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Nature of Scotland Awards 2019

ByNatalie Polack

Can you help us reach the inspirational people, projects and organisations working hard to protect Scotland’s precious natural heritage?

The RSPB’s Nature of Scotland Awards 2019, co-sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage, want to celebrate their achievements – we are now open for applications across nine categories until the 4 June.

We would be very grateful for your help and it’s so easy to make a difference. To assist you with doing this I have attached suggested social media posts and Facebook and Twitter tiles to use on your own pages. The awards hashtag is #natureofscotland and we would also be very happy for you to share the RSPB’s posts about the awards which can be found on the following pages:

To promote the call for entries for the awards in newsletters, bulletins and any other communications you may produce, the awards logo is attached and copy is provided below: 

Celebrating Scotland’s nature champions

Recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation, the eighth annual Nature of Scotland Awards co-sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage are open for applications until 4 June.

Entering the awards is free and applications are being sought across nine categories including 2 new awards for 2019: Coasts and Waters, Conservation Science, Community Initiative, Food and Farming, Innovation, Political Advocate of the Year, SNH Business, RSPB Species Champion and Youth and Education.

Honouring schools and youth groups demonstrating how they have made a real difference to the conservation and sustainability of Scotland’s wildlife and habitats, the Youth and Education Award was won by Reviving Rossie – Awakening a Secret Wood in 2018.  The group developed a network of woodland trails, planting over 1,700 trees, dug wildfowl ponds, planted hedges and conducted extensive surveys of plants and bird species.  This year we are asking schools and youth groups to show us through evidence and outcomes what your project has done in nature, through nature, about nature and for nature and to tell us how you have connected young people to the natural world.

New this year and ahead of the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, we will be celebrating the contribution of those who support nature living in Scottish marine and freshwater habitats. We are also launching a new category that will recognise and celebrate an individual or group of scientists whose research supports nature conservation in Scotland.

The Nature of Scotland Awards shortlist will be unveiled at a Parliamentary Reception in September and the winners will be announced at a prestigious Presentation Dinner on the 4 December at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. Successfully shortlisted entries will receive two complimentary tickets to the dinner hosted by award winning wildlife cameraman and TV presenter Gordon Buchanan and BBC Scotland’s wildlife expert Euan McIlwraith.

Let’s celebrate the people, organisations and businesses going above and beyond to support our precious natural heritage. Nominate a person, project or business dedicated to supporting our environment or submit your own project and tell us what you’re doing to support nature!

Find out more about the awards and submit your application by 4 June by visiting rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.