NatureScot

21/06/2026

When an animal flies or runs away from you, it uses valuable energy and could get injured. It may also abandon a nest or young.

This is a particular concern in the spring and summer - when ground-nesting birds are rearing their young here. In areas like moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore, nests and chicks can be well camouflaged but easily sniffed out by a dog or accidentally trodden on. Any disturbance can also cause adults to leave the nest, meaning that eggs or young get cold and are vulnerable to predators. When this disturbance happens frequently, the risk to both the adult birds and their young is greater.

Most wildlife disturbance happens by accident when we are exploring outdoors. The good news is that we can all do our bit to prevent it by following these top tips:

🐶 Even a well-trained dog can frighten wildlife by being curious when exploring. So, it’s safest to keep your four-legged friend in sight (so you can see what it is doing) - or on a lead - when you’re unsure if there are animals nearby.

👀 Always watch wildlife from a respectful distance and learn to spot the signs of disturbance so you know when your presence has a negative impact.

👣 Use paths wherever possible - to prevent damage in more sensitive natural habitats and to avoid disturbing animals and nests hidden in long grass or camouflaged on the forest floor.

🐿 Follow any locally available advice or signage about avoiding disturbance to wildlife. You may also find information on how to spot more elusive species on these signs, so it’s always worth pausing to read them.

For more tips on how to protect wildlife when you're in Scotland's great outdoors, visit the link in the comments.

📷 Lorne Gill/NatureScot

20/06/2026

Gulls ruffling your feathers?

Gulls are drawn to food waste, but human food is bad for them.

Food scraps encourage gulls to stay around, and that can sometime cause problems in our towns and cities.

Help gulls and your local community - don't drop litter and secure your bins 👍

19/06/2026

If you live in the Dollar area, please remove feeders and keep an eye out for sick red squirrels 👇

19/06/2026

A new agreement, committed to healthy nature alongside secure, climate-resistant farming in Scotland, was endorsed by a diverse group at the Royal Highland Show today. NatureScot, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Land and Estates, NFU Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and the Scottish Food Commission all support this important agreement.

With the increasing effects of climate change on Scotland’s food supply, including extreme weather and soil quality, the agreement focuses on the urgent need for natural ecosystems to be strong and healthy to support food production and food security. Several research studies, including the UK Government’s National Security Assessment published in February, have found a strong link between healthy nature and healthy food production. The assessment also found the UK would be unlikely to be able to maintain food security if ecosystem collapse were to drive geopolitical competition for food.

The shared vision – agreed following a series of roundtable discussions - calls for urgent discussions and a renewed partnership with farmers across Scotland. These talks are vital to understand the risks, benefits and changes needed to transform evidence into effective policy and investment decisions.

For more info, see the link in the comments below.

Scottish Environment LINK Scottish Land & Estates NFU Scotland Nature Friendly Farming Network Scottish Gamekeepers Association SGA

18/06/2026

Deer managers in Scotland's low ground areas can now apply for funding to improve their venison handling and processing facilities.

Applications are open for the third round of the Low Ground Venison Supply Chain project, which offers grants to smaller scale producers of venison in these areas.

Hear from three successful recipients from previous rounds of the fund to find out more about the process and how it has helped their operation.

The fund is a partnership between NatureScot, Scottish Venison, SAOS and the Lowland Deer Network Scotland. Find out more via the link in the comments 👇

17/06/2026

🧡 Thanks to the , we're able to support the next phase of the Saving Wildcats project.🐯

This vital funding will help Saving Wildcats support the new Cairngorms-based population of wildcats on their journey to recovery by continuing releases and ongoing monitoring. 🐾

Over the next few years, the project will continue to secure a future for Scotland’s wildcat, which will include focusing on several important elements, which are explained in their excellent blog: https://orlo.uk/kTYj2

📸 ©Stuart Martinez.

Net Zero Scotland

16/06/2026

Today we’ve launched a consultation on our General Licences. We want to hear your views to help shape these licences in 2027 and the future.

NatureScot is responsible for 16 General Licences that allow people to carry out certain actions affecting birds or mammals that would otherwise be illegal, without the need for an individual licence.

As the last formal assessment of these licences took place in 2019, we feel the time is now right for a review.

The consultation is now live and we’re urging all stakeholders to take this opportunity to express their thoughts for the future.

Follow the link in the comments to take part 👇

15/06/2026

Are you looking to join the 3,200 Scottish farmers, crofters and land managers that have Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) contracts? Do you plan to apply for AECS funding this year?

If so, please note that Rural Payments and Services (RP&S) will be unavailable from Thursday 18th until Monday 22 June for an essential system update. The 2026 AECS application window has therefore been extended until midnight on 29 June.

Covering about 20% of agricultural land, the AECS scheme delivers biodiversity and climate change benefits from management of arable land, grasslands, peatlands and carbon-rich soils, designated sites, pollinators, wetlands and moorlands.

You can find out more about the ScotGov Rural scheme here: https://orlo.uk/Agri-Environment_and_Climate_Scheme_R4OGl

14/06/2026

📢 Are you a young nature lover ready to make a difference?🌎

There's only one week left to get your applications in for Future Routes for Nature Fund.

Offering up to £5K to support your ideas, the fund is designed by young people for young people.

If you're aged 11-26 (or work with that age group), based in Scotland and passionate about the environment then apply now to turn your ideas into great projects.

Previous recipients include community gardens, nature camps and junior ranger groups just for starters..

Let's shape a sustainable future together.💚



https://orlo.uk/FutureRoutesFundForNature_KiZAU

13/06/2026

Don't miss out - get app-dated at the Royal Highland Show 🌱 👇

Discover how digital tools are helping support Scotland’s nature and biodiversity.

Visit the Scottish Government marquee at the Royal Highland Show to explore NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tool and the Farm Biodiversity Scotland apps.