Nature News from RSPB Scotland

Stephen and Kate are joined by Conservation Officer Scott Shanks  for a wander in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. They're on the lookout for early signs of Spring and bumblebees in particular. Stephen has also been testing out his birdsong knowledge. And Kate is feeling the weight of winter lift from her shoulders.LINKSBeaversLearn more about the reintroduction of beavers on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooCQniFUAd4Follow their progress on the Loch Lomond nature reserve social feeds https://twitter.com/RSPBLochLomond Wild IslesWatch the trail here https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcpress/status/1628437839527411713BirdsongThe app Kate used https://birdnet.cornell.edu/More on birdsong here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Katie O’Neill and David Hunt for a Big Garden Birdwatch. Join them in Kate’s “garden room” for some tips on how to take part in this important bit of citizen science. There’s also all the latest nature news and a very odd folk tale about goldcrests. LINKS Species Campaignhttps://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/1Mull Eagle Bloghttps://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/flying-home-for-christmas/ Big Garden Birdwatchhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?from=hphero How to Clean Feedershttps://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

Stephen and Kate are joined for a snowy wander by Scotland Director Anne McCall and Head of Species and Habitats Paul Walton. They pick out their highlights of the past year and look ahead to 2023. There's also an unexpected link between long tailed tits and the Waltons.LINKSReport on the state of Scotland's protected areashttps://www.scotlink.org/two-thirds-of-scots-support-ambitious-30-by-30-target-to-protect-nature/ A chance to see our new Glencripesdale nature reserve for yourselfhttps://youtu.be/w3T8QUwAziw Advice on feeding birdshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/How to clean feedershttps://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

Stephen and Kate take a trip to RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve. They're joined by Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson who has some tips for things to keep an eye out for as we head into winter. Warden Dan Snowdon shows off his new scrapes which are proving to be a home for all kinds of wildlife. The team also has all the latest nature news.LINKSIf you want to see the scrapes at Lochwinnoch watch this video https://youtu.be/rChb6zIsFz8 This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot. It’s also part of the wider Garnock Connections project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.Find out more about the Birdcrime report here https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/BirdCrimeReportLaunched/Info on the Nature of Scotland Awards https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/scotland/nature-of-scotland-awards/

The podcast is back after a summer break! Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss the Westminster Government's attack on nature and the RSPB's response. There's nature news and Stephen has been visiting Scotland's rainforest. Let us know what you want the podcast to cover @RSPBScotland on Twitter or podcast.scotland@RSPB.org ukLINKSCapercaillie SurveyNational survey results reveal capercaillie numbers at critically low levels (rspb.org.uk) People’s Plan For Nature People's Plan For Nature (peoplesplanfornature.org) Attack On NatureAttack on nature: the story so far | The RSPB Alliance for Scotland’s RainforestAlliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk)

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland's Head of Species Paul Walton to discuss the unfolding bird flu outbreak. They discuss the latest from the seabird colonies most affected, hear from RSPB staff on the ground in Shetland and talk about what we all can do to help.LINKSKeep up to date with bird fluhttps://rspb.org.uk/birdfluDonate to the Appealhttps://rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/donate/appeals/avian-flu-emergency-appeal/?from=morelikethisLearn about biosecurity on islandshttps://biosecurityforlife.org.uk/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Head of Conservation Science Jen Smart to chat about migration. On a steamy day at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve the team talk about why birds migrate and some of the mind boggling distances covered. We also delve into Jen's obsession with waders. Stephen shares his recordings of corncrakes in the Hebrides. Kate has been admiring gannets.SHOW NOTESRSPB information on Avian Influenzahttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/CITY NATURE CHALLENGEhttps://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/city-nature-challenge-2022---the-results-are-inCurlew Video at Insh Marsheshttps://youtu.be/w-5LyNSzuMI

Join Kate, Stephen and Katie O'Neill from the Nature on Your Doorstep team for an early morning trip to a woodland full of birdsong. They talk about why birds sing and why we love to hear them. There's also a guest appearance by a very tuneful song thrush and Stephen gets to try out a fancy microphone.LINKSCity Nature Challengehttps://citynaturechallenge.org/Big Garden Birdwatch Resultshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/Take part in Dawn Chorus DAyhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/dawn-chorus/More about Nature on Your Doorstephttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer Claire Smith to talk about how important uplands are for nature and what needs to be done to make them even better. There's a surprise visit from a special raptor and Stephen has a lovely walk in the Caledonian Pine Forest with Ewan Craig from the National Capercaillie Survey.LINKSSouth of Scotland Golden Eagle Projecthttps://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/Scottish Government Farming Strategyhttps://www.gov.scot/publications/next-step-delivering-vision-scotland-leader-sustainable-regenerative-farming/Video about Ewan's survey workhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqDEf0I-8_4

Stephen and Kate are seeing early signs of Spring. They are joined by young naturalist Sorrel Lyall to talk about what it's like to work on North Ronaldsay ringing birds. Stephen also takes a walk on RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve with Senior Habitats and Species officer James Silvey to see what evidence of spring there is amongst the sleet. Stephen apologises to some ducks and Kate makes a Celtic connection.LINKSInteresting organisations looking at nature and inclusionhttps://www.flocktogether.world/https://www.bootsandbeards.co.uk/North Ronaldsay Observatory https://www.nrbo.org.uk/ Garganey https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/garganey/Orkney MPAs https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/important-orkney-waters-finally-granted-protection/

Join Kate, Stephen and Head of Habitats and Species Paul Walton for a bit of birdwatching and some tips on how to have a great Big Garden Birdwatch. The team also delve into the real science behind the event. Paul chats about glow in the dark blue tits, Kate is thinking about pigeon milk and Stephen doesn't want to play wrens at board games.LINKSNATURE PRESCRIPTIONShttps://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/nature-prescriptions/Edinburgh-pilot-final-report.pdfFEEDING BIRDS SAFELYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA8Kj0zu2YQAVIAN FLUhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/WILD CHALLENGEFamily’s Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/Schools Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/schools-wild-challenge/How to make your own bird feeder: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-recycled-bird-feeder/

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer and Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to look back at 2021. It's been a massive year for nature and the conversation ranges from the biggest Big Garden Birdwatch of all time to Glasgow's moment in the global spotlight during COP26. They also take time to share their biggest personal nature moments of the year.LINKSTake part in Big Garden Birdwatch https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/More on Seabird deaths https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland/status/1456667626722168834A little reminder of what it was like to be at COP26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTOePpxp8

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall to analyse the deal done at COP26. They pick out what’s good for nature in the agreement and discuss the impact of activism on the summit. There’s also nature news involving long tailed tits, gallus foxes and juvenile delinquent gulls. Stephen also hears from two young activists Milly Hayward and Oluwaseyi Moejoh who spent the last two weeks at COP.See the fox in question https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland/status/1458796654480396295

A deal is done! Stephen is joined by RSPB staffer Melanie Coath who has been working for nature throughout the summit. They analyse the final agreement and reflect on the last two weeks. I f you've enjoyed these podcasts don't forget to listen to Nature News from RSPB Scotland and make sure you like and subscribe. You can find it in this fed or anywhere you get podcasts.

As it becomes clear COP26 will roll on past its Friday deadline Stephen is joined by Melanie Coath to find out where nature features in the latest draft agreement. He also chats to young activists  Rob Knott and Ruari Brogan about their experiences at the summit. Let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

As crunch time approaches Stephen is joined by two of the RSPB's staff working inside Cop Melanie Coath and Fiona Dobson. They discuss the increasingly prominent role nature is taking at COPs and what an eventual deal might look like. He also catches up with former world champion cyclist Chris Boardman. And hears from ambient music pioneer and climate change campaigner Brian Eno.

As a draft deal is published Stephen is joined by RSPB Scotland's COP26 Project Manager Lottie van Grieken and Parliamentary Manager Patrick McGlinchey to examine this first indication of what a deal might look like. They ask whether nature is being given the attention it needs. Stephen also takes a trip to one of Glasgow's many parks with Dr Scott Shanks to get an insight into the role urban green spaces play in tackling the nature and climate emergency.Don't forget to like and subscribe and get in touch podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.ukFind out more about our work in Glasgow https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/scotland/giving-nature-a-home-in-glasgow/

Today is Gender Day at COP26. Stephen Talks to Bianca Pitt, Co-Founder of She Changes Climate. It was set up to campaign for equal representation at COP for women. He also hears from two women who have travelled from Africa to attend COP, Prudence Muchinouta of Zambian organisation COMACO and Judy Muriithi of Kenya's Focused Conservation. Let us know what you think about COP podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

Stephen talks to RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall about Saturday's Day of Action and what the atmosphere is like inside the negotiations. He's also joined again by Principal Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi to discuss what the likely sticking points of any deal might be and whose voices are the loudest in the room. Don't forget to let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.ukYou can see the video Stephen mentions about the Day of Action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCkTOePpxp8

It's the Day of Action and thousands are marching in Glasgow and elsewhere to speak up for nature and the climate. Stephen and Kate catch up with RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, naturalist and campaigner Chris Packham, CBeebies star and RSPB stalwart Rory Crawford and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together. It's raining and the helicopters are back, but nothing can dampen their spirits or drown them out. Let us know how you marked the day podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk