Latest news with #ScottishWildlifeTrust
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Capture pictures of Scottish wildlife to celebrate biodiversity and win a free holiday
Wildlife lovers across the UK are invited to capture nature's beauty in Verdant Leisure's Wild Shot competition Wildlife lovers are being called on to grab their cameras and turn their lens to nature, as a major UK-wide competition launches to celebrate the richness of British biodiversity. Whether it's a red deer in the Highlands, a robin perched in your garden, or a fox dashing across a city street, Verdant Leisure's Wild Shot competition is inviting people of all skill levels to capture the magic of the natural world through photography or video. The Scottish Wildlife Trust estimates that Scotland alone is home to more than 90,000 species, including six amphibians, four reptiles, and over 50,000 invertebrates, not to mention iconic native birds and mammals. From soaring red kites to delicate butterflies, the wild moments waiting to be caught on camera are endless. Eager to showcase Scotland's remarkable nature, Verdant Leisure is asking budding wildlife photographers and filmmakers to share their finest work that brings the region's natural beauty to life. One lucky winner will walk away with a four-night holiday for four at a Verdant Leisure park, and their work could be seen by viewers across the UK. 'This competition brings together a celebration of nature and creativity, which we are passionate about here at Verdant Leisure HQ,' said Mike Wilmot, CEO at Verdant Leisure. 'Your photos and videos have the opportunity to inspire others to look at nature a little more closely, and standout entries will be published across our marketing channels, so you will gain exposure for your name, too.' A panel of prestigious judges including Wilmot and Outdoor Photography Magazine editor Claire Blow will review all entries and select the winner. The chosen image or video will not only receive nationwide recognition, but also enjoy a relaxing break immersed in nature. To enter the photography category, participants must email a non-expirable link (such as Dropbox) containing no more than two high-resolution images, along with a written overview of themselves and their submission (maximum 500 words). Image files should be titled with the image name and entrant's name. For video submissions, a short clip of no more than 30 seconds must be submitted in the same format, with a 500-word written overview and the file clearly labelled. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. All entries should be sent to online@ by 4pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Late entries will not be considered. The winner will receive a three or four-night break for up to four people in a two-bedroom caravan at a Verdant Leisure park, to be taken before September 30, 2026. The prize is subject to availability and excludes school and bank holidays. The winner will be notified by email by October 31, 2025, and must claim the prize within 28 days or a new winner will be selected. So whether you're a seasoned content creator or a nature-loving beginner, there's never been a better reason to step outside and get snapping.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
New 1.2km 'Power Trail' showcases village's waterpower history
A new 1.2km 'Power Trail' has opened at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde. The trail invites visitors, schools, and learners of all ages to explore the history of waterpower from the 18th century to modern renewable energy. It was constructed as part of the Vision for Lanark initiative and is a joint effort by Lanark Community Development Trust, Drax, New Lanark Trust, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. (Image: Supplied) The project was funded by the Drax Group, operators of Bonnington Power Station, and SSE's Sustainable Development Fund. Starting at New Lanark, the trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and features 12 information panels located across eight sites. Read more: Russell Martin outlines Rangers ambitions in Celtic comparison Train station on Glasgow line renamed ahead of Kylie Minogue's OVO Hydro show Robin Propper to leave Rangers after just one season - reports On June 2, the trail was officially launched, with representatives from all partner organisations and students from Lanark Grammar School present. The new trail is designed to support school group learning, introducing learners to core themes of heritage, environment, and hydro-electricity. (Image: Supplied) While it is primarily intended for educational purposes, the trail is open to all visitors. Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen and Minister for Energy, said: "This exciting new trail showcases New Lanark's incredible heritage in the development of some of our first renewables – an early marker of Scotland's potential to generate clean power. "Hydro schemes continue to play a critical role in our energy mix, and being able to see the journey of this technology through the centuries is a great opportunity." Sarah Cameron, Scotland community manager at Drax, said: "Drax are delighted to support the development of the Power Trail, as our Lanark Hydro scheme approaches its 100th anniversary. "We hope all visitors following the trail enjoy learning about how Bonnington Power Station operates using the River Clyde." Sylvia Russell, chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust, said: "We are also very grateful to Drax and SSE for their generous grant funding. "We hope that visitors to New Lanark will find the new trail interesting and informative and that school groups will make use of the excellent STEM teaching resources."
Times
17-05-2025
- Times
Five of the best wildflower meadows in Scotland
The buzz of bees, the scent of honeysuckle, the gentle sway of mallow nodding on an early summer breeze — Scotland's wildflower meadows are nature's quiet masterpiece. Here Tania Pascoe, the author of Wild Garden Weekends, picks five of her favourite wildflower meadows to visit. Spend a day wandering the inner coastline of Balranald in summer and you may spot rare great-yellow bumblebees, painted ladies, red admirals, choughs, corncrakes and otters. All thrive at this nature reserve, where the machair is cropped on a rotational basis, seaweed is the only fertiliser used and there is no mechanised harvesting. Wildflower lovers will find the machair stunning and the barley and rye fields abundant with corn marigolds and poppies. Much of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Perthshire nature reserve osprey Dark Female lays her first egg
Osprey couple have fought off competitors for the Loch of the Lowes nesting spot - for the time being. Perthshire's Loch of the Lowes top osprey pair are now incubating an egg. Male LM24 and female LF25 have fought off competitors for the nesting spot - at least for the time being. The female LF25, also known as Dark Female, laid her first egg just before 2pm on Sunday May 4. The first bird to arrive this year had been the female known as NC0, who landed on the nest on March 17. She previously fledged seven chicks over five years at Loch of the Lowes, all with her former partner LM12, who sadly died of natural causes last year. The Scottish Wildlife Trust, who run the Loch of the Lowes reserve, said this week that at least seven different ospreys had been contending for the popular nesting site this season. And right up until to Sunday's crucial egg laying moments another female intruded upon the nest for several hours. Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire ranger Sara Rasmussen said: 'We never knew what to expect this year. 'However, we suspected there could be a battle for the territory after the tragic loss of LM12 in 2024, and that's exactly what has happened. 'We've seen courtship and breeding attempts between different combinations of birds, but with this exciting development, it seems that LM24 and LF25 are holding the territory. 'We understand there will be some disappointment at NC0 being unseated as the dominant female, but she is still in her prime and has every chance of finding a partner in another territory. 'For now, we've just got our fingers crossed that the new pair at Loch of the Lowes go on to hatch eggs and successfully raise their chicks.' Osprey eggs normally take between five and six weeks to hatch. The female incubates around 80% of the time, with the male taking over for brief periods so she can feed. Last year, NC0 laid three eggs, but they were destroyed by another male bird around three weeks into the incubation process. Following LM12's death, NC0 seemed to pair up with LM24 towards the end of the season, but appears to have lost her hold on the territory before he returned this year. She departed the nest in early April and hasn't been seen on the reserve since. LM24, who was known as the Dark Intruder until he successfully returned this season, arrived the following day. Since then, several females have vied for his attention, and after spending a week with an unringed bird, he has since settled onto the nest with LF25, previously known as the Dark Female. The Trust's Wildlife Protection Team will carefully watch over the nest in the coming weeks to give the ospreys the best chance of success. Ms Rasmussen added: 'As exciting as it is to have an egg, we shouldn't count our chickens – or ospreys – before they've hatched. This is especially true this year, as new breeding pairs often need a few seasons to work things out and become experienced parents. 'Whatever happens, we can always guarantee drama with the ospreys. 'With the intruding female still in the area and the possibility of more eggs to come, there could still be plenty of twists and turns in the story.' Ospreys were driven to extinction in Britain in the early 20th century, however they naturally recolonised Scotland in the 1950s and their numbers have grown steadily since. The latest estimates suggest there are around 300 breeding pairs across the UK. Most of these birds migrate to West Africa but some overwinter in Spain and Portugal. The recovery of ospreys is thanks to the efforts of conservation charities including the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Wildlife Protection Team at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, with funds awarded by Postcode Planet Trust. Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre is currently open seven days a week from 10.30am to 5pm.
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
How to enter Scottish Wildlife Trust writing competition
The contest, held in association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, is now open for entries. This year, the theme is 'From source to sea' and participants are encouraged to submit original works about Scotland's freshwater and marine habitats. Read more: Rising stand-up comedians to perform in Glasgow for first time Entries can take the form of poetry, short stories, journalistic articles, essays, letters, or even song lyrics, and can be written in English, Scots, or Gaelic. Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "Following a hugely successful competition last year, we're thrilled to bring back Words of the Wild for 2025. "This year we're focusing on the incredible wildlife and habitats found in and around Scotland's lochs, rivers and seas. "Whether it's a memorable moment on a riverside walk, an awesome experience at a seabird city or an epic encounter on one of our snorkel trails, we can't wait to read everyone's stories." River woodland (Image: Scottish Wildlife Trust) The competition will select an adult and junior winner for each language, with more than £2,000 worth of prizes to be won. Entries are limited to one per person and can be up to 1,000 words in length. Adult prizes include a pair of binoculars from Viking Optical and a selection of nature books from Canongate, while junior prizes include a snorkelling set from Arran Active and a £100 wildlife equipment voucher for NHBS. The judging panel features notable names from literature and conservation, including Scots poet Len Pennie, Scottish Wildlife Trust chair Dr Kenny Taylor, and former Scots Scriever Susi Briggs. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 12, with the winners to be announced at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October. Read more: Orchestra release new album after collaborating with Glasgow recording studio Dr Taylor said: "Nature has inspired some of Scotland's greatest literary creations, from the tim'rous beastie in Rabbie Burns' 'To a Mouse', to Nan Shepherd's exploration of the Cairngorms in 'The Living Mountain'. "Last year's competition highlighted that this talent and connection to nature is still alive and well in the writers of Scotland, and I'm delighted to be involved once again." Donald Smith, director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, said: 'Nothing touches us more deeply than our experiences of natural life. "We have to dig creatively into our powers of language and the gift of storytelling to express them. "I am sure that this year's competition theme 'From Source to Sea' will evoke a host of evocative journeys and encounters.' More information about the competition, including details on how to enter, can be found on the Scottish Wildlife Trust's website.
