Walkhighlands “Scottish Island Bagging” guidebook has made the shortlist of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. A celebration of nature, wildlife and landscape photography in Scotland, the awards include one presented every two years that recognises the merits of photographic books and asks members of the public to choose their favourites. The sixth biennial Favourite Scottish Nature Photography Book Vote is open at https://scottishnaturephotographyawards.com/bookvote, where you can see the shortlist and register your own vote. Courtesy of the publishers, everyone who takes part in the online vote will be entered into a free prize draw for one lucky individual to win the entire shortlist of books. The eleven books shortlisted for the 2020 Award highlight…
Nature
Following Footprints
Ben Dolphin gains a glimpse into hidden lives through studying the trails and tracks left in the snow. I spend a disproportionately huge amount of time staring out the kitchen window. Partly because, like everyone else, I’m spending a lot of time at home just now and I can’t help myself. And partly because there’s always the chance that something of interest will come ambling through the garden while I’m watching. But in recent weeks I’ve seen very little. The snow and cold have driven migratory species off the hill, snooze-prone species into slumber, and the remainder into networks of…
Consultation begins on return of lynx to Scotland
An extensive and impartial study to assess people’s views about the possible reintroduction of Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands is being launched this month by a new partnership of the charities SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and Vincent Wildlife Trust. Ecological research has shown that extensive areas of Scotland could support lynx, but the charities say returning the shy and elusive animal is less about science and more about people’s willingness to live alongside a species that’s become forgotten on these shores. The year-long Lynx to Scotland consultation will impartially and accurately assess public and stakeholder attitudes around the idea of lynx reintroduction, including in rural…
Hill walking paradise gets path upgrade
A popular route up one of our most iconic hills will be easier for walkers, and less damaging to the mountain, thanks to work that has just been completed on Quinag, in the north west Highlands. The work was undertaken by ACT Heritage and managed by the John Muir Trust, who maintain the mountain’s extensive path network which provides access to the summit and stunning views over the peaks and lochans of Sutherland, and beyond. It was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership scheme, and through the generosity of John Muir…
Campaigners warn of fragile future for Scotland’s beavers
Britain’s beavers could be major allies in tackling the climate and extinction crises – but without more public and government support face a fragile future, says Beaver Trust as it launches a new documentary film exploring the country’s relationship with the endangered but controversial species. The charity’s short film, Beavers Without Borders, explores the benefits and challenges of reintroducing beavers to Britain’s landscapes. It hopes the documentary, launching on YouTube on 15 November, will appeal to a wide audience and promote discussions around ensuring a better future for the species. “It’s a critical time for beavers, with the UK Government…
Langholm community’s "impossible dream" set to come true
The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout is set to go ahead following one of the most ambitious community fundraising campaigns ever seen – with the community of Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway raising the final funds needed in the nick of time. The bid was previously featured in David Lintern’s Walkhighlands feature, Langholm – a landscape of hope. A landmark community buyout agreement of £3.8 million for over 5,000 acres of land has been reached between The Langholm Initiative charity and Buccleuch – paving the way for the creation of a huge new nature reserve to help tackle climate…
Langholm – a landscape of hope
David Lintern visits Dumfries and Galloway to find out about plans for the Langholm community buyout. There’s something astonishing happening in the Scottish Borders. In mid-September 2020, the Newcastleton community bought an area known as Holm Hill. Over the hills at Wanlockhead – reputably Scotland’s highest village – plans for another buyout are also underway, with the land valued at 1.4M and the community now submitting a grant application to the Scottish Land Fund. But the new land reform charge is being led by the people of Langholm. At around 10,000 acres (that’s 7,562 football fields to you and I)…
Outdoors groups demand transparency on plans for Cairngorm
A coalition of outdoors organisations is calling for plans drawn up by Highlands & Islands Enterprise to be made publicly available prior to a decision by the Scottish Government as to whether to fund the proposals. Ramblers Scotland, the North East Mountain Trust (NEMT), the Scottish Wild Land Group and the Cairngorm Campaign have all come together to express their shared concern that public money may be wasted on costly and unsustainable proposals for the mountain’s ski area, including the fate of the funicular railway which has been closed since 2018. The group is very concerned about the lack of…
Walkers urged to check for deer stalking before Heading for the Scottish Hills
Hillwalkers are being encouraged to check online for deer stalking information before setting out during the busiest part of the season. NatureScot manages the Heading for the Scottish Hills website which provides details on deer stalking on estates between July and late October to help walkers avoid disturbing stalking. With many more people getting out and about to enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the website helps walkers to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It includes advice on where and when stag stalking is taking place on each estate,…
Golden eagles breed at Highlands rewilding estate for first time in 40 years
A pair of golden eagles has successfully reared a chick in an artificial nest at Trees for Life’s flagship Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston between Loch Ness and Skye – marking the first known return of the spectacular birds of prey to breed at the Highlands site in 40 years. The eagle chick flew from the nest for the first time last week – some five years after a Trees for Life team and renowned conservationist Roy Dennis MBE of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation set up an eagle nest or eyrie at a prime location to entice the birds…