Make Space For Nature

A sand dune can look lifeless but is actually one of the most important places for biodiversity in Scotland. We head to the Moray coast to explore the Findhorn Hinterland, where a small, determined local charity is restoring dunes, grassland and woodland while keeping the whole community involved. Along the way we hear why Nature 30 recognition matters for safeguarding the site, and why conservati...

A city park can look ordinary until you realise it's part of a much bigger plan. From Leith Links in Edinburgh, we explore how a citywide Nature Network is being built to tackle biodiversity loss, prepare for climate change, and make neighbourhoods healthier and more beautiful. Fiona Leith chats to Alexandra Hoadley, Ecologist and Greenspace Development Officer at the City of Edinburgh Counci...

In this episode, we chat to Greig McBride, creator of 'Scotland Uncovered', who makes the case that rain and mist aren't obstacles to enjoying Scotland — they're part of what makes it extraordinary. Greig shares a practical one-week itinerary taking in Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the west coast, and the Cairngorms, alongside an honest conversation about the pressures of overtourism o...

Goosebumps in the snow at Glen Coe. Laughter in the rain. A stranger’s kindness on Arran. We sit with traveller and creator Eddie Chee to trace how a spontaneous trip to Glasgow turned into a deep love for Scotland’s wild weather, rolling hills, and everyday magic—and why a ten‑minute walk can reset a heavy mind. We trade big‑ticket views for quieter corners, moving from the Quiraing and Old Man o...

Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline. David Pickett from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and Anna Austin from Caerlaverock Estate share how they're reconnecting fragmented landscapes. With backing from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, they're tu...

The natural world is speaking to us through shifting species patterns, and Graham Madge from the Met Office is helping us translate. As both a climate communicator and lifelong wildlife observer, Graham brings a unique perspective to understanding how Scotland's changing climate is reshaping our beloved landscapes and wildlife. Climate change isn't just about distant polar bears - profou...

Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife. Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generations, not moments. Learn from the carrier...

Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these magnificent birds and farming communities through conversations with NatureScot's Andrew Kent and Appin-bas...

Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community. Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive approach that treats nature as medicine. Assistant Director of Estates and Support Services Helen Gemm...

Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan. The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more commonly known – and the impact it's having on the thousands of barnacle geese that migrate to...

Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world. Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited a lifelong passion for indigenous languages and their connection to the land and the sea. He demo...

Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland. Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal wellbeing and local economies alike. We highlight the unique approach Scotland has taken and disc...

Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures, and why protecting Scotland's invertebrates is crucial for...

Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into how a powerful collaboration of landowners, organisations, and community members is tackling invasive non...

Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum delves into the challenges these species cause and explains the crucial ways we can all prevent and ma...

Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascinating range of grasslands and explains how these ecosystems are paramount for biodiversity, climate resilience, agriculture, and our mental and physical well-being. You'll also gain an insight into the unique machair habitat exclusive to parts o...

In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat. Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven a critical sanctuary for numerous species. With each season offering its own unique wonders, you&a...

Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week. Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth project, which has empowered over 100,000 volunteers through more than 3,100 environmental initiatives across Scotland. From the Shettleston...

Join us as we chat to Caitlyn Johnstone, a Nature Based Solutions Scientist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to explore how plants and ecosystems can transform our cities. Discover how integrating nature-based solutions can make monumental differences in tackling urban issues like flooding and heat. We hear about RBGE's Plants with Purpose research programme investigating the f...

In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about  Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency. We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up and look after their local areas. She shares invaluable tips for taking part in, or organising, impactfu...

In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning. Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of outdoor learning in Scotland’s schools and nurseries has increased for some, yet decreased for others – bu...