MP digs in to help launch nature fund
A Perthshire MSP has helped launch a new fund of up to £2 million to protect and enhance Scotland’s nature.
Environment secretary and MSP for Perthshire South and Kinrossshire, Roseanna Cunningham, launched the fund at Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, where she joined volunteers planting native broadleaf trees to attract red squirrels.
In tandem with the announcement of the initiative, SNH issued a call for ambitious ideas to improve habitats, safeguard species and encourage increased access to nature.
The fund of up to £2m will be available through the two-year Biodiversity Challenge Fund, which was announced in the Scottish Government’s programme for government last year.
The first year of the fund is now open, with up to £1m of investment available in 2019/20.
SNH is particularly seeking innovative ideas that will help our most at-risk habitats and species, including mammals and birds, connect existing nature reserves and protected areas and tackle invasive
Roseanna Cunningham MSP(centre) at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, where she joined volunteers planting native broadleaf trees to attract red squirrels species.
She said:“Scotland is leading the way with work to protect our natural environment and we are committed to doing more to safeguard our biodiversity, species and habitats.
“I’m delighted to launch this new fund of up to £2 million, which should enable the creation and improvement of habitats across the country, providing vital support to some of our most vulnerable wildlife, as well as encouraging people to access and enjoy Scotland’s incredible natural resources.”
SNH chief executive Francesca Osowska said:“Our nature - from the green spaces in our towns and cities to our remote and wild mountains, islands, coasts and seas – is a precious national asset and a big part of what makes Scotland so special.”
The funding will support large-scale projects that aim to deliver rapid change on the ground to increase the health and resilience of the country’s natural environment.