Scottish Wildlife Trust news
From left: Euan McIlwraith, Alistair Longwell, Allan Bantick, Gill Dowse, Helen Taylor and Gordon Buchanan
Call for bolder action on nature
THE Trust has called for the Scottish Government to put nature at the heart of decision-making to tackle the growing biodiversity and climate crises. Despite high-level pledges to tackle these emergencies, the Programme for Government, published in September, offered little hope that this can be achieved before it is too late. Dougie Peedle, the Trust’s Head
Thermal image of a red squirrel
Funding for red squirrel ‘game-changer’ in the south of Scotland
A NETWORK of volunteers in the south of Scotland has received funding from the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to purchase thermal imaging equipment and trail cameras, which will increase their ability to monitor woodland where red squirrels are holding on.
Thermal imaging has been referred to as a ‘game-changer’ in red squirrel conservation. It reduces the time needed to carry out reliable surveys of red squirrels, and increases the likelihood of spotting greys in areas where they would pose a threat to native populations.
Fight for Scotland’s Nature
THE Fight for Scotland’s Nature campaign has launched a petition calling for stronger laws to protect Scotland’s nature following Brexit.
While the Scottish Government’s Continuity Bill contains proposals for establishing a new environment watchdog to replace vital safeguards provided by the EU, these plans do not go far enough and would leave our natural environment at risk.
Crucially, the campaign is calling for the new environment watchdog to allow individuals to challenge decisions that affect their environment, and for it to be truly independent of government. To sign up, visit
fightforscotlandsnature.scot/ petition by Thursday 12 November.
The Red Squirrels Forum for South Scotland brings together 350 volunteers from 18 conservation groups. It is supported by the Trust-led Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels partnership. “Community action represents the future of red squirrel conservation in our region,” explained Dr Stephanie Johnstone, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ Conservation Officer in South West Scotland. “This vital field equipment will make the most of volunteers’ valuable time and increase their impact.”
Celebrating our
volunteers MANY congratulations to the winners of our Trustees’ Awards for Volunteering. Roy Sexton, pictured, who recently
stepped down as Chair of our Stirling & Clackmannanshire Local Group, won our Lifetime Achievement Award. He revived the group 20 years ago as a retirement project with his wife Sue. Roy helped save the rare sticky catchfly from extinction around Stirling. Linda Rosborough, Trust Chair, said:
“Dedicated and passionate people lie at the heart of every conservation success story.” Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Awards were
presented at our National Members’ Day. Learn more about the winners and volunteering with the Trust on our website. Winners: Roy Sexton – Lifetime
Achievement Award. Peter Garson – Species Champion. Alasdair Lemon – Young Volunteer. Young Leaders – Group Award.
NOVEMBER 2020 SCOTTISH WILDLIFE 11
of Policy, said: “We believe a green, transformative recovery is needed for Scotland to emerge from the economic crisis caused by Covid-19 in a way that also improves human wellbeing and reverses the decline in nature. “The Programme for Government contains a number of welcome measures, including further commitments to restoring peatland and creating new woodland. “What is lacking is a sign that
nature is entering the mainstream. Unfortunately, all too often it is seen as a nice thing to have, rather than the foundation blocks that support all human life. “There are opportunities to invest
in nature-based solutions in a way that helps reduce the need for spending in other areas, for example through a Natural Health Service that reduces future spending on direct healthcare.” As the Scottish Government reviews
key plans on climate change and infrastructure later this year, the Trust continues to lobby for a coherent, long-term investment in nature. For much more on this topic, see our lead feature on p18.
© Sue Sexton
© Scott Country
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