Scottish Environment LINK
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scotlink.bsky.social
Scottish Environment LINK
@scotlink.bsky.social
1.9K followers 660 following 210 posts
The voice of Scotland's #environment community. Over 50 organisations working together for the environment.

www.scotlink.org
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scotlink.bsky.social
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
A photo of a tree with a twisted trunk, with a wooded valley in the background.
February 10, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
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
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.
February 9, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
sccscot.bsky.social
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/
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...
www.stopclimatechaos.scot
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
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
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.
February 3, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
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! 🦔
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.
February 2, 2026 at 2:50 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Big win for Scotland’s nature! The Natural Environment Bill passed by MSPs will bring in legally binding targets to restore wildlife and habitats. Huge thanks to LINK’s members and supporters who helped make this happen! Let’s keep pushing for strong action and funding to restore Scotland’s nature.
A vibrant poster with a green background showing a red squirrel, Scottish wildcat, and puffin wearing party hats. They are surrounded by green and pink confetti, streamers, and balloons holding up a banner that reads: “MSPs voted to pass the Natural Environment Bill! Scotland WILL have legally binding nature recovery targets.
January 30, 2026 at 9:38 AM
scotlink.bsky.social
New research by @froglife.bsky.social and others using volunteer data shows common toads have declined by 41% in Britain over 40 years.

Toad Patrols save lives and provide vital conservation data.
Get involved this spring: www.froglife.org/tormap

#ToadsOnRoads2026
January 29, 2026 at 11:10 AM
scotlink.bsky.social
@estherebrooker.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 4:21 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Today LINK’s Esther Brooker gave evidence on Clyde cod protection, urging a holistic, ecosystem-based approach: precautionary closures, bycatch reduction, seabed monitoring, collaboration with local fishers, and aligned fisheries management for resilient ecosystems and sustainable communities. 🐟
January 28, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
rspbscotland.bsky.social
Today we raised our voices outside Scottish Parliament in one last push to ensure politicians stand up for Scotland's nature.

The Natural Environment Bill could be a game-changer - introducing nature targets and Swift bricks. The final debate starts today, we hope to see major wins for wildlife.
Group smiling and holding up their signs and bird puppets outside Scottish Parliament Close up of sign which reads 'Swifties for Swift Bricks!' with a picture of Taylor Swift Three members of RSPB staff stand together smiling holding a Curlew puppet, a Puffin puppet and a Swift puppet Swift puppet next to Scottish parliament entrance
January 27, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
This week’s Nature Spotlight: the Red Squirrel, championed by Alexander Burnett MSP and The Scottish Wildlife Trust. Known as ‘Feòrag Ruadh,’ they live in conifer woods, building nests called dreys. Threats include grey squirrels & habitat loss. 🐿️🌲

#NatureChampions
@scotwildlife.bsky.social
Picture of a red squirrel eating with the headline “Nature Spotlight.” The red squirrel, known as ‘Feòrag Ruadh’ in Gaelic, is featured alongside an image of Nature Champion Alexander Burnett MSP. Orange background featuring illustrations of a red squirrel and oak tree leaves. Text explains that red squirrels live in nests called dreys, which they build themselves from moss, twigs, and grass, usually near tree trunks. Habitat: Typically found in coniferous forests, feeding mainly on pine cone seeds. Main Threats: Competition from invasive grey squirrels, squirrelpox virus, habitat fragmentation, and road traffic collisions. Conservation Status: Classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List, meaning the species is not currently endangered but some populations may be declining and need monitoring. List of conservation actions to protect red squirrels: Support the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels partnership project. Back habitat restoration and grey squirrel control initiatives. Develop a coherent Scottish Nature Network to focus conservation efforts on key species and habitats. Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy addresses the main causes of decline identified by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
January 27, 2026 at 1:09 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
On Jan 27, MSPs decide the fate of Scotland’s Natural Environment Bill. This is our chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌍🌿🐾

MSPs can still strengthen or weaken it—we need bold action now!

Like & share to help restore Scotland’s nature! 📢
#NaturalEnvironmentBill
January 26, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
Discover how LINK’s Nature Champions initiative is gaining global attention at the World Economic Forum. 🌿🐾🌍
Read the full press release: www.scotlink.org/global-boost...

#worldeconomicforum #naturechampions #davos
January 22, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
countrysidejobs.bsky.social
Despite years of strategies, Scotland remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. That’s why @scotlink.bsky.social is calling for legally binding nature recovery targets — putting people at the heart of change.
🔗 Click through to learn more and get involved. c-js.uk/48RCWvH
two smiling people standing on a cliff with the sea in the background, holding signs saying 'Scotland loves nature'
January 20, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
This week’s Nature Spotlight is on Orcas, championed by Beatrice Wishart MSP & Whale & Dolphin Conservation. 🐳🌊🐬
@beatricewishartmsp.bsky.social
@whalesorg.bsky.social

Orcas, or ‘killer whales’ are not whales at all but in fact the world’s largest dolphin! Let’s protect them & our seas

#orcas
Orcas swimming underwater. The headline reads “Nature Spotlight – Orca,” with Gaelic names ‘cana’ and ‘mada-chuain’ displayed. The slide also features a photo of Nature Champion Beatrice Wishart MSP. A graphic slide with blue bubbles and a close-up image of an orca’s head. Text explains that orcas (Orcinus orca), despite their nickname “Killer whale,” are actually the largest dolphins, with males reaching the size of four cars. Their habitat includes the North and West coasts of Scotland, especially around the Shetland and Orkney Islands. The slide highlights main threats: high contaminant levels affecting reproduction, reduced prey availability, and increased noise pollution. It also shows a symbol indicating that, according to the IUCN, Orcas are classified as a ‘Data Deficient’ species—meaning there is insufficient data to determine their population status, but this does not imply they are not threatened. A text-focused slide listing actions to protect orcas: encouraging public involvement in Citizen Science for sightings data; advocating for funding of regular cetacean surveys; supporting the inclusion of orcas in Scottish Marine Protected Area management plans; and ensuring full implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
January 19, 2026 at 1:14 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Did you miss the Scottish Government’s 2026-2027 draft budget announcement yesterday? 💷🌱🌍

Here’s a quick rundown to catch you up on what spending currently looks like for nature and climate.

#scottishbudget #natureandclimate #scottishgovernment
January 14, 2026 at 5:57 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
@emmaroddicksnp.bsky.social @rspbscotland.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 1:19 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Learn more about what LINK's Nature Champions are up to and what the project is all about!

www.scotlink.org/link-campaig...

@emmaroddicksnp.bsky.social
@rspbscotland.bsky.social
www.scotlink.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:17 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Introducing LINK's Nature Spotlight series!
Each week, we highlight a unique Scottish species or habitat & the protection efforts it needs. This week features the Capercaillie, a rare & endangered woodland grouse championed by Nature Champion Emma Roddick MSP in collaboration with RSPB Scotland.
January 13, 2026 at 1:17 PM
scotlink.bsky.social
Tomorrow, the Scottish Finance Secretary reveals a £60bn budget. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
LINK is calling for:
✅ Protected funds for peatlands & forests
✅ Fully funded nature agencies (NatureScot/SEPA)
✅ Farm subsidies that reward nature-friendly food
Nature is a necessity, not a luxury 🌿
#ScotBudget #nature #climate
January 12, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
sccscot.bsky.social
❗We need your help to strengthen Scotland's climate plan!

Currently it doesn’t contain the ambitious, fair action we need to tackle the climate crisis and deliver real benefits to our lives.

Find out how you can add your voice and call for a stronger plan: www.stopclimatechaos.scot/campaign/sco...
January 7, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
With the next Scottish Parliament elections expected to take place in May, this means that this is the last few months of this cohort of champions before we begin again!

Which Scottish species and habitats would you like to see championed in the next Parliament? 🤔

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Image of Atlantic Puffins Image of a common dolphin Image of a garden tiger moth on a leaf Image of upland heathland in winter
January 8, 2026 at 10:23 AM
Reposted by Scottish Environment LINK
naturechampions.bsky.social
Happy New Year to all our followers!

2026 is a big year for Nature Champions...

Did you know that the #NatureChampions initiative relaunches each Parliament to welcome new cross-party MSPs who will champion Scotland's species and habitats in Holyrood?

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Image of MSPs outside Parliament with a Nature Champions banner Image of MSPs and NGO reps on a beach with a Nature Champions banner Image of MSPs and NGO reps with a Nature Champions banner in a woodland Image of MSPs with Nature Champions awards and a Nature Champions banner in the Scottish Parliament
January 8, 2026 at 10:23 AM
scotlink.bsky.social
Time is running out for Scotland's seas! ⏳

This blog summarises the key pledges made by the Scottish political parties on ocean action, climate, pollution and a just transition from our recent Sea Scotland hustings.

Read more www.scotlink.org/scotlands-oc...

#Scotland #ClimateAction #MarineLife
December 18, 2025 at 12:31 PM