John Muir Trust Nevis conservation officer Lewis Pate spotted a perfectly split hazelnut shell left by a red squirrel enjoying a nutty treat in Steall Gorge, Glen Nevis. This is the first recorded evidence of squirrels in this location. Lewis says, “I was walking through the birch and ash wood on the path when I found it. The only animal that can do this is a red squirrel and while we have never observed any reds in the gorge, it is reasonable evidence of their presence despite the habitat not being particularly suited to them. “Reds will feed on birch…

Biodiversity surveys carried out on Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Estate, in Glen Moriston last year have revealed a range of rare and endangered species. The new discoveries on the 10,000-acre estate include the first Scottish record of one species of sawfly and what may be the first British record of another; the second-ever British record of a waxfly species; and species of spider, cranefly and dragonfly all listed in the UK’s Red Data Book of endangered species. At least 60 priority species for conservation have now been identified on the site, which lies to the west of Loch Ness and…

Scotland’s natural environment should be valued not just for its own sake, but because it generates wealth and can sustain and improve our health, lifestyles and culture. This is the ambition outlined in a new three-year corporate strategy published today (20 January) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). The strategy’s aims include encouraging more people to experience, enjoy and value nature and landscapes, and for the natural environment to contribute more to the Scottish economy. Priorities include helping to halt biodiversity loss in Scotland, using nature more to help adapt to the effects of climate change, and providing valuable advice for…

Members of Highland Council’s planning committee are today riding the funicular railway up Cairngorm to assess the impact that the proposed Allt Duine wind farm in the Monadhliath will have on the view from the Ptarmigan restaurant. They will then return to make their decision on the planning application at 2.30pm. Conservation charity The John Muir Trust has urged the councillors to get their boots on and visit the actual site earmarked for the turbines. In December the council’s planning committee decided to conduct a site visit before making a recommendation regarding the planned development. However, rather than go to…

The John Muir Trust (JMT) says that it is delighted to have received money for a boat to access its most remote property. The JMT was awarded £6,265 by the People’s Postcode Trust, a grant-giving charity, funded entirely by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. The Trust has been carrying out ecological restoration on Li & Coire Dhorrcail for the past 25 years. Its aim is to improve important native habitats such as upland birch and native pine woodland and promote a rich range of wildlife on the property. It can take just five minutes to get to the property…

The community on the Isle of Eigg is campaigning against a planned fish farm to be sited off the coast of the island. The Eigg Heritage Trust has issued the following statement, “Eigg is owned and managed (including the foreshore) by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, a community led organisation whose aims include taking all appropriate measures to conserve the natural heritage of the island for the benefit of the community & the wider general public.” “To this end Eigg is building a reputation as a green island working towards sustainability. Visitors come to the island to learn from…

The John Muir Trust (JMT), the UK's leading wild land conservation charity, is dismayed to see that another festive season has been used by the Scottish Government to bury bad news. The Trust notes that the announcement post-Christmas, of approval of the East extension to the Muaitheabhal wind farm in South Lewis potentially brings further destruction to one of the UK’s best wild land areas. Helen McDade, head of policy for the JMT, said, “This approval comes before a sod has been turned on the original site. If developers can come back after the whole planning process, including a Public…

Beavers in Argyll are so far having little effect on rivers and streams in the area where they’ve been released, according to a new report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Following their reintroduction to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in May 2009, as part of the Scottish Beaver Trial, SNH have been closely monitoring the effects of beavers on the environment in partnership with a number of other independent organisations. In autumn 2010, researchers at the University of Stirling re-surveyed 12 rivers and streams in the area used by the beavers, to assess their effects on stream habitats and landforms.…