking to the politicians was Cori Birkin of the RSPB Youth Council:

“Attending RSPB Scotland’s parliamentary reception for International Biodiversity was a valuable experience. It provided an opportunity to connect with other young people, policy makers, and professionals within the conservation sector to each share our perspectives, knowledge, and ideas.”

So, what’s next? Well, we’re expecting a new Programme for Government in September. This is the government’s way of signalling what legislation it intends to bring forward in the coming year in parliament. The highly anticipated Natural Environment Bill that will set targets for restoring nature must come forward. Events like last week’s, along with the wonderful stories you’ve been sending, are making this clear to the politicians.

We also need to see continued and expanded funding to enable nature restoration work to be delivered. (More details on this on our Director’s blog.)

Thanks again for all your support so far. We will keep you informed as to how you can help, as we continue to make the case that #NatureMatters.