Ecologists have discovered new colonies of an extremely rare flowering plant in Scotland whilst checking the condition of woodland at Dollar Glen. The extremely rare parasitic flower Toothwort was thought to have disappeared from the glen, having last been spotted 10 years ago. Completely lacking in chlorophyll, and with leaves reduced to scales, these pale plants survive by living off Elm and Hazel roots. Lindsay Mackinlay, National Trust for Scotland Nature Conservation Adviser, said: “This is a really exciting find. For years, we have kept an eye out for this species but with no joy, then when we were wandering…

A symbolically important moment in the restoration of one of the world's greatest woodland habitats was celebrated on Sunday 20 May 2012 when acclaimed wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan planted Trees for Life's Millionth Tree in Scotland's Caledonian Forest. The event took place at a celebration event held at the conservation charity's Dundreggan Estate near Loch Ness, in Glen Moriston, Inverness-shire. “Magnificent and magical, the Caledonian Forest is a wild place at its most wonderful. Every single tree planted helps to restore one of the world’s greatest woodland habitats. One tree will be used by a thousand species in…

Sharp-eyed residents on a Scottish island National Nature Reserve (NNR) helped catch one of Britain’s most notorious egg thieves. Police arrested Matthew Gonshaw after receiving a tip-off from islanders on Rum. Most of the island is managed as an NNR by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). With just 35 inhabitants living amid the mountainous reserve of 10,000 hectares, Rum has one of the world’s largest colonies of the seabird Manx shearwater. It also contains breeding golden eagles and white-tailed eagles. This time of year is also the main bird breeding season for many species, a key reason the egg thief was…

A proposed 22-turbine windfarm at Sallachy, north of Lairg in Sutherland, would result in the loss of a large area of wild land, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has advised. In objecting to the proposals, SNH has also highlighted the adverse effect the development would have on the Assynt and Coigach National Scenic Area (NSA), and the potential impacts on a range of other important sites for wild birds and habitats. Confirming the organisation’s objection, SNH’s director of operations, Andrew Bachell, said: “We support renewable energy as a means of tackling climate change. Our role is to provide information and advice…

Plans to plant 100,000 native trees at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve are on target as the half way mark has recently been reached. The National Trust for Scotland has so far planted 51,470 sub-montane birch, willows, rowan and alder which have already taken root on the lower slopes of Meall nan Tarmachan. The project is part of a long term plan to restore the native broadleaf woodland historically found at Ben Lawers, much of which has been lost due to management for sheep and deer. Restoring the woodland will continue to enrich the habitat at Ben Lawers, encouraging more…

Community groups across Scotland, who are running projects to do with managing and enjoying nature, can now apply for a new Community Action Grant. Launched by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the new scheme is for grants of between £1k and £20k for short term projects of 12 months or less. The grants are focused on getting more people and communities involved in outdoor recreation, volunteering and outdoor learning. They are also targeted at action to improve, protect and manage habitats, species and landscapes. Projects that help record valuable information about local species and natural habitats can also benefit. Andrew Bachell,…

The world's most northerly resident population of bottlenose dolphins is stable and may even be increasing, according to new research. The east coast of Scotland is home to around 195 dolphins, the only resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea. They are a regular tourist draw around the east coast and one of the most recognisable species in Scotland. The report was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) which has a duty to report on the condition of bottlenose dolphins within the Moray Firth SAC (Special Area of Conservation) every six years. The University of Aberdeen has carried…

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has objected to the proposed Dalnessie wind farm in Sutherland, because it says it would irreversibly damage an area of outstanding beauty in what is considered to be one of Scotland’s finest wild landscapes. The MCofS says that the proposed wind farm would have a massive footprint, with 27 turbines and 20 kilometres of 6 metres-wide new access tracks cutting through an area of previously unspoiled beauty. Each turbine would be up to 121 metres high to blade tip. MCofS Chief Officer, David Gibson, said: “The proposed wind farm would be visible from the…