Public body protecting Scotland’s natural heritage
The Cairngorms wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy continues to burn across roughly six kilometres. Firefighters are maintaining a multi-agency response with evacuations in Glenmore, Loch Morlich and surrounding areas. Authorities say the incident remains live with weather conditions affecting containment.
NatureScot plans an online register for Scotland’s ancient woodlands, recording location and conditioning. The system, due to live in 2027, will include conifer forests, recently planted woodlands and even ‘ghost’ woods, with a PIN procurement launching 2026–27.
Campaigners call for talks with Hebridean communities to phase out the infant gannet hunt on Ness, citing welfare concerns and conservation data. Opponents accuse recent tactics of entrenching views; supporters stress tradition and subsistence. Licensing decisions by NatureScot loom as seabird numbers trend downward.
Conservation groups say Scotland’s marine protected areas are recovering when properly shielded from dredging and trawling. The Wester Ross MPA has shown early signs of life returning after illegal disturbance, while groups press for faster, broader protections across inshore waters.
The National Trust says a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree, planted in Wray Castle, Cumbria, has been stolen between 9 and 16 June. The theft follows the 2023 felling of the original iconic tree and the sentencing of two men. Police are investigating and appeal for information. The sapling was part of a UK-wide restoration effort.