Make Space For Nature

Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife.

Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generations, not moments.

Learn from the carrier bag charge success story that achieved an 80% reduction in use and fewer bags on beaches through simple policy changes.

While Plastic Free July drives environmental action, Zero Waste Scotland focuses on reducing all single-use items. Surprisingly, food waste and textiles cause greater environmental harm than plastic, scoring highest for carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, land use, and water consumption.

Understanding these impacts helps us prioritise the most effective solutions. Explore innovative programmes like Stirling's Ditching Disposables initiative and Glasgow's Borrow Cup scheme that make sustainable choices convenient.

Andrew offers a refreshingly non-judgmental approach: "Whatever you can do is fine." The simple reduce, reuse, recycle framework gives everyone an accessible pathway to better choices, without overwhelming guilt.

Ready to join Scotland's waste-free future? Listen for practical tips and ways to protect our wild places and wildlife, while creating a healthier world for everyone.

Information:

Zero Waste Scotland

Plastic Free July

Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these magnificent birds and farming communities through conversations with NatureScot's Andrew Kent and Appin-based sheep farmer David Colthart.

We hear how eagle predation impacts sheep flocks and how the recently expanded Sea Eagle Management Scheme supports farmers with deterrence and adaptation strategies. The discussion reveals emerging collaborative approaches, including enhanced shepherding and research to track predation patterns.

From extinction to reintroduction, conservation success to agricultural concerns - this episode examines the multifaceted story of Scotland's sea eagles and the ongoing efforts to balance wildlife conservation with the needs of rural livelihoods.

Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community.

Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive approach that treats nature as medicine. Assistant Director of Estates and Support Services Helen Gemmell reveals how initial management concerns about risk have evolved into widespread staff enthusiasm for these restorative environments.

We visit the Kyle Chemotherapy Unit with Deputy Charge Nurse Wendy Ruiz de Pascal to see how the garden spaces are supporting patients during treatment, and discover The Conservation Volunteers' innovative 'green gyms', Acorn Garden, and guided nature walks with Lindsay Twilley.

This episode showcases Scotland's pioneering integration of nature into healthcare settings—creating spaces for calm, hope and healing while simultaneously advancing sustainability goals and demonstrating that when hospitals make space for nature, remarkable healing happens.

Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan.

The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more commonly known – and the impact it's having on the thousands of barnacle geese that migrate to the Solway Firth each winter from their Arctic breeding grounds.

In this episode, you'll learn about the collaborative research efforts underway and how cutting-edge science is helping us better understand bird responses to avian flu. You'll also discover the importance of this work for wildlife conservation and how it contributes to our wider understanding of disease management in wild bird populations.

More Information:

Scottish Government avian influenza updates

NatureScot avian influenza (bird flu) guidance 

Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds

Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world.

Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited a lifelong passion for indigenous languages and their connection to the land and the sea.

He demonstrates how Gaelic helps us understand and protect Scotland's nature, and explains why keeping Gaelic alive matters for both our culture and our understanding of Scotland's landscapes today.

More Information:

Roddy Maclean - Scotland's Nature blog

NatureScot Gaelic Resources

World Gaelic Week 2025

Make Space For Nature (Gaelic)

A’ tighinn gu nàdarra: a’ rùrach fhreumhan Gàidhlig ann an cruthan-tìre is fiadh-bheatha na h-Alba, còmhla ri Ruairidh MacIlleathain

Thig nar cuideachd ’s sinn a’ bruidhinn ri Ruairidh MacIlleathain, a tha na fhear-naidheachd ’s fhear-teagaisg cliùiteach. Bidh sinn a’ meòrachadh air na dlùth-cheanglaichean eadar a’ Ghàidhlig ’s saoghal nàdarra na h-Alba.

Bidh Ruairidh ag innse dhuinn mun t-slighe shònraichte aige bhon Ghalldachd gu Tasmania agus air ais, far an do las a fhreuman ris a’ Chòmraich an dealas aige fad a bheatha airson chànanan dùthchasach ’s ceanglaichean cànanach ris an tìr ’s a’ mhuir.

Bidh e a’ cur an cèill mar a bhios a’ Ghàidhlig gar cuideachadh gus nàdar na h-Alba a thuigsinn agus a dhìon, agus bidh e a’ mìneachadh carson a tha e cudromach a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail beò an dà chuid air math ar cultair ’s ar tuigse air cruthan-tìre na h-Alba san latha an-diugh.

Barrachd fiosrachaidh:

Roddy Maclean Ruairidh MacIlleathain - blogaichean Scotland's Nature

Goireasan Gàidhlig NàdarAlba

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025

Dèan Àite Dha Nàdar

Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland.

Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal wellbeing and local economies alike. We highlight the unique approach Scotland has taken and discuss the vital role of public education in safeguarding these freedoms for future generations.

We delve into the crucial challenge of making Scotland's outdoors truly accessible to all. Hear about innovative projects breaking down barriers for global majority communities, refugees, and asylum seekers, and learn how digital engagement is inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

As we look ahead, we stress the importance of targeted messaging and collaborative working to ensure continued enjoyment of Scotland’s stunning landscapes for everyone.

Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures, and why protecting Scotland's invertebrates is crucial for our ecosystem.

This episode explores 'Species on the Edge', an innovative partnership programme of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all dedicated to safeguarding 37 threatened species along Scotland's coast and islands.

As we navigate the historical roles of leeches, from medicine to their modern ecological contributions, this episode reinforces the importance of public involvement in protecting Scotland's unique wildlife and how everyone can help through tools like the iRecord app.

More information:

Species on the Edge
NatureScot - Species on the Edge
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Buglife Scotland
How to Make Space For Nature - Autumn Tips and Winter Tips
iRecord

Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into how a powerful collaboration of landowners, organisations, and community members is tackling invasive non-native species like mink, giant hogweed, and Japanese knotweed.

We also hear from some of the dedicated and inspiring volunteers - Peter Howell, Calum McRoberts, Joe Martin, and Mike Baillie - who are on the front line of invasive species control. They reveal the range of methods used to manage these species and share what drives them to volunteer for this cause.

Jane explains how everyone can get involved, whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just curious about helping out. Listen in to discover how you can make a real impact, connect with a supportive volunteer network, and help protect Scotland's nature for future generations.

More information:

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
NatureScot: Invasive non-native species information
GB Non-native Species Secretariat
Report a non-native species

Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum delves into the challenges these species cause and explains the crucial ways we can all prevent and manage their spread.

He explains the effective and varied control strategies, from chemical treatments and manual removal, to community-driven efforts. We discuss the impact of these species on native wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, water voles and plants. Callum also emphasises the importance of public awareness and biosecurity measures, demonstrating how community engagement is vital in both reporting sightings and preventing the spread.

We hear about the invaluable contributions of volunteers and partners who dedicate their time and resources to this cause, showcasing how teamwork and passion can lead to substantial environmental conservation achievements.

More information:

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
NatureScot: Invasive non-native species information
GB Non-native Species Secretariat
Report a non-native species