Species on the edge: new conservation programme launched
Species on the Edge is a bold, new ambitious partnership programme of eight conservation organisations, all dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland’s coast and islands.
Programme activity is spread over seven project areas: the Inner Hebrides and Argyll; the Outer Hebrides; north coast; Orkney; Shetland; the east coast; and Solway.
The Species on the Edge partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, The Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife and RSPB Scotland. Together the organisations will be delivering a four-and-a-half-year programme of action, working closely with local communities to help them tackle the impacts of environmental change on wildlife, to benefit both nature and people. The programme will cost more than £6.5 million, with £4m coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Throughout programme, Species on the Edge project officers will be connecting with communities, land managers, organisations, and charities to help protect our unique local wildlife. The programme will be offering local people opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge through workshops, training and volunteering.
The project is launching on the north coast.
Sarah Bird, senior project officer, says: “The north coast is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful and most vulnerable wildlife. Come along to our launch event to find out more about Species on the Edge on the north coast, and see how you can join in this exciting project to help our wonderful wildlife.
“Whether you’re an experienced biological recorder or completely new to conservation and just want to find out more, we’d love to see you. Together, we can help protect fragile species.”
The four-year conservation action project will include community-based work that aims to creatively inspire and enthuse people about their natural environment and explore the values and concerns that communities hold in relation to conservation work.
To find out more about Species on the Edge visit www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/ species-edge-sote/species-edge-about-project or follow on Twitter (@SpeciesEdge) and on Facebook.