News Releases
Record numbers flock to NatureScot’s national nature reserves in 2020
21 December, 2020
Over a million visitors are estimated to have visited NatureScot’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in 2020, an increase from an estimated 650,000 in recent years.
Wintering waterbirds on the increase
14 December, 2020
Numbers of wintering waterbirds in Scotland have increased overall but some species, particularly waders, are being affected by our changing climate.
New green recovery fund to help manage visitors at nature ‘hotspots’
10 December, 2020
Community groups, charities and NGOs are being encouraged to apply for a new £200,000 fund to support Scotland’s green recovery, launched by NatureScot today (Wednesday 9 November).
Partial denotification of Foveran Links SSSI confirmed
09 December, 2020
Parts of the dunes on Foveran Links have lost their status as a nationally important protected wildlife site, after consideration of the scientific evidence by the Protected Areas Committee (PAC) of NatureScot. The PAC concluded that, following construction of the Trump International Golf Links course on the dune system at Menie Estate, this area no longer merits being retained as part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Nature fund open for new applications
04 December, 2020
Additional funding is now available for transformational projects to improve habitats, safeguard species and tackle the causes of biodiversity loss, as the Biodiversity Challenge Fund opens its latest round.
Iconic species protected by marine designations
03 December, 2020
NatureScot has today welcomed the designation of 12 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and four Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland’s seas.
Huge potential for nature-based jobs boost
02 December, 2020
A new report has revealed the huge opportunity for nature-based jobs to help Scotland secure a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and support the transition towards a net-zero economy.
NatureScot calendar 2021 competition winners announced
27 November, 2020
During the summer NatureScot appealed to the nation for their treasured photos and memories of Scotland’s rivers, coasts, seas, lochs and canals, to feature in a celebratory calendar marking Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters (YCW).
Making space for nature will help resilience
26 November, 2020
Lack of diversity in nature is a risk for further global pandemics, the head of Scotland’s national nature agency NatureScot will warn in a key note address later today.
Speaking at the SAGES 2020 online conference, Chief Executive Francesca Osowska, will set out the importance of making more space for nature to provide resilience from future pandemics.
Chough conservation effective but more action needed
20 November, 2020
Conservation measures to help save the threatened red-billed chough have been effective in preventing further large population declines.