Ideas for protecting wildlife sought as £2m fund launched

A £2 million fund to protect Scotland’s wildlife has been launched in Kinross.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham visited Loch Leven to announced details of the Scottish Natural Heritage-backed campaign.

The watchdog group has issued a call for ambitious ideas to improve habitats, safeguard species and encouraged better access to nature.

Up to £2m will be available through the two-year Biodiversity Challenge Fund.

The first year of the fund is now open, with up to £1m of investment available in 2019-20.

The funding will support largescale projects that aim to deliver rapid change on the ground to increase the health and resilience of the natural environment.

SNH is particularly keen to hear of innovative ideas that will help the country’s most at-risk habitats and species, including mammals and birds, connect existing nature reserves and protected areas and tackle invasive species.

Ms Cunningham launched the fund at SNH’s Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, where she joined volunteers planting native broadleaf trees to attract red squirrels.

“Scotland is leading the way with work to protect our natural environment,” she said.

“I’m delighted to launch this new fund of up to £2m, 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.”

She added: “This significant new investment will step up action by supporting ambitious projects to deliver concrete results.”