Environment

A bid to nominate Affric and Loch Ness as Scotland’s third national park has been launched, with organisers saying the area’s globally important natural and cultural heritage deserves protection and celebration. 

The partnership behind the proposal says the area of the Scottish Highlands is one of the world’s most beautiful places, and national park status would benefit current and future generations.

Protecting and enhancing nature and improving animal welfare are the key aims of proposed changes to deer management legislation.

It is estimated there are around 1 million wild deer in Scotland, up from around 500,000 in 1990. This extremely high population means that management is required to protect and restore important habitats, particularly woodland and peatland.

Scotland’s renewable energy industry and its supply chain supported more than 42,000 jobs and generated over £10.1 billion of output in 2021 according to a report from the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) published this week. 

This year NatureScot commissioned a repeat of a 2017 survey that looked at tree regeneration over 1,025 hectares of land at Inshriach, near Aviemore.

The survey focused on open areas next to the existing established woodlands, as the aim was to see if the woodland is expanding. It covered land stretching right up to an altitude of 900 metres.

Check out the latest rural job opportunities in Scotland.

27 diverse projects will share over £3.6 million this year; approximately £1.8 million from public funds and another £1.8 million matched by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) funding.

A Loch Lomond hill farmer has raised an incredible £13,340 for RSABI and Diabetes UK by hosting a stock judging event in memory of her mum and sister.