Make Space For Nature

In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency. We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up and look after their local areas. She shares invaluable tips for taking part in, or organising, impactful clean-up events, the critical importance of data collection in driving policy change, and the need for a cultural shift to sustain environmental action all year round. Then join us on the banks of the River Tay as we chat with Ross Dempster of Beyond Adventure, who reveals how initiatives like recycling, litter picking and carbon offsetting are integrated into their outdoor activities business. He shares stories of local cleanups, explains the benefits to both wildlife and individuals from volunteering in nature, and emphasises the ongoing need for community involvement in preserving Scotland's landscapes. More Information: Keep Scotland Beautiful The Spring Clean Scotland 2024 held between 15 March to 28 April, brings together people from across Scotland to tackle litter. Beyond Adventure

In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning. Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of outdoor learning in Scotland’s schools and nurseries has increased for some, yet decreased for others – but why is this? We discuss the potential reasons why, the recommendations made in the report to improve provision, as well as ways we can all encourage children in Scotland to learn more outdoors. More Information NatureScot Research Report 1313 - Teaching, learning and play in the outdoors: a survey of provision in Scotland in 2022 Report highlights need for school children to be more connected to nature Young People - Learning Outdoors and Developing Skills - facts, activities and inspiration to help you bring Scotland’s nature and landscapes to life for learners.​ Outdoor Learning Directory - a portal to services provided by Scottish organisations supporting outdoor learning.

In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts. Rob also takes us through seven straightforward ways to increase nature on farms and crofts, and Robert shares the tangible benefits he's witnessed first-hand from ‘farming with nature’ for 30 years. More Information Biodiversity Audit for crofters and farmers Farming with Nature - supporting sustainable food production, climate and nature Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme

In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland. Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the outdoors, and tells us how they contribute to his never-ending quest to discover hidden Scottish treasures. We explore a range of subjects, from mental well-being and the joys of rainy days, to the challenges of dealing with negative online comments, and how to improve video content. A great listen. More information: Follow Chris on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or at chris@lawloroutdoors.co.uk. Follow our 10 ways to make space for nature in winter.

What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our rarest and most threatened mammals: the wildcat. We'll explore their distinct physical features, their historical significance in Scotland, and the substantial threats they encounter, including the risk of hybridisation with domestic cats. The Saving Wildcats partnership is dedicated to establishing a thriving wildcat population in Scotland. We hear about the wildcats recently released into the wild, the diligent monitoring techniques used to safeguard their survival, potential future hurdles, and how we can all help this species not only survive but thrive in Scotland. More Information: https://savingwildcats.org.uk/ https://www.nature.scot/doc/scottish-wildcat-action-swa-final-summary-report-2023

In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey. They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserves, the three reserves they help look after. We hear about these special habitats, discuss the invasive non-native species that threaten them and reveal the conservation efforts led by NatureScot staff and volunteers. As we delve deeper, the team explain the type of work that goes on at a nature reserve, from monitoring birds and managing invasive species, to unearthing rare plants. They also share their own seasonal highlights and passion for the natural world. So, join us in discovering the natural beauty of Scotland's nature reserves and the crucial conservation efforts underway. More Information: Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve Follow the NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland. Find out more about our partners: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and the RSPB, which manages RSPB Loch Lomond.

In this episode we chat to Katie Berry from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in partnership with NatureScot and others, working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s native wildlife. Katie explains more about the work involved, the threat from the invasive non-native grey squirrel, the importance of volunteering, and how we can all be part of this work. We also meet with NatureScot’s recently appointed Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith, who digs deeper into why invasive non-native species are a major threat to our native wildlife and what else is being done to tackle them. More information: Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Invasive non-native species Non-native species of concern in Scotland Report a non-native species on iRecord

In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these seemingly unrelated factors can have a significant impact on both nature and climate. We also meet with Clive Mitchell, NatureScot’s Strategic Resource Manager (Nature & Climate Change) who takes us through some of the changes that need to happen for Scotland to become a sustainable, nature-rich, net-zero nation, and he gives us an insight into some of the actions we can all take to get closer to living in harmony with nature. More information: James Hutton Institute partnership news release: Considerable change needed to stop nature loss in Scotland Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland - A Summary NatureScot Research Report 1309 - Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland Scottish Government news release: New legal targets proposed for nature recovery

In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again. Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land managers the skills to be self-sufficient and carry out effective tree protection in Tayside, we spoke to staff from NatureScot and The Beaver Trust as well as volunteers who were keen to learn more. We find out about the history of beavers and how they came to be in Scotland after such a long absence, what impacts beavers can have on our waterside woodlands and what can be done to mitigate some of those impacts. A really interesting listen. More information: Protecting trees from beavers using wire mesh Beaver Mitigation Scheme

In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer. Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access. With the publication of his first book on outdoor swimming, Calum's passion for the outdoors shines through all his work, earning him recognition as one of the most influential Scots on social media in 2022. Calum shares insights into his creative drive, offers top tips for wildlife photography and outdoor swimming, and discusses easy and practical ways to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Make Space For Nature. More information: Find out more about Calum's work on his website, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Scottish Outdoor Access Code Make Space For Nature Dèan àite dha nàdar

In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals. We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the importance of responsible fossil collecting and preservation. We also shed light on the contributions of pioneering women in palaeontology and their invaluable role in shaping our understanding of fossil research. Tune in to this captivating conversation as we discover more about the Scottish Fossil Code and celebrate the incredible women working in palaeontology. More information: Find out more about Elsa’s work on her website, on twitter or Instagram. The Scottish Fossil Code The Scottish Geology Trust

In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot. The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands and Islands. The fund also aimed to benefit communities, with the projects it supports helping to retain local jobs and services. We attended an event celebrating the fund and its projects where we met with representatives from five of the projects, as well as NatureScot staff involved with the fund. More information: The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund Full list of projects receiving funding through The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund Projects featured in the episode: The Real Wild West - Archaeology Scotland and the West Ardnamurchan Community Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature - National Trust for Scotland Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre - Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Wildlife Watch Abernethy - RSPB Scotland Dundreggan Rewilding Centre - Trees for Life

In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography. We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature campaign, as well as other projects keeping her busy, including a variety of BBC programmes. She suggests simple ways we can all make space for nature as part of everyday life, whilst contributing to research, helping our own wellbeing and fighting nature loss. A really great listen! Further information: Follow Libby Penman on Instagram. Catch the Back From The Brink series on BBC iPlayer where Libby showcases the work of conservationists across Europe. Watch The Adventure Show on BBC iPlayer where Libby tries a range of outdoor activities. Directed by Libby, Body Shame is on the BBC Scotland channel and covers issues around male body insecurity. Check out our top ways to make space for nature for each season.

In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager. Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday. Further information: Developing a Landscape Scale Natural Capital Tool for Scotland

In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation. He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes Space For Nature everyday. Skills Development Scotland - apprenticeship information Scottish Apprenticeship Week 6 - 10 March 2023 Seasonal ways to Make Space For Nature

In this episode we chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of watching and photographing birds in her garden. She explains how connecting with nature has affected her mental and physical health, and how her photographs have been turned into a book, inspiring others to make more space for nature in their lives. More: 25 Birds by Anna K Wood 10 ways to Make Space For Nature in winter

In this episode we chat to Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Recently awarded Scottish Influencer of the Year (Inspiration) for her climate and environmental work, Laura regularly speaks in the media on the BBC, STV, and Sky News and is currently campaigning for the Scottish Government to ban problematic disposable vapes. She tells us what drove her passion for the planet, and what we can all do to make space for nature and help fight climate change and nature loss. More: Follow Laura on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Watch her TEDX talk. Ten ways to Make Space For Nature in winter.

In this episode we chat to Simon Foster, NatureScot’s Trends and Indicators Analysis Officer, about our latest research which reveals an increase in the number of birds in Scotland’s towns and cities. He explains the likely reasons for the increase, how climate change is affecting our birds, and what everyone can do to help. More information: News release: Birds increase in urban areas NatureScot Research Report 1300 - Scoping the feasibility of developments to the Terrestrial Bird Indicator for Scotland - urban, farmland and wetland indicators

Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how this non-invasive sampling technique can monitor wildlife and help build up a detailed image of what lives where. She explains the pros and cons of the technique, how it's being used to detect the presence of invasive non-native species, and the potential use of eDNA to help tackle nature loss and climate change. Further reading: Measuring biodiversity from DNA in the air Elizabeth L. Clare, Chloe K. Economou, Frances J. Bennett, Caitlin E. Dyer, Katherine Adams, Benjamin McRobie, Rosie Drinkwater, Joanne E. Littlefair Current Biology Journal Airborne environmental DNA for terrestrial vertebrate community monitoring Christina Lynggaard, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Casper V. Jensen, Matthew S. Johnson, Tobias Guldberg Frøslev, Morten Tange Olsen and Kristine Bohmann Current Biology Journal

In this episode we hear about NatureScot’s Programme for Youth employment, a programme helping to develop nature based skills to support the fight against climate change and nature loss. Since 2021 we’ve offered around 40 jobs for younger employees including project and practical placements, apprenticeships, and trainee roles right across the organisation, from support roles in finance to outdoor work on nature reserves. We chat to two of our placements Ceara Webster and Amy Kidd. Ceara works on embedding behavioural change and co-design approaches, and Amy is now a Licensing Officer. We hear about their career paths so far and what more we can do to encourage young people into green jobs and the nature sector. More information: Attracting young talent to NatureScot Working and volunteering with us Current vacancies