Make Space For Nature
NatureScot presents podcasts that celebrate Scotland's nature and landscapes. In each episode you'll find numerous ways to connect with - and protect - our amazing natural world. We want to inspire everyone to join the fight against climate change and reverse nature loss. Immerse yourself and #MakeSpaceForNature in your life. www.nature.scot
The Will in the Willows: Restoring Ben Lui’s Rare Mountain Plants
High on the slopes of Ben Lui in the Southern Highlands, a quiet restoration is underway. In this episode, we join volunteers and NatureScot staff for a day of tree planting on one of Scotland's finest National Nature Reserves.
Peter Kelly, Operations Officer at NatureScot, tells us all about the effort to bring back montane scrub — a rare habitat of dwarf trees and low shrubs that once covered Scotland's uplands but has been pushed to the edge of extinction by centuries of intensive grazing.
From spiky exclosures and GPS-collared cattle to the painstaking work of plan...
Secrets in the Sand: Findhorn Dunes Rewilded
A sand dune can look lifeless but is actually one of the most important places for biodiversity in Scotland. We head to the Moray coast to explore the Findhorn Hinterland, where a small, determined local charity is restoring dunes, grassland and woodland while keeping the whole community involved. Along the way we hear why Nature 30 recognition matters for safeguarding the site, and why conservation success can start right on your doorstep.
We’re joined by Jonathan Caddy from the Findhorn Hinterland Trust, who shares the long story of this landscape, from childhood memories to today’s hands-on habi...
Nature Networks: Meet the People Connecting Communities and Habitats Across Scotland
A city park can look ordinary until you realise it's part of a much bigger plan. From Leith Links in Edinburgh, we explore how a citywide Nature Network is being built to tackle biodiversity loss, prepare for climate change, and make neighbourhoods healthier and more beautiful.
Fiona Leith chats to Alexandra Hoadley, Ecologist and Greenspace Development Officer at the City of Edinburgh Council, who explains how mapping and local knowledge has become an action plan of 200-plus projects — including how planters and small habitat patches can matter as much as big parks. Her favourite example: the northern br...
Scotland Uncovered — One Week in Scotland: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary with Greig McBride
In this episode, we chat to Greig McBride, creator of 'Scotland Uncovered', who makes the case that rain and mist aren't obstacles to enjoying Scotland — they're part of what makes it extraordinary.
Greig shares a practical one-week itinerary taking in Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the west coast, and the Cairngorms, alongside an honest conversation about the pressures of overtourism on places like Skye and the NC500 — and why quieter islands like Mull, Lewis and Harris, Orkney, and Shetland deserve far more love.
He also explores small but meaningful ways to care for Scotland's nature, whether at home...
Clever, Adaptable and in Crisis: The Truth About Scotland's Gulls
Mixing Colours: Digital Creator Ophelie Adeyemi on Belonging in Scotland's Outdoors
"What's The Story?" The Power of Nature, Positivity and Scottish Spirit – with digital creator Eddy Cheeee
Goosebumps in the snow at Glen Coe. Laughter in the rain. A stranger’s kindness on Arran. We sit with traveller and creator Eddie Chee to trace how a spontaneous trip to Glasgow turned into a deep love for Scotland’s wild weather, rolling hills, and everyday magic—and why a ten‑minute walk can reset a heavy mind.
We trade big‑ticket views for quieter corners, moving from the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr to Ayrshire’s coast, Stirling’s landmarks, and country parks locals often overlook. Eddie talks about using nature as a safe haven for ment...
Beyond the Diagnosis: How Digital Creator Liam Robertson Found Support in Nature
Future-Proofing Caerlaverock: Wilder, Wetter, Working Together
Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline.
David Pickett from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and Anna Austin from Caerlaverock Estate share how they're reconnecting fragmented landscapes. With backing from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, they're turning drains into wetlands, pastures into corridors, and local ambition into climate-ready results.
Discover the practical side of restoration: cutting drains, looping burns, and carving ponds that invite lapwing, teal, and golden plover to return. Learn how grasslands and hedgerows weave through productive...
Forecasting the Future: From Changing Weather to Changing Habitats, with the Met Office
The natural world is speaking to us through shifting species patterns, and Graham Madge from the Met Office is helping us translate. As both a climate communicator and lifelong wildlife observer, Graham brings a unique perspective to understanding how Scotland's changing climate is reshaping our beloved landscapes and wildlife.
Climate change isn't just about distant polar bears - profound transformations are already underway right here in Scotland. The Scottish crossbill, a finch found nowhere else on Earth, faces an uncertain future as warming pushes its suitable habitat northward, whilst Mediterranean species like little egrets and spoonbills are...
Zero Waste Scotland: how small changes create big wins for people and wildlife
Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife.
Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generations, not moments.
Learn from the carrier bag charge success story that achieved an 80% reduction in use and fewer bags on beaches through simple policy changes.
While Plastic Free July drives environmental action, Zero Waste Scotland focuses on reducing all single-use items. Surprisingly, food waste and textiles ca...
Scotland's Sea Eagles: Balancing Conservation and Farming
Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these magnificent birds and farming communities through conversations with NatureScot's Andrew Kent and Appin-based sheep farmer David Colthart.
We hear how eagle predation impacts sheep flocks and how the recently expanded Sea Eagle Management Scheme supports farmers with deterrence and adaptation strategies. The discussion reveals emerging collaborative approaches, including enhanced shepherding and research to track predation patterns.
<...Beyond Hospital Walls: Green Spaces, Healing Places
Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community.
Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive approach that treats nature as medicine. Assistant Director of Estates and Support Services Helen Gemmell reveals how initial management concerns about risk have evolved into widespread staff enthusiasm for these restorative environments.
We visit the Kyle Chemotherapy Unit with Deputy Charge Nurse Wendy Ruiz de Pascal to see how the garden spaces are supporting...
Science on the Solway - how geese are helping us better understand avian flu
Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan.
The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more commonly known – and the impact it's having on the thousands of barnacle geese that migrate to the Solway Firth each winter from their Arctic breeding grounds.
In this episode, you'll learn about the collaborative research efforts underway and how cutting-edge science is helping us better understand bird...
Bogging Brilliant: The Power of Peatland Restoration
Named by nature: exploring the Gaelic roots of Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, with Roddy Maclean
Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world.
Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited a lifelong passion for indigenous languages and their connection to the land and the sea.
He demonstrates how Gaelic helps us understand and protect Scotland's nature, and explains why keeping Gaelic alive matters for both our culture and our understanding of Scotland's landscapes today.
...
Our shared outdoors: Ramblers Scotland on 20 years of access rights and responsibilities
Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland.
Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal wellbeing and local economies alike. We highlight the unique approach Scotland has taken and discuss the vital role of public education in safeguarding these freedoms for future generations.
We delve into the crucial challenge of making Scotland's outdoors truly accessible to all. Hear about innovative projects breaking down barriers for global...
Blood-sucking marvels: Scotland's mission to save the misunderstood medicinal leech
Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures, and why protecting Scotland's invertebrates is crucial for our ecosystem.
This episode explores 'Species on the Edge', an innovative partnership programme of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all dedicated to safeguarding 37 threatened species along Scotland's coast and islands.
As we navigate the historical roles of leeches, from medicine to...
Nature's warriors: stepping up to tackle Scotland's invasive species
Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into how a powerful collaboration of landowners, organisations, and community members is tackling invasive non-native species like mink, giant hogweed, and Japanese knotweed.
We also hear from some of the dedicated and inspiring volunteers - Peter Howell, Calum McRoberts, Joe Martin, and Mike Baillie - who are on the front line of invasive species...
Helping our native wildlife thrive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum delves into the challenges these species cause and explains the crucial ways we can all prevent and manage their spread.
He explains the effective and varied control strategies, from chemical treatments and manual removal, to community-driven efforts. We discuss the impact of these species on native wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, water voles and plants. Callum also...
From machair to meadows: exploring the vital role of grasslands with Plantlife
Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascinating range of grasslands and explains how these ecosystems are paramount for biodiversity, climate resilience, agriculture, and our mental and physical well-being.
You'll also gain an insight into the unique machair habitat exclusive to parts of Scotland and Ireland, and understand the pressing need to preserve this natural wonder.
With practical tips ranging from participating in No Mow May to creating wildlife-friendly gardens, you'll find plenty of ways to support local biodiversity. Tune in, get...
Life at Loch Leven: exploring work and wildlife on the nature reserve
In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat.
Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven a critical sanctuary for numerous species. With each season offering its own unique wonders, you'll learn what to look for and when to visit for an unforgettable wildlife experience, from courtship displays by great crested grebes and the dramatic arrival of pink-footed geese, to tornado-like swarms of non-biting...
Transforming lives and landscapes through nature volunteering
Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week.
Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth
project, which has empowered over 100,000 volunteers through more than 3,100 environmental initiatives across Scotland. From the Shettleston Community Growing Project in Glasgow to Bridgend Farmhouse in Edinburgh, discover how volunteer efforts have transformed these into vibrant community hubs.
Hear about innovative initiatives, such as the Cassiltoun Housing Association's 'feel good verandas', and learn why it's vital to step outside...
Plants with Purpose: discovering green solutions for urban challenges
Join us as we chat to Caitlyn Johnstone, a Nature Based Solutions Scientist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to explore how plants and ecosystems can transform our cities.
Discover how integrating nature-based solutions can make monumental differences in tackling urban issues like flooding and heat. We hear about RBGE's Plants with Purpose research programme investigating the functional traits of plants such as temperature regulation and biodiversity restoration.
Caitlyn’s stories and insights bring to life the adaptability of green infrastructure compared to traditional grey infrastructure. Her passion is contagious as she demonstrates how sma...
Spring Clean Scotland: working together to Keep Scotland Beautiful
In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency.
We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up and look after their local areas. She shares invaluable tips for taking part in, or organising, impactful clean-up events, the critical importance of data collection in driving policy change, and the need for a cultural shift to sustain environmental action all year round.
Then join us on the banks of the R...
Scotland’s outdoor classroom: enriching learning by heading outside
In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning.
Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of outdoor learning in Scotland’s schools and nurseries has increased for some, yet decreased for others – but why is this?
We discuss the potential reasons why, the recommendations made in the report to improve provision, as well as ways we can all encourage children in Scotland to l...
Farming with nature: seven ways to boost biodiversity on farms
In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts.
Rob also takes us through seven straightforward ways to increase nature on farms and crofts, and Robert shares the tangible benefits he's witnessed first-hand from ‘farming with nature’ for 30 years.
More Information
Biodiversity Audit for crofters and farmers
Farming with Nature - supporting sustainable food production, climate and...
Nature's reset: using social media to get outdoors more, with digital creator Chris Lawlor
In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland.
Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the outdoors, and tells us how they contribute to his never-ending quest to discover hidden Scottish treasures.
We explore a range of subjects, from mental well-being and the joys of rainy days, to the challenges of dealing with negative online comments, and how to improve video content...
Scotland's wildcats: bringing Highland tigers back from the brink
What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our rarest and most threatened mammals: the wildcat.
We'll explore their distinct physical features, their historical significance in Scotland, and the substantial threats they encounter, including the risk of hybridisation with domestic cats.
The Saving Wildcats partnership is dedicated to establishing a thriving wildcat population in S...
Two bogs, a swamp and some islands: revealing the hidden gems of Loch Lomond and beyond
In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey. They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserves, the three reserves they help look after.
We hear about these special habitats, discuss the invasive non-native species that threaten them and reveal the conservation efforts led by NatureScot staff and volunteers.
As we delve deeper, the te...
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and tackling the threat of Invasive Non-Native Species
In this episode we chat to Katie Berry from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in partnership with NatureScot and others, working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s native wildlife.
Katie explains more about the work involved, the threat from the invasive non-native grey squirrel, the importance of volunteering, and how we can all be part of this work.
We also meet with NatureScot’s recently appointed Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith, who digs deeper into why invasive non-native species are a major threat...
Explaining the underlying causes of the nature-climate crisis, and how we can all be part of the solution
In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these seemingly unrelated factors can have a significant impact on both nature and climate.
We also meet with Clive Mitchell, NatureScot’s Strategic Resource Manager (Nature & Climate Change) who takes us through some of the changes that need to happen for Scotland to become a sustainable, nature-rich, net-zero nation, and he...
Beavers in Scotland: learning to live with nature's engineers
In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again.
Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land managers the skills to be self-sufficient and carry out effective tree protection in Tayside, we spoke to staff from NatureScot and The Beaver Trust as well as volunteers who were keen to learn more. We find out about the history of beavers and how they...
Exploring Scotland's outdoors responsibly: insights and inspiration, with filmmaker Calum Maclean
In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer.
Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access.
With the publication of his first book on outdoor swimming, Calum's passion for the outdoors shines through all his work, earning him recognition as one of the most influential Scots on social media in 2022.
Calum shares insights into his creative drive, offers top tips for wildlife photography and outdoor swimming, and discusses easy and practical...
Unearthing the Past: Exploring Scotland's Fossil Code with Dr Elsa Panciroli
In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals.
We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the importance of responsible fossil collecting and preservation. We also shed light on the contributions of pioneering women in palaeontology and their invaluable role in shaping our understanding of fossil research.
Tune in to this captivating conversation as we discover more about the Scottish Fossil Code and celebrate the...
The stories, people and projects behind the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot.
The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands and Islands. The fund also aimed to benefit communities, with the projects it supports helping to retain local jobs and services.
We attended an event celebrating the fund and its projects where we met with representatives from five of the projects, as well as NatureScot...
Making space for nature photography, with wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman
In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography.
We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature campaign, as well as other projects keeping her busy, including a variety of BBC programmes.
She suggests simple ways we can all make space for nature as part of everyday life, whilst contributing to research, helping our own wellbeing and fighting nature l...
Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda, with Donya Davidson
In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager.
Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday.
Further information:
Developing a Landscape Scale Natural Capital Tool for Scotland
Unlocking potential through apprenticeships, with Mark Williamson
In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation.
He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes Space For Nature everyday.
Skills Development Scotland - apprenticeship information
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 6 - 10 March 2023
Seasonal ways to Make Space For Nature
Connecting with the outdoors from the inside, with Anna Wood
In this episode we chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of watching and photographing birds in her garden.
She explains how connecting with nature has affected her mental and physical health, and how her photographs have been turned into a book, inspiring others to make more space for nature in their lives.
More:
25 Birds by Anna K Wood
10 ways to Make Space For Nature in winter
