Latest news with #WoodlandTrustScotland
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Daily Record
Adorable moment first osprey chick of the season hatches at Highland forest
Louis and Dorcha welcomed their new arrival at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest on Saturday morning. The first osprey chick of the season has been caught on camera hatching at a Highland woodland first thing this morning. The adorable moment was captured on Saturday, May 24, at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in Lochaber, on a live nest camera operated by Woodland Trust Scotland, supported by People's Postcode Lottery. Osprey dad Louis, who clocked up 400,000 views on the camera during lockdown, and his mate Dorcha welcomed their new arrival at around 7.35am, when it fully emerged from its egg. The first breach in the shell, known as a pip, had only appeared at 5.20am and the youngster could be heard "chupping" to its mother before making a full appearance. Second and third eggs are expected to hatch over the next few days. Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: "We were really doubtful if Louis was going to make it back this year after his health issues in 2024, so it is amazing to see his newest offspring hatch. "We are delighted that thanks to the support of our players, osprey fans all over the world can enjoy these intimate family moments." The heartwarming close-up footage shows Dorcha sitting in the nest before standing up, revealing the two halves of the hatched egg and the tiny chick twitching underneath. She immediately gets to work making sure the chick and her two remaining eggs are kept warm. It can be seen nestling among the eggs in still images taken afterwards. Earlier pictures show the first sign of life appearing in the shell as Dorcha keeps watch. The new arrival comes after Louis, who has been in residence at the forest since 2017, was ill for a time last year and unable to fish, with poor weather also putting pressure on the family. Two chicks faced starvation but were translocated to Spain as part of a reintroduction programme. One of them migrated successfully from Valencia last September. Woodland Trust staff were concerned Louis might not make it back from migration this year but he returned in good health on April 2 along with Dorcha. Eggs were laid on April 16, 19 and 22, with previous hatches also captured by the live camera, which has been in operation since 2017. 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'. Louis and his previous mate Aila became a hit during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, clocking up 400,000 views worldwide on the live feed. The forest has a rich history, with British Commandos and Allied Special Forces including the Free French training at Loch Arkaig during WWII. A consignment of gold sent from France to help fund the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie is also said to be hidden in the forest. Loch Arkaig was the location for a scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry, Hermione and Ron cling to a dragon as it flies above the forest before jumping off into the water below. The osprey livestream can be viewed via Woodland Trust Scotland here.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Grants scheme supports more than 70 Dumfries and Galloway tree planting projects
Farmers, landowners, schools and community groups benefitted from the Dumfries and Galloway Tree Planting Scheme, with hazel, oak and birch amongst the most popular species planted. A grants scheme has helped support more than 70 native tree planting projects across Dumfries and Galloway. Farmers, landowners, schools and community groups benefitted from the Dumfries and Galloway Tree Planting Scheme, with hazel, oak and birch amongst the most popular species planted. The programme offers grants of up to £1,000 towards native trees and protection and in 2024/25, 73 awards were made – allowing around 9,000 trees to be planted. In 2024/25, 73 awards helped around 9,000 trees be planted. The scheme is overseen by Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, with funding coming from Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and the council's nature restoration fund. Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands' Phil Dowling, who leads on scheme delivery, said: 'This season we saw some truly innovative and inspiring projects across Dumfries and Galloway, it's amazing what you can do with £1,000. 'We had schools transforming playing field margins, farmers planting parkland trees and communities creating orchards. 'I really enjoy seeing how so many unassuming sites can be changed for the better, for the long-term, by just adding some trees. 'Activity this year was only possible thanks to scheme funders, particularly Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and funding from previous rounds of the Nature Restoration Fund. We are working with potential partners now in the hope of re-launching the scheme shortly for the next planting season.' Scottish Forestry's conservator for south Scotland, Neil Murray, added: 'This is great news and so rewarding to see the Dumfries and Galloway Tree Planting Grant Scheme supporting a great variety of projects in so many different locations. 'All these projects make a contribution towards tackling climate change, restoring nature, and simply improving the places that we live and work in. 'Scottish Forestry supports a vast range of woodland projects, both big and small. We are very supportive of this work and I'm particularly pleased to see so many volunteers, both young and old, get involved and planting trees – it is such a positive thing to do. Well done everyone involved.' It's hoped the scheme will open in the summer for fresh applications.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Nesting birds wiped out as throwaway barbecue sparks huge blaze at Scots beauty spot
Woodland Trust Scotland said two hectare fire killed wildlife in the Trossachs FIRE FURY Nesting birds wiped out as throwaway barbecue sparks huge blaze at Scots beauty spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WILDLIFE charity has warned of the dangers of accidental wildfires after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze around the size of 'two rugby pitches' in the Trossachs. Woodland Trust Scotland said the two hectare fire killed nesting birds and other wildlife in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday. 2 A disposable barbecue sparked the devastating fire at Glen Finglas. 2 An area as large as 'two rugby pitches' was destroyed as the fire took hold. The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place. Glen Finglas is the biggest Woodland Trust site in the UK. It lies at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and is part of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve. George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: 'An area roughly the size of two rugby pitches has been devastated, and at this time of year that means hundreds of nesting birds have been killed, along with lizards, slow worms, voles and other wildlife. 'If someone had taken a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue this could all have been avoided.' The blaze happened while a very high to extreme risk of wildfire warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was in place across north-east, central and southern Scotland. The Trust said that wildfires put people, wildlife and natural habitats at risk and urges visitors to woods, parks and green spaces to stay fire-free. Mr Anderson said: 'Barbecues and campfires can spark disaster, and if you are a smoker it is good to have a tin to bring your extinguished cigarettes home, too. 'You might think you have stubbed them out, but it is surprising how they can smoulder on. 'A massive 2018 fire at our English colleagues' site at Smithills weighs heavy on the minds of all our site staff. Huge wildfire erupts in Lanarkshire as flames visible for miles 'With another huge fire on Dartmoor, and now this incident at Glen Finglas over the weekend, we beg the public to take care.' He added: 'With climate change the conditions where fires can become uncontrollable will likely become more frequent, so as a society we absolutely must get on top of this issue. 'Even a single ember can ignite wildfires that rage out of control. This poses serious threats to people, communities, homes and properties. 'There are grave concerns if you live on the edge of towns. The threat is not restricted to wildlife and green spaces. 'Saturday's Glen Finglas fire was bad but it could have been much worse. Thanks to an alert member of the public the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were out fast and had it under control in a couple of hours. 'Our staff and volunteers turned out too. Many thanks to them and to the person who raised the alert. I look at the images from Dartmoor and shudder. That could have been us."
STV News
06-05-2025
- Climate
- STV News
'Extreme' wildfire warning issued across Scotland
An 'extreme' wildfire warning has been issued across Scotland after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around 'two rugby pitches'. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued a 'very high to extreme' risk of wildfire warning across Scotland from May 7, until May 12. The very high warning, released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, covering the whole of Scotland will remain in place until May 9. From May 9 until 12, an 'extreme danger' warning covering the north of Scotland will come into place. Additionally, an extreme danger assessment will come into place from May 10 to 12, covering mainland Scotland. People who live within or who may enter rural environments have been urged to exercise caution. SFRS said: 'wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.' It comes after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around 'two rugby pitches' in the Trossachs. Woodland Trust Scotland said the two hectare fire killed nesting birds and other wildlife in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday. The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place. Firefighters battled multiple blazes across Scotland in April including a grass fire that 'decimated' the reptile population at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran. Emergency services were called to the grass fire at Glen Rosa on Thursday, April 10, with the fire raging for three days. Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze, which affected an area of grass measuring approximately 600m by 600m. SFRS crews, aided by a helicopter, dropped water over the affected area and eventually extinguished the fire. Station commander Joe Fitzpatrick said: 'We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. He added that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause 'significant damage'. He said: 'Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. 'These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.' He continued: 'Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.' 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
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Massive fire 'size of two rugby pitches' in Trossachs blamed on disposable BBQ
"Gundreds of nesting birds have been killed, along with lizards, slow worms, voles and other wildlife." A disposable barbecue caused a fire around the size of 'two rugby pitches' in the Trossachs killing nesting birds and other wildlife. Dramatic photos show the devastation caused by the blaze covering two hectares in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday. The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place. Glen Finglas is the biggest Woodland Trust site in the UK. It lies at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and is part of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve. George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: 'An area roughly the size of two rugby pitches has been devastated, and at this time of year that means hundreds of nesting birds have been killed, along with lizards, slow worms, voles and other wildlife. 'If someone had taken a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue this could all have been avoided.' The blaze happened while a very high to extreme risk of wildfire warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was in place across north-east, central and southern Scotland. Last week, The SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum urged the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors during the warning period. Earlier this month, a wildfire on Arran burned for five days and devastated part of Glen Rosa while elsewhere campers were rescued by helicopter from a blaze in Galloway Forest Park. 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. The Trust said that wildfires put people, wildlife and natural habitats at risk and urges visitors to woods, parks and green spaces to stay fire-free. Mr Anderson said: 'Barbecues and campfires can spark disaster, and if you are a smoker it is good to have a tin to bring your extinguished cigarettes home, too. 'You might think you have stubbed them out, but it is surprising how they can smoulder on. 'A massive 2018 fire at our English colleagues' site at Smithills weighs heavy on the minds of all our site staff. 'With another huge fire on Dartmoor, and now this incident at Glen Finglas over the weekend, we beg the public to take care.' He added: 'With climate change the conditions where fires can become uncontrollable will likely become more frequent, so as a society we absolutely must get on top of this issue. 'Even a single ember can ignite wildfires that rage out of control. This poses serious threats to people, communities, homes and properties. 'There are grave concerns if you live on the edge of towns. The threat is not restricted to wildlife and green spaces. 'Saturday's Glen Finglas fire was bad but it could have been much worse. Thanks to an alert member of the public the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were out fast and had it under control in a couple of hours. 'Our staff and volunteers turned out too. Many thanks to them and to the person who raised the alert. I look at the images from Dartmoor and shudder. That could have been us.'
