A Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) staff member has discovered a highly invasive plant, originally from New Zealand, on the sand dunes near the Forvie national nature reserve. Operations officer Mike Smedley discovered several patches of piri piri burr growing near a path a few hundred metres from the internationally important nature reserve. As the name suggests, the seed heads form burrs, a compact ball of seeds, each with its own hook ready to attach to the socks, fur or wool of passing people or animals. Often unnoticed, the seed later drops out and so the plant spreads. Like many non-native…

An exciting project which scientists hope will reveal the secret life of large sharks visiting Scottish waters will begin in Hebridean seas today (Friday 13 July). Marine biologists from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the University of Exeter will attach satellite tracking tags to 20 basking sharks in the seas around the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. Once fitted, the tags will allow people to track the movements of the sharks on the SNH website in close-to-real time. The tags will provide information on the location and behaviour of the sharks during the summer when they can…

Two new stalking ponies, a community hydro-electric scheme and visitor leaflets are just a few of the nine community projects to benefit from the John Muir Trust’s 2012 Conservation Fund. The Trust has awarded over £22,000 for a range of wild land conservation projects on or around its properties and partnerships – benefiting the local community and the environment. Grants this year include funding towards: native woodland projects on Dun Coillich and North Harris; the purchase of two stalking ponies on Knoydart; habitat surveys on Assynt; invasive Japanese knotweed control on Torrin and a feasibility study for a small scale…

An exhibition of stunning photography of Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve opens on Sunday at Craigieburn Garden and Cafe near Moffat. The exhibition is to mark the anniversary of Grey Mare’s Tails 50 years in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. From the dramatic landscape and its picturesque waterfall to the wildlife and botanical interest found there, Grey Mare’s Tail is shown in all its glory. All the photographs have been taken over the past 8 years by Property Manager Richard Clarkson. Richard is an accomplished wildlife and landscape photographer whose images have been published across the world in…

Golden Eagle The police have issued an appeal for informtion after tests showed that a golden eagle found dead near Morar in Lochaber had been poisoned. RSPB Scotland said it was the third known eagle poisoning incident in the area in the past 10 years, the previous two were white-tailed or sea eagles. The dead golden eagle was found in March and the results of tests showed it died as a result of consuming banned pesticides. Walkers are often the people who come across bird carcasses and RSPB Scotland, Northern Constabulary and the National Wildlife Crime Unit have appealed for…

Wester Ross Alliance, a community group, is worried that Beinn Eighe in Torridon, may lose its Unesco Biosphere Status designation. The designation gives areas greater international recognition among scientists and tourists. The alliance is working with the Centre for Mountain Studies UHI in Perth to see how the status can be secured for the popular Munro which is one of Scotland’s highest mountains. Beinn Eighe is sited in Britain’s oldest reserve, the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve which was created in 1951. According to Scottish Natural Heritage which manage the reserve, up to 50,000 hillwalkers visit Beinn Eighe every year.

The John Muir Trust today added to objections for a windfarm near the popular Munro Ben Wyvis. The Trust's Chief Executive, Stuart Brooks, argues that the Clach Liath proposals (for 17 wind turbines standing 126 metres tall to blade tip) near Ben Wyvis in Ross-shire. He said: “I sincerely hope that planning officials will recommend that this application is rejected and that the Highland Council Planning Committee refuses permission. “The Clach Liath wind development would scar the sides of a notable and popular Munro in close proximity to Inverness. Wild places such as this should be valued for what they…