Image of a person dressed up as a red squirrel standing outside of Scottish parliament holding a sign that says "Nature Targets Now"

The next Scottish election will bring a massive turnover in representatives. After a 5 year rollercoaster for environmental policy, this next parliament will be crucial to stop biodiversity loss.
Can the next government meet the scale of the environmental crises we face?
Read more: bit.ly/4vfRtMe

Image of a kingfisher with headline 'Hitting the targets: Delivering Scotland's nature ambitions'. Authors: Dan Paris and Dr Deborah Long.

Blue background with headline 'Closing Scotland's nature restoration delivery gap'. Three illustrative icons next to the following text: The Natural Environment Act, passed earlier this year, means that the Scottish Government must set legal targets for nature restoration. Despite cross-party support for nature, short-term budgets and lack of decisive action are slowing down urgent response for nature. LINK’s latest report identifies the main barriers to Scotland’s nature restoration and provides recommendations for meeting its targets.

Orange background with headline ' Key challenges and barriers to delivery' followed by icons illustrating the following three points: Need for strategic leadership: Lack of high-level oversight to connect projects and prioritise real-world results over ticking boxes. Complex policy landscape: Overlapping strategies and isolated approaches can distract from delivery and action. Lack of resources and skills: Delivery bodies lack the staff and specific ecological knowledge needed to turn written policies into visible outcomes.

Blue background with headline 'Key recommendations' followed by three points illiustrated with icons: Set targets that are achievable, but ambitious enough to drive action. Ensure strategic focus on the actions that will make a difference. Develop an ‘early warning system’ for progress on targets and Biodiversity Strategy. Strengthen delivery capacity and improve engagement.

Focused leadership, expert staffing and an ‘early warning system’ are key to meeting Scotland’s nature restoration targets, says a new LINK report. It urges the Scottish government to act swiftly with ambitious but achievable targets to protect nature.
Article: bit.ly/3PAwDqH
Report: bit.ly/3O9p6i5

This week’s Nature Spotlight: Rusty Bog-Moss, championed by Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP & Plantlife Scotland. Sphagnum mosses are keystone species that help to form healthy, carbon-storing peatlands. Conservation efforts include rewetting bogs, reintroducing Sphagnum moss & regulating peat management.

Since 2013, 100+ MSPs have championed threatened species and habitats through the Nature Champions initiative. In this blog we thank Nature Champions from the 6th Scottish Parliament for their dedication & highlight some inspiring memories. The initiative returns in May!
Read more: bit.ly/3O26eS0

Landscape image of Scottish farmland in East Lothian taken by Sandra Graham

Scotland’s new Rural Support Plan delays vital farming reforms for a decade. Environmental groups say this “lost decade” misses a crucial chance to support farmers and crofters in meeting Scotland’s climate and nature targets.

Read more: www.scotlink.org/scotlands-fa...

#SustainableFarming

📣 The Youth Ocean Action Fund Project Grants are BACK for 2026!

🤑£100 to £500
💙Youth-led advocacy related to marine issues
🤝Apply as an individual or group
🌊Young people aged 16-25 living in Scotland

All details and how to apply at 👉https://www.youthforseas.org/action-fund

New British Sign Language signs for marine species are here, making conversations about nature and climate more accessible to everyone! 👋

The @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social Scottish Sensory Centre tested them out while cleaning oysters with #RestorationForth 🦪

#SignLanguageWeek #SLW2026

Large Heath butterfly resting with wings closed on vegetation with headline ‘Nature Spotlight’ and subtitle ‘Large Heath Butterfly’ showcasing the importance of this species. Image of Nature Champion Sarah Boyack MSP featured at the bottom.

The Large Heath butterfly species, scientific name Coenonympha tullia, signals healthy peatlands—important carbon sinks and biodiversity areas—found in wet bogs and moorlands across Scotland. Threats include burning, drainage, over-grazing, peat extraction, and unsuitable tree planting.

Text slide with image of a Large Heath butterfly listing actions to protect the large heath butterfly and its peatland habitat: banning peat use in horticulture, large-scale peatland restoration, better peatland management through rewetting and scrub removal, and stronger peatland protection including a ban on burning.

In honour of National learn about butterflies day on March 14th this week’s Nature Spotlight features the Large Heath butterfly. Found in Scotland’s peatlands, it signals a healthy ecosystem. Conservation efforts with Sarah Boyack MSP & Butterfly Conservation Scotland protect this vital species. 🦋

Save the date for Sea Scotland 2026...and it’s our 10th birthday! 🎉
More details, including this year’s Sea Scotland youth event, coming soon.

@youth4seas.bsky.social
@mcsuk.bsky.social
@scotwildlife.bsky.social
@howellmarine.bsky.social
@faunaflora.bsky.social

📸 NatureScot

Dolphins swimming together in the ocean with the title ‘Nature Spotlight White-beaked Dolphin’ also called “leumadair bàn-ghobach” in Gaelic.

Orange background with a dolphin’s dorsal fin coming out of water at the bottom. Text about White-beaked Dolphins: fast, social swimmers in pods of 5 to 50, sometimes hundreds or thousands. Found in cold North Atlantic waters near Scotland, but range may shift due to climate change. Threats include climate change, hunting, development, noise pollution, toxins, overfishing, and lack of protection.

Green background with bubbles and a small dolphin image. Conservation actions: designate it as a priority marine feature, integrate it into Marine Scotland’s strategy, implement biodiversity plans, support research, and promote dolphin conservation.

In honour of Global Dolphin Awareness Month, meet the White-beaked Dolphin! Championed by Ash Regan MSP & Whale and Dolphin Conservation, this acrobatic and social species faces many threats like climate change & noise pollution. Let’s protect Scotland’s precious marine wildlife!
#SaveScottishSeas

The Climate Change Committee’s recent report warns Scotland’s farming policies lack plans to cut emissions post-2030. Farmers and crofters face big hurdles with just 5% of funding for climate friendly farming.
We need urgent and decisive government action.
Read the article: tinyurl.com/55tf79cs

Scotland’s seas need urgent protection. After a decade of delays, Scottish Environment LINK calls on party leaders to start a public consultation on coastal marine protected areas within 100 days of the May 2026 elections.
Let’s protect marine life and support coastal communities. #SaveScottishSeas

A background slide displaying a grassland with images of waxcap mushrooms. The main headline says 'Nature Spotlight,' followed by the subtitle 'Waxcap Grasslands,' highlighting the focus on this important ecological habitat.

A slide with an orange background showing waxcap mushrooms. The headline says 'Fantastic Fungi Facts.' The text describes fungi’s role in recycling dead matter, forming partnerships with plants to improve nutrient and water uptake, supporting food and timber production, and indicating healthy ecosystems through waxcap and grassland fungi. It emphasises that fungi are vital for life on Earth.

A slide with a green background showing waxcap mushrooms. The headline states 'Actions Needed to Protect Waxcap Grasslands.' The text highlights the importance of protecting grasslands from inappropriate tree planting, raising awareness and supporting restoration, and incentivising sustainable land management to enhance fungi diversity.

This week’s Nature Spotlight: Waxcap Grasslands, vital for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Did you know there are 40 different waxcap species?
Fungi may not be as flashy as mammals but without them ecosystems would collapse. They need an MSP to champion their protection! 🍄🌿 #NatureSpotlight

A big thanks to Talat Yaqoob @talatyaqoob.bsky.social for her exceptional chairing!

A big thanks to the party representatives who participated:
- Caitlin Stott, Scottish Labour Party
- Douglas Lumsden MSP, Scottish Conservatives
- Gillian Martin MSP, Scottish National Party (SNP)
- Helen McDade, Reform UK
- Mark Ruskell MSP, Scottish Green Party

This week LINK co-hosted Scotland’s Big Nature & Climate Debate. 400+ joined and 140+ great questions were submitted!

Thanks to all who took part in this vital pre-election hustings, addressing nature, climate, food, energy, and community protection.

Watch here: www.youtube.com/live/psaAR61...

Climate advisors warn the Scottish government lacks a credible plan to cut farming emissions. Agriculture is a major driver of climate change, and farmers and crofters need real support and funding to shift to sustainable practices.

Read more: www.scotlink.org/scotland-mus...

#climateactionscot

This week’s Nature Spotlight is on the Azure Hawker Dragonfly, championed by Evelyn Tweed MSP and the British Dragonfly Society. Tiny but mighty, these dragonflies face threats from climate change & habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on surveys, habitat care & community awareness.

Final online tickets available for tonight’s debate.
Note change of start time - now 7pm.
If attending in person, please arrive at 6.30pm.

Image showing a Humpback whale and a Blue whale, with the headline “Nature Spotlight,” highlighting the importance of whale conservation in Scotland’s waters.

Orange background featuring detailed illustrations of four whale species native to Scottish seas. Headline: Did you know you can find all of these whales in different parts of Scotland? Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis): Adults can reach up to 19.5 meters in length. This species is championed by Nature Champion Kevin Stewart MSP. Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata): Typically 7 to 9 meters long. Championing this species is Nature Champion Jeremy Balfour MSP. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae): Adults grow between 14 and 17 meters. This whale is championed by Nature Champion Jamie Greene MSP. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus): The largest whale species, reaching up to 33 meters. Nature Champion Kenneth Gibson MSP advocates for its protection.

Blue background with text detailing urgent actions needed to protect whales: Reduce marine litter and underwater noise pollution to create safer habitats. Advocate for measures to prevent whale entanglements in fishing ropes and lines. Support long-term monitoring and research aligned with the Habitats Directive Article 11 to provide robust data for conservation and management. Promote the designation of offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and ensure whale species protection is integrated into management plans. Ensure the full implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to safeguard marine biodiversity.

In honour of Whale Day we spotlight Scotland’s whales championed by MSPs and supported by @whalesorg.bsky.social & Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. These giants face threats from pollution and entanglement. Conservation efforts focus on protection, research, and marine reserves. 🐋
#NatureChampions

Four people standing in front of the Scottish parliament building, wearing puffin, wildcat, red squirrel and bumblebee costumes and holding signs reading 'protect our home', 'nature targets now' and 'restore nature'. The person in the bumblebee costume is jumping into the air.

With the passage of the #NaturalEnvironmentBill, which requires government ministers to set legally binding nature recovery targets, the #ScotlandLovesNature campaign has achieved its main aim!

Here's a look back at the highlights of this campaign.

www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/how-we-won-t...

Colourful poster titled 'Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate: Election Hustings' taking place on 24th February from 6 to 8 pm. Event available in Edinburgh at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, or online. Logos of partner organisations featured: Our Seas Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Food Coalition, and Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

Make your voice heard on the issues that matter to you at Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate on Tuesday 24 February, 6-8pm.

Leading representatives of Scotland's political parties will be on the panel.

Sign up! shorturl.at/fBS0o
#ScottishClimateandNatureDebate2026 #ElectionHustings

Last night, cross-party MSPs took part in a debate recognising the species and habitats that they champion in Parliament. 🏆

Listen to the full debate to hear why thriving road verges can be just as important as Scotland's more charismatic flora and fauna!

www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/memb...

Image of a herring gull, an oak leaf, a red squirrel, a dolphin, a humpback whale and a bumblebee on an orange background with speech bubbles saying "Nature Champions Debate!".

📣 Nature Champions Debate! 📣

MSPs will raise awareness of some of Scotland's extraordinary species & habitats this evening as part of a Nature Champions debate! 🌳

Tune in from 5.10pm! www.scottishparliament.tv

Read the Motion: www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-20338

A photo of a tree with a twisted trunk, with a wooded valley in the background.

The Natural Environment Act marks a significant shift: nature recovery is no longer just a policy aspiration but a legal responsibility.

But passing legislation is not the same as restoring nature.

Read our analysis of what needs to happen next:

www.scotlink.org/a-landmark-m...

📷Morag Wells

Image showing Freshwater Pearl Mussels with the headline “Nature Spotlight.” Next to it is a photo of Nature Champion Audrey Nicoll MSP, highlighting her commitment to protecting this species.

Orange background with an illustration of a Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), marked with the IUCN Red List’s Critically Endangered symbol, indicating the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Text explains: These mussels can live up to 100 years and filter up to 50 litres of water daily, significantly improving water quality for otters, fish, eels, and other aquatic life. Habitat: They thrive in clean, low-nutrient, fast-flowing rivers with coarse sand or gravel beds. Main Threats: Pollution affecting water quality, changes to river structure that hinder population recovery, and over-harvesting of mussels.

List of conservation actions to protect Freshwater Pearl Mussels: Control illegal pearl fishing, encouraging public reporting of incidents, implement broader conservation and restoration of clean, fast-flowing rivers and their ecosystems, support ongoing captive breeding programs to boost populations, and ensure full implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to safeguard habitats and species.

Nature Spotlight on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, championed by @audreynicollsnp.bsky.social + Buglife. These critically endangered mussels live up to 100 years and filter 50L of water daily. Conservation focuses on protection and habitat restoration. #NatureChampions

Poll Position - Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Now is the time to push politicians for strong and swift climate action that will bring a safer, cleaner, healthier and fairer way of life for all Scots – and recent surveys show that’s what most peop...

Most people DO care about climate change and want action to tackle it, surveys show.
As Scotland gets ready for the election in May, politicians from all parties should take note of the findings.

SCCS's latest blog shares a few insights:

www.stopclimatechaos.scot/poll-position/

Colourful poster titled 'Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate: Election Hustings' taking place on 24th February from 6 to 8 pm. Event available in Edinburgh at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, or online. Logos of partner organisations featured: Our Seas Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Food Coalition, and Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

Join Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate on Tues 24 Feb 6-8pm to discuss some of the world’s most pressing concerns with representatives of political parties ahead of the Scottish Elections. Online and in person!
Sign up! shorturl.at/fBS0o
#ScottishClimateandNatureDebate2026 #ElectionHustings

A collage featuring vibrant butterflies, busy bees, and colorful wildflowers under the headline “Nature Spotlight”, followed by the subtitle “Road Verges and the Wee Critters Within.” The slide also includes a photo of Nature Champion Mercedes Villalba MSP, highlighting her involvement in the initiative.

Images of lush grass, a hedgehog, and a badger accompany the headline “Why are road verges so important for biodiversity?” The text explains that the wild plant conservation group Plantlife estimates over 700 wild plant species thrive on Scottish road verges. These verges serve as vital foraging, resting, and crossing habitats for diverse wildlife, including invertebrates, birds, and small mammals like hedgehogs. Main Threats listed: Safety and access priorities Budget constraints and low emphasis on enhancing wildlife value Preference for tidy, “neat” roadside appearance Persistent nitrogen pollution

Headline: “Actions needed to protect road verges” The text outlines key steps: promoting improved management guidelines, encouraging local authorities to adopt wildlife-friendly maintenance practices, introducing legally binding targets to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution, and developing a coordinated Scottish Nature Network to strategically support species and habitats.

In honour of #NationalHedgehogDay we’re spotlighting the vital role of road verges for hedgehogs and other wildlife. These wild habitats, championed by Mercedes Villalba MSP & Plantlife, provide safe spaces to forage and buffer pollution. Protect our verges to help Scotland’s wee critters thrive! 🦔