Make Space For Nature – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat.

Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven a critical sanctuary for numerous species. With each season offering its own unique wonders, you'll learn what to look for and when to visit for an unforgettable wildlife experience, from courtship displays by great crested grebes and the dramatic arrival of pink-footed geese, to tornado-like swarms of non-biting midges.

Jeremy and Sally share the importance of balancing conservation efforts with public access, ensuring that both wildlife and visitors can benefit from this stunning landscape. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the tireless work of the reserve staff and volunteers, and be inspired to visit this special place.

Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week.

Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth
project, which has empowered over 100,000 volunteers through more than 3,100 environmental initiatives across Scotland. From the Shettleston Community Growing Project in Glasgow to Bridgend Farmhouse in Edinburgh, discover how volunteer efforts have transformed these into vibrant community hubs.

Hear about innovative initiatives, such as the Cassiltoun Housing Association's 'feel good verandas', and learn why it's vital to step outside your comfort zone. We'll also discuss the importance of recognising volunteer contributions and the inspirational achievements that managed to gain international media attention.

Robert shares powerful insights into the unexpected benefits of nature volunteering, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and the formation of cross-generational friendships.

Joe Knowles, a dedicated Action Earth volunteer, recounts his journey from retirement to becoming an active community member through creative projects like building a Noah garden and bug hotels. Let Joe's passion and commitment inspire you to contribute to the preservation of Scotland's natural beauty and discover how you can make a difference in your own community.

Volunteering Matters - Action Earth
Action Earth Ideas and Links
Volunteering Matters Scotland
Volunteer in the outdoors
Volunteering with NatureScot

In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these seemingly unrelated factors can have a significant impact on both nature and climate.

We also meet with Clive Mitchell, NatureScot’s Strategic Resource Manager (Nature & Climate Change) who takes us through some of the changes that need to happen for Scotland to become a sustainable, nature-rich, net-zero nation, and he gives us an insight into some of the actions we can all take to get closer to living in harmony with nature.

More information:

James Hutton Institute partnership news release: Considerable change needed to stop nature loss in Scotland

Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland - A Summary

NatureScot Research Report 1309 - Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland

Scottish Government news release: New legal targets proposed for nature recovery

In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again.

Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land managers the skills to be self-sufficient and carry out effective tree protection in Tayside, we spoke to staff from NatureScot and The Beaver Trust as well as volunteers who were keen to learn more. We find out about the history of beavers and how they came to be in Scotland after such a long absence, what impacts beavers can have on our waterside woodlands and what can be done to mitigate some of those impacts. A really interesting listen.

More information:

Protecting trees from beavers using wire mesh

Beaver Mitigation Scheme

In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer.

Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access.

With the publication of his first book on outdoor swimming, Calum's passion for the outdoors shines through all his work, earning him recognition as one of the most influential Scots on social media in 2022.

Calum shares insights into his creative drive, offers top tips for wildlife photography and outdoor swimming, and discusses easy and practical ways to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Make Space For Nature.

More information:

Find out more about Calum's work on his website, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Make Space For Nature 

Dèan àite dha nàdar

In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals.

We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the importance of responsible fossil collecting and preservation. We also shed light on the contributions of pioneering women in palaeontology and their invaluable role in shaping our understanding of fossil research.

Tune in to this captivating conversation as we discover more about the Scottish Fossil Code and celebrate the incredible women working in palaeontology.

More information:
 Find out more about Elsa’s work on her website, on twitter or Instagram.
The Scottish Fossil Code
The Scottish Geology Trust

In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot.

The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands and Islands. The fund also aimed to benefit communities, with the projects it supports helping to retain local jobs and services.

We attended an event celebrating the fund and its projects where we met with representatives from five of the projects, as well as NatureScot staff involved with the fund.

More information:
The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
Full list of projects receiving funding through The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund

Projects featured in the episode:
The Real Wild West - Archaeology Scotland and the West Ardnamurchan Community
Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature - National Trust for Scotland
Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre - Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Wildlife Watch Abernethy - RSPB Scotland
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre - Trees for Life

In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography.

We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature campaign, as well as other projects keeping her busy, including a variety of BBC programmes. 

She suggests simple ways we can all make space for nature as part of everyday life, whilst contributing to research, helping our own wellbeing and fighting nature loss. A really great listen!

Further information:

Follow Libby Penman on Instagram.

Catch the Back From The Brink series on BBC iPlayer where Libby showcases the work of conservationists across Europe.

Watch The Adventure Show on BBC iPlayer where Libby tries a range of outdoor activities.

Directed by Libby, Body Shame is on the BBC Scotland channel and covers issues around male body insecurity.

Check out our top ways to make space for nature for each season.

In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager.

Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday.

Further information:
Developing a Landscape Scale Natural Capital Tool for Scotland

In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation.

He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes Space For Nature everyday.

Skills Development Scotland - apprenticeship information
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 6 - 10 March 2023
Seasonal ways to Make Space For Nature