Make space for nature campaign urges Highlanders to help wildlife this summer
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highlanders are being urged to take extra steps to make sure wildlife is well cared for this summer.
NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, is urging everyone to take simple steps – such as putting out water for wildlife this summer – to help local wildlife, reverse nature loss and help fight climate change.
Looking after nature is good for people, the planet and wildlife, it says, and adding water to any outdoor space is just one of the many things we can all do to help.
Chief executive Francesca Osowska said: “Nature loss and climate change are inextricably linked.
“Scotland has already lost nearly 25 per cent of its wildlife, with birds, butterflies, mammals and moths showing an overall decline of 31 per cent since 1994.
“But there is hope if everyone takes action now.
“If each and every one of us commits this summer to do something for nature – be that providing a pond, nature volunteering, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, mowing less or leaving areas in our gardens to flourish – we have the collective power to help reverse this trend.”
She reminded people that water is essential for wildlife.
She said: “A pond provides drinking and bathing water for mammals and birds. Amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts use it as shelter and for breeding.
“Honeybees use water to control the temperature in hives and also for drinking, whilst dragonflies, pond skaters and damselflies breed in water.”
And she added: “Ponds attract a vast array of wildlife, and help sustainably manage water in intense rainfall.
“If you don’t have access to a garden, even using a washing up bowl of water or saucer of water on a windowsill can help, adding twigs or pebbles for insects to rest above the water. Doing small things really can make a big difference.”
Research conducted by NatureScot during the coronavirus pandemic found 50 per cent of people wanted to do more to help local wildlife.
Additionally Scottish Government research found almost 80 per cent said climate change is an “immediate and urgent problem”, with more than a quarter (26 per cent) more concerned about tackling climate change since the pandemic began.
NatureScot’s summer campaign, Make Space For Nature, outlines a range of other easy ways to take small but important steps to help wildlife thrive.
These include planting flowering pots or window boxes to encourage pollinators, mowing the garden less, making space for weeds, having a hedge rather than a fence in the garden, sharing cuttings with neighbours and allow vegetation to die back naturally.
Other suggestions include adding feeders to gardens or other outdoor space – attached to windows or walls they are a great way to observe local birds, particularly for those who are housebound or do not have a garden.
Birds’ young need a good supply of protein to grow quickly so having more flowers to attract insects really helps, and adding meal worms to bird feeders provides an important source of snacks for hungry chicks.
As a way of making a major impact people are also urged to get involved with important biodiversity and climate change research by also taking part in the full range of sightings studies regularly organised by wildlife organisations, or volunteering to help with practical community projects.
