Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.
The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.
Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.
🐝 Nature Hero of the Month? The humble wasp. Yes, really 💚
Wasps are formidable pest controllers, capturing millions of caterpillars, flies and larvae every season.
There are two closely related species — the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica). They look almost identical, but you can tell them apart by their facial markings: an anchor shape on the common wasp, three separate dots on the German wasp.
They're also key pollinators of ivy — plants that flower late in the year when bees have largely disappeared. Those ivy berries are vital food for garden birds.
Oh, and without wasps carrying yeast through winter in their guts, we might not have some bread, beer or wine. Seriously! Read more about the research that revealed their surprising role. (link below).
So next time one hovers over your picnic — cover your food, stay calm, and say thank you. 🐝
#MakeSpaceForNature #pollinators #wasp
Think you know Scotland? Whether it's your backyard or your bucket list, there's always more to discover than you'd expect.
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Greig McBride of @scotland_uncovered — with a combined following of over 1 million across social media — to talk all things Scotland: a one-week road trip itinerary, why overtourism is putting pressure on Scotland's most iconic spots, and the quieter islands like Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis and Harris that deserve your attention.
Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this one's for you. Link in bio, or search Make Space For Nature on your preferred podcast app.
#ScotlandUncovered #MakeSpaceForNature #VisitScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenScotland #ScotlandPodcast #ExploreScotland #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode
With its black and white plumage and red feet, the black guillemot is an easy bird to identify. The highest numbers of these small auks are found down the west coast of Scotland and on Orkney and Shetland, but you can also spot them in other areas. They usually breed and winter in the same areas, nesting on rocky cliffs and islands.
Gulls are as much a part of the seaside as fish and chips.🐟 🍟
But did you know that human food is bad for gulls? And feeding encourages them to link people with food.
Help gulls and your local community - caring means not sharing 😊
Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?
St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.
Happy 100th birthday, Sir David Attenborough. 🌿
Over the years, he's brought the natural world into our homes, our hearts, and our imaginations — from Scotland's wild coasts to the farthest corners of the Earth. He's shown us nature's wonder, and reminded us of our responsibility to protect it.
At NatureScot, his legacy inspires everything we do. Because if we want future generations to experience the Scotland he helped us fall in love with, we need to make space for nature — now.
Today, how will you play your part? Whether it's a walk in your local greenspace, a moment to notice what's living alongside you, or taking action for nature in your community — every step counts.
Share what you're doing and tag us. 💚
#MakeSpaceForNature #HappyBirthdayDavidAttenborough #SleevesUpForNature #30x30UK
