Environment

Scotland’s first ever National Islands Plan (NIP) was published in 2019 and it is now going through its first review.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is leading on the reintroduction proposals and is urging anyone with an interest to go online and complete this survey before the closure of the formal engagement process on 25 September.

Targets for nature recovery could be put into law in line with those for climate change, as part of a range of proposals to protect and restore Scotland’s natural environment.

The Scottish Government is asking for views on its plans and actions to accelerate nature restoration and regeneration. The consultation sets out the key elements of Scotland’s overall Biodiversity Framework, including:

Stranraer Oyster Festival has ‘come of age’ according to organisers after drawing record crowds to the three day event in south west Scotland, that celebrates the wild, native oysters of Loch Ryan.

Romano Petrucci, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust, the community organisation that runs the festival, said:

Scottish farming businesses will see support payments start to reach their bank accounts this week, two weeks ahead of last year’s first payments. 

National Rural Mental Health Forum

Where we live can influence and benefit our mental health and wellbeing and how we interact with and use our land use can also be a factor.  For that reason, National Rural Mental Health Forum are focusing their next session on Scottish Government’s Land Use and Agriculture Just Transition engagement programme.   

Climate 4 Change Conversation: open to all Online

Are you concerned about climate change but not sure how urgent it is and how you can make a difference? Join in for a friendly, facilitated discussion to explore these questions in a short one-off session.

Community Woodland Association Annual Conference 2023 - Woodland Connections

This 2-day conference features a range of speakers, workshops, site visits and a chance to network and find out what going on in woodlands around Scotland. 

As the Highland and Islands Climate Festival (1-30 September) gets into full swing the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has published a report highlighting the impact of the first year of the Highland Community Waste Partnership.

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen are developing technology that will enable electricity generated by renewables to be ‘banked’ as green hydrogen in depleted oil and gas reservoirs alongside industrial carbon emissions. 

The research could play a key role in helping Scotland achieve its net zero ambitions and even become a net exporter of hydrogen, while providing a new lease of life to depleted oil and gas reservoirs and aquifers, as well as the pipeline and well infrastructure surrounding them. 

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