Environment

The latest Peatland ACTION Fund round is now open with £1.5 million available to restore damaged peatlands across Scotland.

The funding comes through the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan commitments, which sets out the long-term ambition to restore 250,000 hectares of peatland by 2030.

With more than 80% of peatland habitats estimated to be damaged in Scotland, restoration is crucial to “locking-in” carbon, helping to tackle climate change.

Four young farmers and crofters have been appointed to champion a cultural and behavioural shift towards low-carbon, environmentally sustainable farming in Scotland.

The Young Farmer Climate Change Champions will work through peer-to-peer learning to highlight how farmers can improve efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs, and enhance the sustainability of their businesses.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon made the announcement, which was a Programme for Government commitment, while visiting one of the champions’ croft in the Cairngorms.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has issued a call for ambitious ideas to improve habitats, safeguard species and encourage increased access to nature.

Up to £2million will be available through the two-year Biodiversity Challenge Fund, which was announced in the Scottish Government’s programme for government last year.

The first year of the fund is now open, with up to £1million of investment available in 2019/20.

The next round of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) has opened for applications today (17 January).

AECS is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It supports environmentally-friendly land management practices that aim to safeguard and improve Scotland's natural heritage and help businesses adapt to climate change.

A new fund led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will support projects that encourage visitors to experience more of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands & Islands.

The Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund will invest in around ten major new projects that showcase the local scenery, wildlife and culture of the area. It also aims to benefit communities, with the projects it supports helping to retain local jobs and services.

A new three-part BBC Alba documentary offers a personal portrait of the crofting calendar on South Uist - past and present.

The first two episodes of 'San Fhuil/It's In The Blood' are available to watch on the BBC iPlayer, with the third episode airing tomorrow 12 December at 9pm on BBC Alba. All three episodes will be available on the iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.

There is still time to enter the Anders Wall Award which recognises private individuals who have made a special contribution to the rural environment within the European Union.

Anders Wall Foundation from Stockholm in association with the European Commission, Directorate General for the Environment, Brussels, the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry and the "Friends of the Countryside", has introduced this award.

The landowner of the selected project will receive a diploma of recognition and prize of €20,000.