Environment

Hundreds of people will take part in this year's Orca Watch, conducting watches and collecting records of orcas passing through the Pentland Firth.

A new group will develop ideas on farms that could provide practical, innovative solutions to help climate change mitigation.

Under reforms to the Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC) the new farmer-led initiative will help to drive low-carbon, environmentally sustainable farming practices in Scotland.

An extensive community consultation on a proposed World Heritage Site for The Flow Country has been announced.

The Flow Country in Caithness and Sutherland is the largest expanse of blanket bog in Europe, covering around 200,000 hectares. A recent international study has described the areas as being "the best peatland of its type in the world".

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.