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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 20h

Featured image by Emma Steel | WDC

Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 20h

The Scot Gov's Marine Directorate is running a series of drop-in sessions for its long-awaited public consultation on marine protected areas and priority marine features. We strongly encourage everyone who can to attend, ask questions, and share local knowledge! Find out more: shorturl.at/O5XRi

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#DYK Common Lizards are unusual among reptiles because they incubate their eggs inside their bodies instead of laying them, giving them their other name: 'viviparous lizard'. Their #NatureChampion is Katie Hagmann MSP @katiehagmann.bsky.social in collaboration with Froglife @froglife.bsky.social

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Today Scottish Environment LINK members gave evidence to Parliament’s Rural Affairs Committee on marine priorities. As Scotland’s seas continue to decline, we need inclusive management and well-resourced Marine Protected Areas to deliver win-wins for nature, fishing, and coastal communities.

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The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This Wednesday, MSPs will debate how Scotland can build resilience to climate shocks – including the role nature recovery can play. We’ll be outside Parliament before the debate, making sure the urgency of preparing for climate shocks is visible outside as well as inside Holyrood. 🧵3/4

An event poster on a solid yellow background. At the top, bold black text reads "THIS WEDNESDAY!" Below, a hand drawn in a comic-book style holds up a blue placard. Written on the placard in white, handwritten-style text is "Prepare Scotland for CLIMATE SHOCKS". In the bottom corners are details for the event: - A black map pin icon next to the text "SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT". - A black calendar icon next to the text "30 SEPTEMBER 3-5 pm". In the background at the bottom is a black-and-white stylised graphic of the Scottish Parliament building.

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Kelp forests play a vital role in supporting healthy marine ecosystems. Their presence creates a complex habitat that provides shelter & feeding areas for many animals. Their #NatureChampion is Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP in collaboration with Marine Conservation Society & Scottish Wildlife Trust

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Sea Scotland @seascotland.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We have just a few tickets left for Sea Scotland on 27 October! Join us at the Discovery in Dundee to explore the big issues facing Scotland's marine environment. 🌊 Grab your ticket before they're gone: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sea-scotla...

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Along with 14 of our member organisations, we've published a statement today on why we're not persuaded of the case for merging NatureScot and other public bodies into a single environmental agency. Read our statement: shorturl.at/51Ow2 📷Sandra Graham

A photo of a rowan tree laden with berries

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

LINK is calling for calling for effective, science-led protections for Scotland’s seas as the Scottish government launches its long-overdue public consultation today on protections for wildlife in inshore marine protected areas. Read our press release: shorturl.at/B9P3v 📷 Cath Bain/WDC

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Sea Scotland @seascotland.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We are so excited to be back in Dundee at #DiscoveryPoint to celebrate our 10th anniversary - who was there at the first Sea Scotland conference at this fantastic venue? Discovery Point - Dundee Heritage Trust share.google/EaZxmeiTB1aM... @scotlink.bsky.social @mcsuk.bsky.social @wwf.org.uk

share.google

Discovery Point - Dundee Heritage Trust

Dive into history on the Royal Research Ship Discovery in Dundee and experience Captain Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic journey.

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Get your tickets before they're gone!

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The results of our @survation.bsky.social survey on the state of nature and government performance add to the evidence that there's a high level of concern for the environment and a strong political incentive for government to act. Dan Paris looks at the findings in a new blog post shorturl.at/jmy7g

Text and a pie chart on a green background. The headline reads, ‘44% of people think Scotland’s natural environment has declined during their lifetime. The subheading reads, ‘Scotland’s natural environment has…’.
The pie chart shows 44% for ‘declined’, 31% for ‘not changed’, 16% for ‘improved’ and 9% for ‘don’t know’.
Below the pic chart is this text:
Source: Polling conducted by Survation, commissioned by Scottish Environment LINK. 2026 poll was conducted between 5th August –10th August 2026 with a sample size of 1007.

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today, LINK’s @danparis.bsky.social spoke to @parliament.scot's Climate Action Committee, highlighting nature as one of our most important assets and as a first line of defence against climate change. Restoring biodiversity goes hand in hand with climate action. Full meeting: shorturl.at/qtgO9

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Natural woodland regeneration and colonisation could help Scotland meet its net zero targets. But to do so, we must change how we fund & support forestry. Read LINK's latest report to find out more about natural woodland regeneration & our policy proposals for the Scot Gov. 🔗 shorturl.at/ObxiV

A green background with text and drawings of trees, acorns, a robin and a squirrel. The headline reads ‘What is natural woodland regeneration and colonisation?’. Below it are two paragraphs of text in speech bubbles.
The first reads, ‘Natural regeneration is the establishment of young trees within an existing woodland by natural means, and is the way in which woodlands naturally perpetuated themselves before humanity became tree planters.’
The second reads, ‘Natural colonisation is the establishment of young trees onto open ground, the creation of new woodlands by natural processes.’

A green background with text and drawings of a tree trunk, grass, a hedgehog, a frog, a snail and a pine marten.The headline reads, ‘LINK’s policy proposals for natural woodland regeneration’. Below it are three paragraphs of text in speech bubbles.
The first reads, ‘Shift the balance of funding for forestry towards supporting natural regeneration. With 50% of funding to be ring-fenced for native woodland creation and management.’
The second reads, ‘Increase the role of natural regeneration and colonisation in achieving woodland creation targets, and encourage uptake by supporting associated management costs.’
The third reads, ‘Support people on the ground to keep deer numbers at a level which allows natural regeneration and colonisation.’

A green background with text and icons. The headline reads, ‘Advantages of natural woodland regeneration & colonisation’.
The first section of text, titled ‘Economic’ and next to a money icon, reads:
Lower up front establishment costs – e.g., no
need for purchasing seedlings, plastic tree guards
or hiring planting contractors
Lower long-term maintenance and management
expenses
The second section, titled ‘Social’ and next to a people icon, reads:
Reduced soil disturbance - decreases flooding and
runoff, thus reducing pollution risk in watercourses
and improving water quality
Preserves local heritage and natural landscape
aesthetics over artificial plantations

The third section, titled ‘Environmental’ and next to a globe icon, reads:
Climate mitigation - e.g., Less soil disturbance
= less CO2 released into the atmosphere
Biodiversity boost - Provides a greater variety of
different habitat structures for wildlife
Climate adaptation - Genetic diversity increases
resilience to climate change and disease

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

4 in 10 planning departments in Scotland’s local authorities have no in-house ecological expertise. We need properly resourced experts to assist with informed decision-making to protect Scotland’s nature. Read The National's article: shorturl.at/kO9eD Explore LINK's Scorecard: shorturl.at/ecQG2

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

How can we know nature protection is working if we aren't properly monitoring it? Scotland signed up to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, but a new Nature Protection Scorecard reveals a critical gap. Read The Ferret's article: shorturl.at/XhGvF Explore Scorecard: shorturl.at/ecQG2

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

📸 Featured image: Alison Moore | MCS

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

NEW ARTICLE! 🚨 Scotland can’t afford to wait to protect its seas. Over a decade after the Marine (Scotland) Act, key inshore protections are still missing. The government must act to protect marine life & support local fishers. Read our latest article published in The Herald: shorturl.at/uNdaH

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

#DYK the Common pipistrelle is so small it can fit into a matchbox?! But don't let its size fool you. They can easily eat 3000 insects per night! Their #NatureChampion is Clare Adamson MSP @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social in collaboration with The Bat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

In a new guest blog LINK’s former Chair James Curran @jamescurranhere.bsky.social discusses how we can best measure Scotland's path to a sustainable future & looks at how an index of sustainable development could help track our economic, social & environmental progress. Read here: shorturl.at/A0oCT

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Take two minutes to help save Scottish seas 👇 Scotland's marine protected areas need specially tailored fishing restrictions to protect the amazing wildlife within them. Join the call for a public consultation in the first 100 days of parliament. Write to your MSPs before Aug 22! shorturl.at/Nzo5w

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Read the article in The Herald here: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2645579... Read the full ESS Report here: environmentalstandards.scot/keep-up-to-d... Read our summary of the report here: www.scotlink.org?p=21078&prev... 📸 Featured Image by Paul Naylor | marinephoto.co.uk

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

As reported in The Herald yesterday, a major Scottish environmental watchdog found that the govt failed to meet legal duties to protect the seabed. Their recent June 2026 report cites critical policy gaps and issues formal recommendations, legally requiring a response within 6 months. Links below👇

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

As the new session of the Scottish Parliament progresses, we have outlined our key asks for the 2026 Programme for Government. To tackle the climate and nature crises, we call on the Scot Govt to take bold action to protect our environment and support our communities. Read more 👉 shorturl.at/F6Zsa

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Did you know that Water Voles are keystone species and expert ecosystem engineers whose presence indicates a healthy wetland ecosystem and generates greater biodiversity? Their #NatureChampion is Fulton MacGregor MSP in collaboration with @rspbscotland.bsky.social ! 📸 Ben Andrew | rspb-images.com

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Scotland has achieved seven consecutive years of growth in organic farming, but we still lag behind our EU neighbours. Looking towards the 2026–2031 parliament, we are asking the Scot Gov to set a new target to double organic land cover over the next five years. Read more: shorturl.at/FOfnY

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

If you’re aged 18–30 and joining us at Sea Scotland, you’re invited to attend our exclusive pre-conference youth workshop and social, designed to help you make the most of your Sea Scotland experience. The ticket includes access to Sea Scotland on 27th October! Book your place now shorturl.at/9eybK

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Blue mussels are habitat-forming ecosystem engineers that provide many vital ecosystem functions, including seafloor stabilisation, water filtering, & boosting biodiversity! Their #NatureChampion is Kate Campbell MSP @kate-c.bsky.social in collaboration with Young Sea Changers Scotland 📸 ©JPrescott

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Few industries are as woven into Scotland’s coastal identity as fishing, yet our seas face an increasingly complex management crisis. So why is current marine policy stalling, and how can spatial management be crucial for marine recovery? 👉 Read the full article: www.scotlink.org/the-elephant...

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Did you know that Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of 200 mph as they plunge out of the sky to catch their prey, making them the fastest animal?! Their #NatureChampion is Holly Bruce MSP @hollybruce.bsky.social alongside RSPB Scotland @rspbscotland.bsky.social & the Scottish Raptor Study Group

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Want to know some turtly awesome facts about Leatherback Turtles? They can grow up to 2 metres long and have been around for over 65 million yrs, since the Jurassic Period! Their #NatureChampion is Ross Greer MSP @ross-greer.bsky.social, working with Marine Conservation Society @mcsuk.bsky.social

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Take two minutes to write to your MSPs to call for action to give Scotland's seas the protections they deserve! Join our call for a public consultation within the first 100 days of the new parliament on finally implementing the protections our oceans need. Act now! scotlink.eaction.online/100days/

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Are you aged 18–25 & heading to Sea Scotland 2026? 🌊 Don’t miss the Sea Scotland Youth Event! 📍 Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre 📅 26 Oct 2026 Join us for a free workshop & dinner to connect, discuss ocean justice, and build confidence before the main conference. Eventbrite coming soon! 🎟️

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The Ferret reports that some Scottish councils spent £4m from the Nature Restoration Fund on general admin. Diverting millions from these flagship environmental funds undermines critical efforts to address the nature emergency. Read more: shorturl.at/lCSpT @theferret.scot

theferret.scot

Councils were given millions to tackle the nature crisis. Some spent it on office costs

The Scottish Government gave local authorities £20m to tackle a "nature emergency". But we found that around £4m of that sum was spent on fixing cars and office equipment, among other non-environmenta...

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The Ferret @theferret.scot · 05/07/2026

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Did you know a Minke whale can be as loud as a jet plane? 🐋 At 150 decibels, their calls travel vast distances! Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust & Whale and Dolphin Conservation do amazing work protecting them in Scottish waters. Karen Adam MSP is the proud #NatureChampion for Minke whales! 💙

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Young Sea Changers Scotland @youth4seas.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Delighted to be paired with @kate-c.bsky.social as part of @scotlink.bsky.social's Nature Champions initiative. Kate will work alongside YSCS to champion the conservation of Scotland's blue mussel beds in the Scottish Parliament to ensure this unique species can thrive for generations to come!

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

It's #SwiftAwarenessWeek!#DYK that Swifts rarely land? That's where they get their scientific name (derived from Greek), meaning “no foot, no foot"! The swift is still looking for its #NatureChampion to be its voice in the Scottish Parliament alongside @rspbscotland.bsky.social!

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Are you doomscrolling again? 👀 Turn that screen time into action for Scotland’s marine life. Many of our marine protected areas have no real protection from destructive industrial fishing. Take 30 seconds to protect our seas. Click the link to email your MSPs now! scotlink.eaction.online/100days/

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

This week’s Nature Spotlight is the badger championed by Paul Sweeney MSP & Scottish Badgers. 🦡 They are important ecosystem engineers who boost biodiversity, but they’re threatened by habitat loss, climate change-induced drought & wildlife crime. Learn more: shorturl.at/Jj7TE #NatureChampions

Image of a badger with headline Nature Spotlight followed by subtitle Badger ‘also known as Broc in Gaelic’ and an image of Paul Sweeney MSP, Nature Champion

Orange background with images of badgers and the headline Badger (Meles meles) followed by text saying:
Badgers are considered keystone species and ecosystem engineers. Through digging and foraging, they improve soil structure, disperse seeds and create microhabitats that support many other species.

Habitat:
They typically live in broadleaved woodland, farmland, towns and gardens

Main Threats:
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Wildlife crime
Climate change – increased drought
Declining soil health - reduced earthworm and insect populations that feed them

Green background with images or badgers and the headline Actions needed to protect badgers followed by text saying: Strengthen enforcement and raise public awareness of badger crime
Support Badger habitat protection and restoration
Champion evidence-based policy to counter misinformation on Scotland’s bovine TB-free status
Promote Badgers’ important ecological role in supporting biodiversity, green places and community wellbeing

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Nature Champions @naturechampions.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

This week’s Nature Spotlight highlights the water vole, championed by Fulton MacGregor MSP in collaboration with RSPB Scotland. They're one of the UK's most threatened species due to habitat loss. Learn more about our Nature Champions initiative: scotlink.org/link-campaigns/nature-champions/about/

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Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

At the #RoyalHighlandShow today we joined NatureScot and a diverse group of organisations to unveil a joint statement championing a shared vision to improve food security by strengthening the link between nature and sustainable farming & fishing in Scotland. 🔗 Full press release in comments #RHS26

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