A new report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) confirms results from previous years showing that Scotland's seabird numbers are continuing to decline, although there are two species that have fared better than others. The report uses data collected by volunteers and professionals from samples of breeding colonies around Scotland. It shows that, from 1986 to 2012, the number of seabirds breeding in Scotland has dropped by 46%. The latest statistics shows that of the 11 species for which abundance could be calculated, nine have shown sustained declines since 1986. The largest declines have been for Arctic skua (80%), a decrease…

Tree lovers have tracked down some of Scotland's oldest Scots pine trees at a highland beauty spot. Volunteers from the Woodland Trust Scotland and Trees for Life have recorded more 200 ancient and veteran Scots pine trees in Glen Affric. Andrew Fairbairn from the Woodland Trust Scotland said: “Ancient trees are the natural equivalent of listed buildings so it’s vital that they are recorded for their future protection. Thanks to the fantastic support received from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we are coming close to having 1,000 pine trees recorded on the Ancient tree Hunt in Scotland.” Volunteer Jim Christie…

A different approach to tree-planting is being trialled by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). In areas with deer, it is normal for trees to be planted with fencing to protect rarer native saplings. But under a technique being trialled at Creag Meagaidh and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserves, managed by SNH, trees will be planted without fences. Methods will be trialled to establish tree species which struggle to gain a foothold due to deer browsing. Some species have died out in areas due to the presence of deer, and are unlikely to naturally recolonise as a result of a lack of…