The application to drill for gold at the abandoned Cononish gold mine near Tyndrum has been turned down. Scotgold Resources had applied to mine gold and silver and develop a controversial water extraction system. The mine had previously been abandoned as uneconomic in 1997 but recent surges in world gold prices had fuelled interest and exploratory work by Scotgold. The planning application has been refused by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. The convenor of the Park Authority, Dr Mike Cantlay said potential economic benefits could not be balanced against conservation concerns, but explained that the application…

A pioneering approach to bat conservation begins in Scotland today, as the National Trust for Scotland launches the nation’s first ever dedicated bat reserve at Threave Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. The conservation charity says that is hopes the reserve, which is generously supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, will become a centre of learning and research for the flying mammals and increase public awareness of how to live in harmony with these nocturnal animals. Both bats and their roosts are protected by law in the UK. Over the past century, their populations have suffered serious decline. Now there are signs…

The first beaver kits to be born in the wild as part of the Scottish Beaver Trial have now been spotted in Knapdale Forest, Mid-Argyll, Scottish Beaver Trial staff announced today (Friday 13 August). As part of the partnership project between the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which achieved conservation history last May by launching the first formal trial reintroduction of a mammal back to the UK, the newborn beavers (known as kits) are estimated to be eight weeks old and their sighting marks a positive achievement in the progress of this landmark project. Christian…