£1.1m for nature recovery projects

More than £55 million has been awarded through the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund since its launch in 2021, including to 230 projects through the competitive scheme run by NatureScot. Now a further twelve projects are being supported to take actions that will help tackle nature loss and climate change.

The British Dragonfly Society has been granted £225,238 to restore nature and biodiversity in peatlands and bogs. Working with private estates and landowners, they will improve the habitats and survival of the rarest species of dragonflies.

RSPB Scotland has been awarded £46,660 to improve the quality and connection between urban species-rich grasslands and hedgerows. This will improve habitat for house sparrows, which have suffered a 90 percent decline since the 1970s, and pollinators such as the common blue butterfly, which has seen a 38 percent decline in distribution since 1982. People will also enjoy safer, greener active travel routes through the natural spaces created.

Northbay Innovations will receive £63,061 to develop a project to restore native oyster beds to the Bay of Firth, Orkney. These beds were a major feature of the area for centuries up until they were finally fished out between the world wars in the 20^th century.

Minister for Climate Action, Dr Allan said:

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2030 and making substantial progress to restore and regenerate it by 2045. The projects benefiting from our Nature Restoration Fund epitomise the type of work we need to see across the country to restore wildlife and habitats on both land and sea.

“Everyone has a responsibility to protect and restore our precious natural environment for generations to come and I have no doubt that these exciting projects will encourage more people to join in the fight to address the biodiversity crisis.”

NatureScot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said:

“These exciting new nature restoration projects are not only working to help restore Scotland’s nature and increase our resilience to climate change, but also to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities by providing more opportunities to enjoy nature across Scotland. We're delighted to be supporting this work to make Scotland a greener, healthier place for everyone.”