Make Space For Nature

In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts. Rob also takes us through seven straightforward ways to increase nature on farms and crofts, and Robert shares the...

In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland. Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the outdoors, and tells us how they contribute to his never-ending quest to discover hidden Scottish tre...

What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our rarest and most threatened mammals: the wildcat.  We'll explore their distinct physical features, th...

In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve,  where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey.  They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserves, the three reserves they help look after. We hear about these...

In this episode we chat to Katie Berry from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in partnership with NatureScot and others, working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s native wildlife. Katie explains more about the work involved, the threat from the invasive non-native grey squirrel, the importance of volunteering, and how we can al...

In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these seemingly unrelated factors can have a significant impact on both nature and climate. We also meet with Cliv...

In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again. Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land managers the skills to be self-sufficient and carry out effective tree protection in Tayside, we spoke to staf...

In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer. Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access. With the publication of his first book on outdoor swimming, Calum's passion for the outdoors shines through all his work, earning him recog...

In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals. We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the importance of responsible fossil collecting and preservation. We also shed light on the contributions of pionee...

In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot. The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands and Islands. The fund also aimed to benefit communities, with the projects it supports helping to retain...

In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography. We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature campaign, as well as other projects keeping her busy, including a variety of BBC programmes.  She sugges...

In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager. Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday. Further information: Developing a Landscape Scale Natural Capital Tool for Scotland

In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation. He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes Space For Nature everyday. Skills Development Scotland - apprenticeship information Scottish Apprenticesh...

In this episode we  chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of watching and photographing birds in her garden.  She explains how connecting with nature has affected her mental and physical health, and how her photographs have been turned into a book, inspiring others to make more space for nature in their lives. Mo...

In this episode we chat to Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura , an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Recently awarded Scottish Influencer of the Year (Inspiration) for her climate and environmental work, Laura regularly speaks in the media on the BBC, STV, and Sky News and is currently campaigning for the Scottish Government to ban problemati...

In this episode we chat to Simon Foster, NatureScot’s Trends and Indicators Analysis Officer, about our latest research which reveals an increase in the number of birds in Scotland’s towns and cities. He explains the likely reasons for the increase, how climate change is affecting our birds, and what everyone can do to help. More information: News release: Birds increase in urban areas NatureScot...

Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how this non-invasive sampling technique can monitor wildlife and help build up a detailed image of what lives where.  She explains the pros and cons of the technique, how it's being used to detect the presence of invasive non-native species, and the...

In this episode we hear about NatureScot’s Programme for Youth employment, a programme helping to develop nature based skills to support the fight against climate change and nature loss. Since 2021 we’ve offered around 40 jobs for younger employees including project and practical placements, apprenticeships, and trainee roles right across the organisation, from support roles in finance to outdoor...

In this episode we chat with Peatland ACTION Project Officers Ben Inglis-Grant and Sue White. Both are based on Scottish islands; Sue works with Shetland Amenity Trust and Ben is with Carloway Estate Trust on the isle of Lewis. We hear about their varied work with Peatland ACTION, the national programme helping to restore damaged peatlands in Scotland, led and funded by Scottish Government and del...

In this episode NatureScot staff Fiona Leith and Claire Gordon chat to Christina Riley the founder of the Nature Library, a pop-up nature library which travels to festivals and events around Scotland. Christina explains how the book collection has evolved, and why taking stories to local communities is helping more people appreciate and make space for nature, particularly during Scotland’s Year of...

Foraging Fortnight, a series of events celebrating Scotland’s natural environment and wild food, recently took place across the country. Following on from this festival, we chatted with two NatureScot colleagues, Elli Carlisle and Kat O’Brien, about the easiest and safest ways to experience the best of Scotland's natural larder. From brambles and chanterelles to wild garlic and hazelnuts, whi...

In this episode NatureScot’s Chief Executive Francesca Osowska and Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, discuss what the Scottish Government and NatureScot are doing to tackle the climate and nature crisis and what radical change is needed by us all, to help heal Mother Nature by 2045. Further reading: NatureScot Corporate Plan 2022-26 Scottish Biodiversi...

In this episode we chat with Brian Lironi, Scottish Water’s Director of Corporate Affairs, who highlights the negative impact climate change is having on our water, and suggest ways we can all reduce consumption and help prevent system blockages.  Brian explains why the Scottish Water 'Nature Calls' campaign is seeking a ban on wipes containing plastic, why everyone needs to bin all wipe...

In this episode we speak to Nick Everett, NatureScot’s Climate Change Adaptation Adviser. Nick explains what climate change adaptation is and provides examples of innovative nature-based solutions throughout Scotland, as well as practical ways we can all make space for, and help support, nature to adapt. More: Helping nature to adapt Nature-based solutions to climate change Climate change impacts...

In this special episode for Green Health Week, Fiona Leith and I chat to Paul MacFarlane, Mountain Bike Trail Therapy Leader with Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, part of Scottish Cycling. Trail Therapy is an innovative project, supported by NatureScot and partners, using mountain biking and contact with nature to help people suffering from mental ill-health. He explains the positive impact...