Welcome Ian Jardine
Chief Executive Scottish Natural Heritage
A very warm welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of our magazine – The Nature of Scotland. The sunny spring days at the end of March were followed by snow-covered fields as we moved into April, an example of the varied conditions experienced by Scotland’s wildlife (and its human population!). For many of us spring and summer are the best months to get out and enjoy our nature and landscapes and I hope this magazine inspires you to do so. This edition gives an insight into a series of ‘health walks’ in the towns and villages around the Cairngorms National Park area and the benefits they offer people. There are also features on new long-distance routes, equally enjoyable when tackled in bite-sized chunks, and our ongoing ‘Simple Pleasures’ campaign, encouraging all of us to explore the nature around us. Also in this edition, articles on two of Scotland’s oldest National Nature Reserves showcase some of the best of our natural heritage. Beinn Eighe was Britain’s first ever National Nature Reserve, and remains a very special place where visitors are rewarded with fantastic woodland walks through ancient pinewoods and the opportunity to catch sight of the secretive crossbill or even a golden eagle. We spotlight Corrieshalloch Gorge and the repair work to the famous suspension bridge ensuring continued access for visitors to this truly impressive natural feature. An interesting link between Corrieshalloch and the Forth Rail Bridge is revealed in passing. We reflect on the remarkable breeding success of the Orkney hen harriers last
year. This upturn in the harrier’s fortunes was based largely on habitat restoration and the enthusiasm of local people. Looking to our neighbours in Europe and beyond, we carry a report from Slovenia showing how one of our staff members has helped to establish a wild flower festival that is now being used as a template elsewhere in Europe. The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed that I introduced our magazine as a joint Spring/Summer issue. We are now moving to two issues a year to reduce costs and our environmental impact. Over the coming months, we will be introducing other ways to keep everyone up to date with news from SNH, including a new e-bulletin to be launched later this year.
In the meantime I hope this issue of our magazine will encourage you to make the most of our natural heritage in the months ahead.
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