Make Space For Nature

In this episode two NatureScot colleagues chat about their personal experiences of making space for nature in their lives. Keen gardeners Fiona Leith and Marianne Sandison provide top gardening tips and discuss the healing power of the natural world. Spring is the perfect time to start the green fingered journey or to refine gardening skills, and they also highlight that even without a garden ther...

In this episode we chat to Jim Jeffrey, NatureScot’s Pollinator Strategy Manager, who explains the importance and diversity of Scotland's pollinators, and highlights how they're faring in the recent pollinator progress report. Jim also showcases examples of projects up and down the country helping reverse nature loss, and he provides some great tips for ways we can all make Scotland more...

In this episode we chat with Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Paths For All.  Scotland's national walking charity, supported by NatureScot and other partners, works hard to get everyone in Scotland to be active every day – from maintaining paths and training volunteers, to providing local health walks for all.  Kevin explains how the new Step It Up strategy aims to tackle physical inactivit...

Emma Bryden, a member of the Young People’s Forest Panel, and Abi Gardner, NatureScot’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Officer, tell us about Scotland's Young People's Forest (SYPF) and its positive impact, both on climate change, and also on people. We also hear why some people are experiencing climate anxiety and how projects such as SYPF are providing a way to take positiv...

In this episode we chat with biodiversity enthusiast and ex-colleague Ewen Cameron about how we can all help nature this winter. Ewen retired from NatureScot a few years back and now volunteers much of his spare time to help nature, including through the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership. Ewen encourages us to think outside the box, to 'stick with it' and is not averse to stea...

Debbie Bassett, NatureScot’s Climate Change and COP Coordinator, returns to our podcast series, along with Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s Deputy Director of Nature & Climate Change, to give us a post-COP26 roundup.  We hear what it was like to be on the ground at the event held in Glasgow last month, and how nature-based solutions to climate change are a huge focus for many of the attendees. Debb...

David O’Brien, NatureScot’s Biodiversity Evidence and Reporting Manager, explains what genetic diversity is and how it can help fight the twin crises of climate change and nature loss.  Highlighting examples of relevant projects, both here in Scotland and much further afield in Benghazi, David talks passionately about the potential implications for the future of many species. A keen amphibian spot...

This week we chat with Alistair Rennie, NatureScot’s Dynamic Coast Project Manager and Geodiversity Advice Manager. He explains the link between climate change and coastal erosion, and how the Dynamic Coast project will help Scotland’s coast and assets adapt to our future climate. He also has some really encouraging ways we can recharge, enjoy nature on our doorstep and make more space for nature,...

Well known for her weather forecasting with the Met Office and BBC Scotland, Heather was recently appointed to NatureScot's Board.  Throughout her career she's witnessed significant changes in our weather. We discuss the direct impact of climate change and the significance of STEM in understanding these changes. With a focus on hope for the future, Heather highlights what we can all do t...

In this episode we speak to Caitlin Cunningham, NatureScot’s Graduate placement, focussing on blue carbon. She gives us an insight into her role, and explains what blue carbon is and its importance in the fight against climate change.  Caitlin also provides her top tips as to how we can all make space for nature in life, including a great nature based alternative to watching the latest soap opera...

We speak to Debbie Bassett, NatureScot's Climate Change and COP Coordinator, who explains so well how climate change and nature loss are linked, what COP15 and COP26 mean for us all and what we can all do to make more space for nature in our lives.  A great listen - follow Debbie's advice and let's all be part of the change!

To kick off this new season we have a very special episode - our guest presenter Richard Baynes speaks to the Chief Executive of the Committee on Climate Change, Chris Stark and NatureScot’s Chief Executive, Francesca Osowska. They discuss the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, what COP26 means for us all, and how, if we all take action now, the future will be bright. Focussing on a se...

Ian Sargent, our Nature Reserves Manager for Beinn Eighe talks about the wealth of woodland at Britain's first NNR.   With its cluster of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, dazzling dragonflies and soaring golden eagles, it’s no wonder this is an outstanding place.  Listen as Ian discusses the woodland expansion; from seed collection of trees, the process, how it is grown in the nursery to pl...

Welcome to Scotland’s urban environment – which, contrary to many people’s expectations, is a flourishing place for wildlife.  Gain an insight into how ‘Green Infrastructure’ - our green spaces, street trees, parks and paths - all play their part in connecting people with nature, and how it contributes to wider habitat networks through our towns and cities.    Join Phil Baarda from Scottish Natura...

Interview with Rory Richardson, Reserve Manager of 20 years at Creag Meaghaidh and Adam Rose, Operations Officer for Loch Fleet  Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve (NNR) is located at the centre of Scotland!  It is the complete mountain experience. From wild mountain plateau to woodland that's slowly returning to life, Creag Meagaidh feels like the Highlands compressed into one reserve. I...

Gain an insight into the life on Noss, National Nature Reserve on Shetland.  Join Juan Brown, Operations Officer as he gives you a guided tour. A dramatic island with soaring cliffs, Noss is home to an amazing array of nesting seabirds. In spring and summer, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and puffins seem to occupy every available nook and cranny on the cliffs while great skuas nest further inland....

Listen as Francesca Osowksa, Chief Executive of SNH visits Rum and explores this magical National Nature Reserve for this first time.  Interviewed by Ian Sargent, Nature Reserves Manager.  As you approach Rum, the rugged mountains set a dramatic stage for spectacular wildlife and archaeology. Circling eagles glide overhead, majestic red deer graze the hillsides and otters frolic between sea and la...