Environment

Working for Waders

Wading birds are in steep decline. If we don’t act now, iconic species like lapwings and curlews may vanish from our farms. Come and find out what you can do on your farm to help.

The Scottish Government has announced that beavers will be protected under Scottish law.

The Eurasian or European beaver will be added to the list of European Protected Species of Animals, protected under Scottish law.

This means that from 1 May 2019 shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accordance with the law on European Protected Species.

A new alliance has launched which aims to ensure that Scotland cares for, improves and benefits from its landscapes.

People from over 60 national organisations gathered at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh for the launch of Scotland's Landscape Alliance on 25 April 2019.

The Scottish Government has announced funding to continue the Warmer Homes Scotland initiative until 2022.

Warmer Homes Scotland is designed to help vulnerable people make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing a range of energy saving measures such as new heating systems and insulation.

Since the initiative launched in 2015, thousands of people have been helped to become warmer in their homes, with households saving an average of over £300 a year on their energy bills.

Last night, as part of the much anticipated NetworX conference held in Brussels, the European Commissioner Phil Hogan announced the 5 winners of the inaugural Rural Inspiration Awards.

The Scottish Rural Network would like to extend a massive congratulations to all 25 finalists, and the 5 overall winners.

The winners were:

Many businesses are trying businesses are trying to distinguish themselves from their competitors. They want to attract new clients and win new markets.

Getting the recognition for your good environmental practices through VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards could be the solution. The application process is free. All applicants receive tailored feedback with details of free support available.

The 2019 categories are:

Recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation, the eighth annual Nature of Scotland Awards co-sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage are open for applications until 4 June.

SLE Annual Spring Conference 2019 - Maximising the Margins

‘Maximising the margins’ – the theme of this year’s conference – will explore land use in our more challenging and fragile areas. The event will look in depth at how rural business can rise to the challenge of increasing social, economic and environmental benefits.

The conference will examine how to maximise:

The health and genetics of red squirrels reintroduced to woodlands in the Scottish Highlands by conservation charity Trees for Life are to be studied by scientists at the University of Edinburgh. 

Update 10 April 2019, please note this article has been updated to reflect the extended deadline for applications.

The 2019 Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) round is currently open to applications and closes on 17 April 2019.

Pages