Petition by The Wildlife Trusts to MInister Emma Hardy, DEFRA. This applies to 41seabed Marine Protected Areas designated offshore in England, but it is still worth sending your comments. https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/171084/action/2 Closes on 29th...
The microplastics scourge, and how technology and international action can help
Microplastics are everywhere on Earth, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, in the air, the water, in plants, animals and our bodies. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation says soils contain more microplastic pollution than the oceans...
‘Extinct’ jellyfish rediscovered on South Uist
While on holiday in South Uist, Neil Roberts, a member of Skye Naturalists Network, rediscovered Depastrum cyathiforme, a stalked jellyfish that resembles a thistle flower. Last seen on UK shores in 1954, it was thought to be extinct. Read more about this...
New fund for peatland practitioner training
The Peatland Training Fund will provide financial support to over-16s living in Scotland, who want to develop skills for a peatland career. People already working in peatland restoration who would like additional training can also apply. The aim is to increase the...
Environmental Standards Scotland consultation
Environmental Standards Scotland is consulting on its new five-year Strategy, which sets out how ESS will ensure public bodies in Scotland are complying with environmental law, how ESS will scrutinise the effectiveness of environmental law in Scotland, and how it is...
Corncrakes are doing well on Skye
Crofters are adapting their farming practices in north Skye to support the population of corncrakes: in 2024, 27 males were recorded giving their distinctive 'crex crex' call - an increase on the number in 2023. Corncrakes migrate 6000 miles from the Democratic...
Amphibians and reptiles: working with crofters and kids
by Janet Ullman, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation janet.ullman@arc-trust.org Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles is a project of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC). We work with crofters to support their needs in establishing or maintaining populations...
Skye beach cleans update
by Peggy Semler May was a busy month for us, with the weekend of 9-11 May turning out to be the biggest beach cleaning event we have ever organised on the island – the Bracadale Beach Blitz! With the help of many volunteers and partner organisations, and especially...
A food system off-track?
by Anne MacLennan Salmon farming is unsustainable according to a report published last month. Aquaculture is the fastest food production system in the world. Farmed fish have outnumbered wild-caught fish since 2022. Seventy percent of salmon are now farmed, with...
Scottish Land Commission survey and route map
The Scottish Land Commission is seeking ideas on what a fully land reformed Scotland could look like, and what it would mean to you. There's a short online form with two main questions: 1. What changes would you like to see in how land is owned and used in Scotland...