Scottish Wildlife Trust news


MSP visit to Gailes Marsh


IN August, Claudia Beamish MSP visited the Trust’s Gailes Marsh reserve in Ayrshire with Reserves Manager for south west Scotland, Gill Smart and Living Landscapes Policy Officer, John McTague. This gave the Shadow


Minister for Environmental Justice an opportunity to learn about the Trust’s Nectar Network, a pioneering landscape- scale initiative. The project is working with businesses and landowners in Ayrshire to build better habitat for pollinators. Gill Smart said:


“This reserve is part of a partnership project that aims to establish an interconnected network of flower-rich habitats within which pollinating insects can spread and thrive. “Gailes Marsh is a real hotspot for bees and butterflies, but they can’t survive in isolation, they need to be able to move across the landscape. Our neighbours, particularly the golf courses, recognise this and have been quick to take positive action for pollinators on their own land.”


Cumbernauld volunteers needed


THE Trust is looking for Cumbernauld-based conservation volunteers. This is a perfect opportunity


for people hoping to learn more about conservation techniques and land management, and spend time in our fantastic reserves in Cumbernauld. For more information, please contact Peter Gilbert, Volunteer Development Officer at pgilbert@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk


10 SCOTTISH WILDLIFE NOVEMBER 2015


Beaver kits spotted at Scottish Beaver Trial


TWO beaver kits were spotted over the summer at the Scottish Beaver Trial in Argyll. These were the first kits to be born since 2013. Footage of the beaver kits received national and international media attention. The five-year scientific


monitoring phase of the trial, lead by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and RZSS, finished in May 2014. Options for the future of beavers


in Scotland have been outlined in a substantial and detailed report by Scottish Natural Heritage which considered the results of the trial, alongside a study of more than 150 beavers living in the wild in Tayside and other beaver projects. It was sent to the Environment Minister for consideration in June and a decision is expected later in the year.


© Paul Brock


The Scottish Wildlife Trust meets MSPs on Land Reform


Rare bee seen at reserve


ANOTHER notable bee was added to the growing species list for Gailes Marsh Wildlife Reserve this summer when the Reserves Manager, Gill Smart, chanced upon a black-headed mining bee (Andrena nigirceps) during a routine check. It is recorded as


‘Nationally Scarce’ meaning it has been seen in fewer than 100 of the 3,000 hectads (10km x 10km squares) that make up Great Britain. Flowery grassland on light soil with bare banks for nesting is the ideal habitat for this species so Gailes Marsh is perfect.


OVER the summer, the Policy Team have been meeting with key MSPs to discuss the Trust’s views on Land Reform. The Trust’s response to the Bill is considered in the context of achieving positive outcomes to sustain and enhance Scotland’s natural capital and to benefit both wildlife and the people of Scotland. The Trust’s evidence can be viewed on our website.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44