Nature project looks to reverse decline of coastal species in Scotland

EIGHT conservation organisations have launched an new initiative focused on reversing the decline of vulnerable coastal species in Scotland.

Species on the Edge, which is led by NatureScot alongside seven nature conservation charities, is dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland’s coast and islands.

The project will focus on seven landscape areas in Scotland, including Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.

The programme celebrated its formal launch on Saturday in the Highlands.

The project has been awarded £4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and it has an overall programme cost of over £6.5 million. It is set to run over the next four and half years.

The partners involved are Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, The Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife and RSPB Scotland.

Programme activity will include species survey and monitoring, habitat creation and restoration, education and learning events, advice for land managers, volunteering opportunities, traineeships and more.

The priority species include amphibians, birds, bats, plants, butterflies, bumblebees and a number of other invertebrates.

NatureScot’s director of nature and climate change Nick Halfhide said: “It’s fantastic to see Species on the Edge launching.

“It is an excellent example of what can be achieved through working in partnership and, in the face of the biodiversity crisis, will help us to maximise efforts to secure a future for vulnerable species on Scotland’s coasts and islands.”