Latest news with #SACConsulting
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Glasgow Times
New nature network to protect Glasgow's bees and butterflies
The Clyde Grasslands initiative will connect wildlife habitats across the Glasgow City Region (GCR), aiming to support pollinating insects vital to ecosystems and agriculture. This initiative forms part of the broader GCR Green Network and aims to address declining pollinator populations by restoring and connecting wildlife habitats across urban and rural areas. Read more: Warning over 'beast' invasive plant that's in 'super growth' in the UK right now Pollinators like bees and butterflies are vital for healthy ecosystems and agriculture, with pollination services estimated to be worth £630 million a year to UK farming. However, they are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, land-use change, and the effects of climate change. Rory McLeod, development officer for the GCR Green Network, said: "Restoring habitat networks for pollinators and other invertebrates through increased connectivity protects species and allows them to move freely throughout Glasgow City Region, adapting to environmental change. "Building resilient networks of species-rich grasslands is key to the Scottish Government's vision of creating nature networks across Scotland. "Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and anything we can do to help them benefits us all." In 2024, the GCR Green Network commissioned SAC Consulting's Food and Footprint team to examine the main barriers facing pollinators. Their research found that urban infrastructure, dense woodlands, and poorly managed grasslands all restrict pollinator movement and reduce biodiversity. To tackle these challenges, SAC Consulting combined spatial data with biological records to map current grassland habitats. Using network analysis, the team developed an innovative framework that identifies key sites for protection and areas where habitat connectivity can be strengthened. This mapping process also enables collaboration with the eight councils within the 330,000-hectare Glasgow City Region. Mr McLeod said: "SAC Consulting were able to integrate key skills in pollinator and plant ecology, with spatial modelling expertise. "Their knowledge of existing spatial datasets, alongside network modelling, allowed them to develop an innovative framework to identify and model species-rich grassland networks. "The outputs from this study will underpin the identification of regional nature networks and their subsequent delivery for many years to come." Read more: New heating controls installed in multi-storey council blocks The project is being supported by key conservation organisations including Plantlife, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and Butterfly Conservation, whose combined expertise is helping shape the design and implementation of the Clyde Grasslands network. The initiative will support not only pollinators, but also broader ecosystem services - such as improved biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience - which benefit both people and nature. As part of Scotland's national push to develop nature networks, the Clyde Grasslands project represents a significant step toward delivering the Scottish Government's vision of a more resilient and nature-rich landscape. For more information about the project, visit the SAC Consulting website.
STV News
29-04-2025
- General
- STV News
Endangered birds return to Skye as crofters help boost population
Endangered birds that were teetering on the brink of extinction are being heard in greater numbers thanks to the efforts of crofters. Corncrakes saw a dramatic fall in their numbers in the 20th century. The Isle of Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where the birds can still be found in Scotland, with their 'crex, crex' call one of the most distinctive sounds on the island. And now, the population has returned to the island for this year's breeding season. The Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership – which also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community, say they are seeing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year. Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen – a much-needed boost. Janette Sutherland, senior consultant and area manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: 'It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023. 'Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them. 'They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation. 'What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.' SAC Consulting Endangered corncrakes have returned to Skye The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched. Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months. Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow. Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the species' long-term survival. Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government's Agri Environment Climate Scheme. Janette added: 'The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Skye's the limit for corncrakes thanks to crofting boost
However, following a dramatic fall in numbers in the 20th century, the species had been left teetering on the brink of extinction. Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where corncrakes can still be found in Scotland, alongside just one remaining mainland site on the north coast. There are also small numbers recorded annually in England and Northern Ireland. However, the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership - supported by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) - is now showing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year. The Partnership also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community. READ MORE: Evidence of one of earliest human populations uncovered on Scottish island Birds named after Scots-born 'father of ornithology' to be renamed after controversy Public consultation launched to help protect rare birds at Highland loch Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen - a much-needed boost. Janette Sutherland, Senior Consultant and Area Manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: 'It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023. 'Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them. 'They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation. 'What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.' The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched. Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months. Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow. Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the long-term survival of the species. Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government's Agri Environment Climate Scheme. Ms Sutherland added: 'The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.'
