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FIRST WORD
From our Chair, Linda Rosborough
T
he crisis facing Scotland’s wildlife and nature looms ever larger, with a pressing need to find solutions. Now is the time for a green recovery that prioritises the restoration of nature, and its enjoyment by people, as well as meeting the climate challenge and wider goals.
Earlier this year, the Trust worked with partner organisations on A Nature Recovery Plan – a document that outlines a clear list of immediate, and high-impact, actions that are needed to support the recovery of nature in Scotland (see pages 16-17). In the current
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circumstances, it is more important than ever that there is a strong voice for nature and the environment, and it is hugely significant that the main Scottish conservation organisations have come together in this way. We now call for immediate action on these measures and encourage political parties to include them in their manifestos as we approach the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections. Of course, Covid-19 continues to impact us all; our lives have changed. During the pandemic, the Trust has worked hard to ensure we remain effective as an organisation and continue our vital work to protect Scotland’s nature. Much of our activity has moved online – including our National Members’ Day and AGM in September, which saw a high attendance. Thanks to the support
of members and donors, we were able to report a strong and steady financial position during this most challenging of years.
However, we also highlighted the many uncertainties and difficulties ahead, which makes us especially grateful to all those who responded to our emergency Covid-19 appeal, plus our legacy donors. Such generous contributions have greatly helped our financial resilience during this testing time.
I am delighted to say that most of our practical nature conservation work has continued. Although we furloughed field staff initially, by the summer we were able to bring almost all staff back to work. Following careful planning, we also re-opened our four visitor centres in August. Local groups have also
In the current circumstances, it is more important than ever that there is a strong voice for nature and the environment.
adjusted to a new way of working together and have held extremely effective Zoom meetings, while educational activities and project work also recommenced soon after the lifting of lockdown restrictions. Inevitably, however, there have been some constraints on our activity, and we have not been able to do all that we would have liked. We have been grateful for the flexibility shown by our funders and to our staff and volunteers who have risen to the challenge of working in these particularly demanding circumstances. With our enhanced dependence on digital communication and meetings, it’s well worth signing up to the Trust’s mailing list. Many of us automatically tick the box to opt out when we join things – I did, then wondered why I was not receiving the monthly eNewsletter! Finally, with life a bit more
constrained once again, now might be a good time to join your local group. Again, by signing up to the Trust’s mailing list and selecting that you would like to receive information from your local group, you’ll find out more about what they are up to and how to get involved.
NOVEMBER 2020 SCOTTISH WILDLIFE 3
Welcome from our Chair
© Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
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