RSPB Scotland

@rspbscotland

Protecting and restoring habitats, saving species and helping end the nature and climate emergency in Scotland.

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RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· 20d

Over the last week there has been a tireless effort to tackle the ongoing wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park. While encouraging progress had been made thanks to immense support, unfortunately the fire threat has been growing at RSPB Abernethy following a change in weather conditions.

Drone image of Cairngorms National Park fire with text which reads ongoing fire in the cairngorms national park

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· 22d

Today some of those who have been supporting the efforts met with the First Minister, including RSPB team members who discussed the incredible community support with him.

Representatives of those involved in firefighting and community efforts talk to the First Minister standing in a group

Groups involved with the efforts speaking to the First Minister beside a red tent

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· 22d

The last few days have been incredibly challenging but seeing the immense community effort to halt the spread of the fire and to support each other, is incredible and a testament to how deeply we all care for this landscape. Encouraging progress has been made, but this remains an ongoing situation.

Image of someone in orange jumpsuit fighting fire in Cairngorms National Park with text 'Ongoing fire in the Cairngorms National Park'

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· 27d

We are also incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses and individuals in helping provide supplies for those on the front line. The Loch Garten Nature Centre remains closed, and we would ask everyone to adhere to the requests from the SFRS including not to travel to the area.

A graphic listing the ways people can prevent wildfires:

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code including never lighting a fire (portable fire bowls or BBQs) at times of high fire risk

Adhere to bylaws, such as the Cairngorms National Park fire management restrictions

Take all litter and food waste home with you

Fully extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them safely

Keep glass bottles and other reflective objects out of direct sunlight

If you spot a fire, report it immediately to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and share your location (e.g using What3Words)

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· 27d

RSPB Abernethy is an incredible place for nature, supporting more than 5,000 species including some of the UK's rarest and most threatened wildlife. Its importance is recognised not just on a UK level but an international one by many protected area designations.

Photograph of a man in a yellow jacket trying to extinguish a fire in the Cairngorms National Park

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jul 10

Upland species like Dotterel are particularly at risk. The latest national survey reveals stark declines since monitoring began. Climate change is likely a key driver. With their future in the UK increasingly dire, supporting Dotterel to be more resilient to climate change may help protect them.

Juvenile dotterel sitting on ground with pink/purple sky behind. Text reads Results from the latest national Dotterel survey have revealed declines of 89% since monitoring began in 1988. The rate of decline has increased since the last national survey in 2011.

Dotterel standing on grassy ground. Text reads Improving understanding of the pressures alongside action to keep habitat in good condition and reduce disturbance by hill users and dogs may help make a difference for Dotterel.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jul 10

Climate change is already impacting birds across the UK. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather can shape where species live, how common they are and the timing of breeding and migration. Some of the UK’s most vulnerable birds are already declining.

Puffin sits on grassy ledge. Text reads Climate change is driving major shifts for our birds. Seabird species could decline by more than 70% by 2050 and upland species are also particularly vulnerable.

Golden Plover lit in golden light. Text says Some of the key areas of impact identified include changing species distribution, loss of seasonal food, growing pressure on protected areas.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jul 3

A new study has revealed the devastating long-term impact of bird flu on Gannets ⚠️ Two of the world's largest Gannet colonies, including Bass Rock, are not expected to recover until 2041 after adult mortality soared during the 2022 outbreak. Discover more: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 30

Beaver kit spotted on our Insh Marshes nature reserve! Beavers were released in this area in 2024 as part of the Bringing Beavers Back to the Cairngorms Project.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

Standing up for the little guys is only possible through working together! Discover more about the partnership projects protecting invertebrates: Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms ➡️ rare-inverts-rspb.hub.arcgis.com Species on the Edge ➡️ speciesontheedge.co.uk

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

The Pine Hoverfly is one of Britain’s rarest insects. We work with partners on monitoring, habitat management and creation, and a breeding for release programme. Last year, the Pine Hoverfly steering group set out a five-year strategic plan to secure the species’ future.

Adult male pine hoverfly on yellow flower

Surveying for pine hoverfly in rot holes

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

Dark Bordered Beauty are now restricted to two sites in Scotland and one in England. As with other invertebrates, loss of habitat is a key threat. Through Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms, we deliver monitoring and habitat management, and support a conservation breeding for release programme.

RIC staff and volunteers undertaking Dark bordered beauty moth egg releases

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

Great Yellow Bumblebees are one of the UK's rarest bumblebees. They have seen a drastic decline, largely due to the loss of flower-rich meadows. Species on the Edge works across Scotland to make a difference through measures like research & monitoring, habitat improvement and community engagement.

Great Yellow bumblebee flying amongst yellow flowers

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

Critically Endangered Aspen Hoverfly live in Aspen woodland in the Scottish Highlands. Loss of this habitat is putting this species under pressure. Together with partners, we’re working to establish where the fly is found and how it's faring so we can collaborate on longer term action to help.

RIC staff and volunteers looking at Aspen

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 27

Insects are an essential part of nature – and they’re important for people too 🐝 🐜🪲 Some of our tiniest species have a big impact, and we can take action to help look after them. This National Insect Week, get to know some of Scotland’s small but mighty creatures 👇️ 📸 Gen Tompkins, David Palmer

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 26

Invasive non-native species are one of the major drivers of nature loss globally – and a significant pressure on Scotland’s wildlife ⚠️ We’re involved in projects and partnerships across Scotland to prevent, reduce or remove the threat to ensure our amazing species and habitats are protected 💪

A volunteer removing Tree Mallow on seabird island in the Forth. Text reads Working with the Scottish Seabird Centre and volunteers through SOS Puffin, we remove Tree Mallow from important seabird islands. This invasive non-native species can take over, preventing Puffins from nesting and rearing their young.

A brown and white conservation biosecurity dog in Orkney. Text reads The Orkney Native Wildlife Project aims to safeguard native species in Orkney by addressing the threat that invasive non-native Stoats pose. Highly trained Stoat detection conservation dogs help by indicating signs of activity.

Seabirds flying over the ocean. Text reads Biosecurity for Scotland helps deliver biosecurity plans for islands, support biosecurity surveillance, and delivers training for marine industries. The project also works to raise awareness and offers educational resources.

Rhododendron in Scottish rainforest habitat. Text reads Rhododendron ponticum is a huge threat to Scotland’s rainforests. It can spread rapidly and out-compete native plants. The Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforests works to tackle rhododenron and address threats from other invasive species too.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 19

We’re excited to be at the Royal Highland Show this week. 🚜🐄🌱 Farming and crofting sit at the heart of Scotland's economy and rural communities. They are also at the front line of the climate and nature emergencies, both suffering from the impacts and being key to the solutions. But,

Oystercatcher feeding in a muddy farm field in between rows of green shoots

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 17

We were delighted to host @gillianamartin.bsky.social Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs at RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve this morning to showcase just one example of how the Nature Restoration Fund is transforming places for nature and for people across Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin with RSPB Scotland staff in a bird hide at the Lochwinnoch nature reserve in Renfrewshire.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 17

Innovative work across the nature reserve is helping to create better conditions for Capercaillie. There’s still much more to do, but this is a hopeful step. Through the Capercaillie Emergency Plan, we’ll continue to collaborate with landowners, volunteers and partners to protect this iconic bird.

Dark brown coloured cow in clearing in Abernethy where grazing cows are bringing benefits which can help Capercaillie

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 17

Good news for Capercaillie! 170 male Capercaillie were recorded at breeding lek sites in the Cairngorms National Park this year, rising from 131 in 2025. At RSPB Abernethy, 35 lekking males were recorded, up from 30. @cairngormsnews.bsky.social

A camo hide in the forest where Capercaillie lek counts take place

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 15

🚨 Berwick Bank update The developer has applied to change the plans, which could make it easier to build this deadly wind farm close to world famous seabird sites. Action for climate and nature must go hand in hand. There's still time to stop Berwick Bank. www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

Image shows a Razorbill sitting on a rock with the sea in the background.

A Gannet mid-flight with a large rock formation in the background

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 8

Swifts need our help fast. Loss of nest sites is contributing to declines, but there’s an easy fix – Swift bricks. These hollow bricks can be built directly into nearly any type of wall. They provide durable, safe places for Swifts, House Sparrows and other cavity-nesting birds to nest.

A swift brick with a swift inside. This swift brick is a beige square with for corner screws and a central circle that protrudes a bit built into a red brick wall.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 8

World Swift Day is an annual global celebration of swifts including the ones that return each summer to breed in Scotland. Swifts are incredible. They spend almost their entire lives in flight, landing only to breed. But Swifts are in trouble. Two thirds have already been lost from the UK.

A blue background with two silhouettes of swifts and the words World Swift Day

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· Jun 4

Today we joined @scotlink.bsky.social partners to stand up for nature outside of Scottish Parliament 📣 We know nature is in serious trouble - but there is hope. Working together, we can help Scotland's wildlife thrive for generations to come 💚

Group of representatives across ScotLink organisations standing together outside Scottish Parliament. At the front is a purple banner which reads 'Stand Up for nature'. A group near the centre are holding bird puppets of a Swift, Puffin and Curlew. Other signs read Scotland needs trees, Stand up for nature, Scotland loves nature and Stand up for trees

Three RSPB staff members holding up bird puppets. From left to right a Swift, Puffin and Curlew.

Someone fills out a yellow heart post it note to add to a sign with a map of Scotland and the question 'Which part of Scotland's nature do you love most?' The map already has several yellow, pink and red heart post it notes over it with things different people have added about why they love nature.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 29

Scotland has a new Parliament. Now it’s time for action. Much of our extraordinary wildlife is in serious trouble, but we can turn it around. Your voice makes a difference. Discover our five urgent actions for nature and how you can help: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

A Stand up for nature demonstration outside of Scottish Parliament with a group holding signs and banners including a large purple banner which says Stand up for nature. In the foreground is someone dressed as a Puffin holding a sign which reads 'Scotland loves nature'

Three Puffins on grassy cliffside with sea in background. Centre puffin has wings spread facing toward the camera to the left. The two puffins on either side are facing away out to the sea.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 26

Protected areas should safeguard our most important places for nature - but new data reveals sharp declines in monitoring which puts these precious places at risk 🚨 Monitoring is essential to be able to deliver the urgent action nature needs to thrive. We must do better for Scotland’s wildlife.

Heavily mossy covered trees in Scottish rainforest

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 22

Make sure nature isn't forgotten! Right now, MSPs are deciding what matters most in the next Scottish Parliament, and you can help ensure nature is on their list. Meeting your MSP is a powerful way to make sure Scotland’s wildlife has a strong voice 📣

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 20

Meet the Small Scabious Mining bee this #WorldBeeDay! Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partners are working with volunteers and landowners to better understand this rare bee and help it thrive 🐝 Discover more: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

Small Scabious Mining Bee at entrance to burrow in ground

Small Scabious Mining Bee perched atop a purple flower

Group of RIC team members stand in a circle, two holding cameras, they are looking at a patch of Devil's-bit scabious as part of bee surveys

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 19

There is just one week left to apply for the Nature of Scotland Awards! We want to hear from YOU about the remarkable people, communities and organisations making a difference for nature across Scotland 💪 Discover the ten categories and apply today: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

A Capercaillie displaying with its tail fanned out, showing dark feathers and a red patch above the eye. Graphic text reads: ‘Nature of Scotland Awards 2026 – Time is running out, enter now.’ Logos for RSPB Scotland and NatureScot appear in the top right corner.

RSPB Scotland@rspbscotland· May 14

Corncrakes are secretive birds with a very loud voice. After returning from Africa, males call “crex crex” from tall vegetation until they attract a mate 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Once widespread across Scotland, populations have declined sharply. They are now only found on some islands and parts of the northwest coast.