Environment

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland about 400 years ago. In 2009, an official trial reintroduction of beavers, the Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT), took place in mid-Argyll. Since 2006, beavers have also been reported in Tayside as a result of unauthorised releases. The Scottish Government announced in November 2016 that it was minded to retain the Eurasian beaver in Scotland, and for them to be allowed to recolonise naturally.

From creating homes for frogs to discovering hidden gardens in our cities, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is awarding almost £1m to projects set to bring local communities closer to nature.  

The 11 projects will help communities take an active role in managing their local green spaces and benefit from the improvements in health that come from connecting with the natural world.

An innovative Highlands project offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels will be stepped up if conservation charity Trees for Life wins an online vote for a major European funding award. 

Chemical pollutants in our seas could lead to the disappearance of half of the world’s killer whales in just decades.

Despite the first moves to ban polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 40 years ago, the chemicals remain a deadly threat to the mammals at the top of the food chain.

Share the experience - I know how to be eco

The general aim of the cooperation project is to raise the awareness of residents of the area about the protection of the environment through the organisation of promotional and educational events.

Find out more
River Margins Enhancement
Name of organisation/business: 
Mains of Auchriachan Farm
Funding: 
Agri-Environment Climate Scheme
Kinneil Coastal Rangers
Name of organisation/business: 
The Conservation Volunteers
Funding: 
£298,241 - Coastal Communities Fund

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

A new study conducted jointly by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the RSPB has highlighted a serious decline in Scotland’s Mountain Hare population, with numbers suspected to have fallen to less than 1% of the level recorded just 60 years ago.

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