Councillors champion species

Aberdeenshire councillors have volunteered to champion a range of species, habitats and topics considered to be facing particular challenges in the region.

Following the success of a Biodiversity Champions initiative which began in 2016, the local scheme is similar to a national one which invites MSPS to champion species which are under threat.

The list for Aberdeenshire has been widened to include habitats such as peatlands and issues in particular need of attention including pollinators, community tree planting and control of invasive non-native species.

Infrastructure services committee chairman Peter Argyle said: “Important insects such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies have received considerable media attention in recent times, highlighting their decline due to loss of suitable habitat and the damaging impact of certain pesticides.

“We are also supporting ongoing projects for species including freshwater pearl mussel, red squirrel, wildcat, pine marten and bottlenose dolphin.”

Councillors will assist officers from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels and Scottish Wildcat Action in promoting their work.

Sustainability committee chairman Colin Pike, said: “Although there is much to be done, this shows a clear commitment to taking action to meet our duty to protect biodiversity.”