Live trapping of non-native stoats is being carried out in Orkney today as attempts to stop the spread of this skillful predator get underway. The stoats may have reached the islands via farm produce such as hay or possibly through a deliberate release. There have been unconfirmed sightings at locations on mainland Orkney and South Ronaldsay, and confirmed sightings from Wideford Hill. The live stoat trapping and relocation project is being carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); RSPB Scotland; the Scottish SPCA and Orkney Field Club. Volunteers have been trained to carry out the trapping in line with strict…

A pilot scheme, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, is set to begin in Aberdeen this weekend (Sat 2 October 2010) to encourage city dwellers to report when and where they see squirrels in the city by sending a text message from their mobile phone. Aiming to collect data on squirrel distribution in Aberdeen to help wildlife experts get a better picture of the population size and movements of both squirrel species, reports of red and grey squirrel sightings can be made by texting the word RED or GREY and where it was spotted –…

The North Harris Trust has begun a project to eradicate invasive giant rhubarb from the island with the help of volunteers from the John Muir Trust, the UK’s leading wild land charity. Harris is better known for its stunning beaches and rugged mountains, but on the outskirts of Tarbert pockets of jungle are quickly spreading. Robin Reid, the North Harris Trust’s Ranger, who is co-ordinating the project said: “This is an incredibly invasive species. It takes over ground completely by out competing native plants. Alongside climate change and habitat loss, non-native species like Gunnera are one of the biggest threats…

The Scottish Beaver Trial team has been busy doing a spot of match-making this week, with hopes to see some loch-side love in time for the next breeding season. On Tuesday (21 September 2010), a new male beaver from Telemark, Norway (the same area where all the beavers as part of the Scottish Beaver Trial are from) was successfully released into a loch within the Trial area. This loch is already home to Trude, a female beaver reintroduced in June this year which has been thriving and has established its own individual territory in Knapdale Forest. Beavers are social animals,…

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has confirmed it has £20,000 available to support local projects in West Highland that benefit nature or encourage folk to enjoy it. Community and voluntary groups, as well as individuals and organisations, are eligible to apply for help with projects that will achieve certain aims. Examples include creating opportunities for people to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors, or to learn more about nature and landscapes; encouraging volunteering; and supporting community development. Kristin Scott, SNH’s West Highland area manager, said: “West Highland has some of the most spectacular natural heritage in Scotland. We know how much local…

Preventing deer from grazing has allowed part of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest to flourish, according to charity Trees for Life. With no grazing deer, hundreds of thousands of Scots pine seeds have been able to grow on a 50 hectare site in Glen Affric, Inverness-shire. The woodland at Coille Ruigh na Cuileige was fenced off 20 years ago. This week the conservation charity marked the 20th anniversary of the forest restoration project in Glen Affric which is being run jointly between the Forestry Commission and Trees for Life. The project is designed to boost the natural regeneration of the Caledonian…