Make Space For Nature

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 ...

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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 nowhe...

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 ...

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 colla...

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...

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 Na...

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 ...

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 d...

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. Caitl...

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 ...

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 ...