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This Wader Week (18-24 May) we’re celebrating our much-loved wading birds as well as highlighting the threats they face and some of the vital work happening across Scotland to help.

The curlew is our largest wading bird, easily distinguished by its elegant, long, curved bill, which they use to pick prey out of the mud. During their breeding season from April to late June, you'll find curlews in open country, nesting on upland farmland and moorland. At other times of year though, they retreat mainly to coastal areas where they can eat invertebrates in the wet mud, exposed as the tides retreat.

Curlew numbers crashed by 62% between 1995 and 2024. Like many of our wading bird species, these birds are struggling as a result of land use changes and increased predation. The @workingforwaders project brings farmers, conservationists, gamekeepers and birdwatchers together to help tackle the decline of curlews and other wading birds in Scotland.

With thanks to our @lochlevennnr team for this lovely footage from their camera traps.

Work is underway on a new approach to help save Scotland’s threatened wading birds.

To mark this year’s Wader Week (18-24 May), NatureScot and partners in the @workingforwaders initiative are consulting farmers, gamekeepers and other conservationists on 14 proposed Wader Recovery Areas.

The areas, which stretch from Shetland to the Central Belt, have been identified as hotspots for wader recovery – key landscapes where populations are healthy and where conditions are suitable for supporting multiple wader species.

Scotland holds internationally important populations of some breeding waders, like the Eurasian curlew, but almost all species are in serious decline.

Curlew numbers crashed by 62% between 1995 and 2024, while the decline in lapwings and oystercatchers is 63% and 41% respectively.

The aim of Wader Recovery Areas, each of which would cover thousands of hectares of suitable habitat, will be to concentrate efforts and resources in those parts of Scotland where waders can do well and where targeted conservation action can make the most difference.

Find out more via the link in our stories.

Work is underway on a new approach to help save Scotland’s threatened wading birds.

To mark this year’s Wader Week (18-24 May), NatureScot and partners in the @workingforwaders initiative are consulting farmers, gamekeepers and other conservationists on 14 proposed Wader Recovery Areas.

The areas, which stretch from Shetland to the Central Belt, have been identified as hotspots for wader recovery – key landscapes where populations are healthy and where conditions are suitable for supporting multiple wader species.

Scotland holds internationally important populations of some breeding waders, like the Eurasian curlew, but almost all species are in serious decline.

Curlew numbers crashed by 62% between 1995 and 2024, while the decline in lapwings and oystercatchers is 63% and 41% respectively.

The aim of Wader Recovery Areas, each of which would cover thousands of hectares of suitable habitat, will be to concentrate efforts and resources in those parts of Scotland where waders can do well and where targeted conservation action can make the most difference.

Find out more via the link in our stories.

Work is underway on a new approach to help save Scotland’s threatened wading birds.

To mark this year’s Wader Week (18-24 May), NatureScot and partners in the @workingforwaders initiative are consulting farmers, gamekeepers and other conservationists on 14 proposed Wader Recovery Areas.

The areas, which stretch from Shetland to the Central Belt, have been identified as hotspots for wader recovery – key landscapes where populations are healthy and where conditions are suitable for supporting multiple wader species.

Scotland holds internationally important populations of some breeding waders, like the Eurasian curlew, but almost all species are in serious decline.

Curlew numbers crashed by 62% between 1995 and 2024, while the decline in lapwings and oystercatchers is 63% and 41% respectively.

The aim of Wader Recovery Areas, each of which would cover thousands of hectares of suitable habitat, will be to concentrate efforts and resources in those parts of Scotland where waders can do well and where targeted conservation action can make the most difference.

Find out more via the link in our stories.

Work is underway on a new approach to help save Scotland’s threatened wading birds.

To mark this year’s Wader Week (18-24 May), NatureScot and partners in the @workingforwaders initiative are consulting farmers, gamekeepers and other conservationists on 14 proposed Wader Recovery Areas.

The areas, which stretch from Shetland to the Central Belt, have been identified as hotspots for wader recovery – key landscapes where populations are healthy and where conditions are suitable for supporting multiple wader species.

Scotland holds internationally important populations of some breeding waders, like the Eurasian curlew, but almost all species are in serious decline.

Curlew numbers crashed by 62% between 1995 and 2024, while the decline in lapwings and oystercatchers is 63% and 41% respectively.

The aim of Wader Recovery Areas, each of which would cover thousands of hectares of suitable habitat, will be to concentrate efforts and resources in those parts of Scotland where waders can do well and where targeted conservation action can make the most difference.

Find out more via the link in our stories.

Today marks the start of Wader Week (18-24 May) when we celebrate our much-loved wading birds, highlight the threats they face and some of the vital work happening across Scotland to help wader species.

First up is the oystercatcher, with its distinctive black and white plumage and bright orange bill. This adult and very cute chicks were caught on camera at our @lochlevennnr - watch to the end for oystercatcher ballet!

Often heard before it’s seen, the oystercatcher’s distinctive call of ‘bi glic, bi glic’ translates in Gaelic as ‘be wise, be wise’. As the name suggests these birds traditionally live and breed on our coasts, however many are now spotted inland. They feed on shellfish on the coast and mainly worms inland.

Oystercatcher numbers declined by 41% between 1995 and 2024. Like many of our wading bird species, they are struggling as a result of land use changes and increased predation.

The@workingforwaders project is bringing farmers, conservationists, gamekeepers and birdwatchers together to help tackle the decline of oystercatchers and other wading birds in Scotland.

This close-up of the feeding crown of a peacock worm shows how it can filter floating food particles that pass by it. It lives in a slim tube either buried in mud or attached to rocks and stones, withdrawing it tentacles quickly if threatened, leaving the worm safe inside the tube.

Peacock worms often live in large groups with their tubes providing habitat for other species, including sponges, seaweeds and sea squirts.

Picture taken in Loch Carron © Ben James/NatureScot

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Don’t miss our @lochlevennnr on @bbccountryfile this Sunday, with reserve staff Jeremy and Sally introducing presenter Joe Cowley and the team to the amazing birdlife on the loch, including a visit to the very special St Serfs Island in search of nesting gulls and mallards.

The reserve is featured as part of a wider story about the River Leven catchment which also includes the Leven River Park, where a network of wildlife habitats is being restored and connected alongside active travel routes. This exciting project is bringing people and nature together and is supported by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Tune in at 6:15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

🐝 Nature Hero of the Month? The humble wasp. Yes, really 💚

Wasps are formidable pest controllers, capturing millions of caterpillars, flies and larvae every season.

There are two closely related species — the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica). They look almost identical, but you can tell them apart by their facial markings: an anchor shape on the common wasp, three separate dots on the German wasp.

They're also key pollinators of ivy — plants that flower late in the year when bees have largely disappeared. Those ivy berries are vital food for garden birds.

Oh, and without wasps carrying yeast through winter in their guts, we might not have some bread, beer or wine. Seriously! Read more about the research that revealed their surprising role. (link below).

So next time one hovers over your picnic — cover your food, stay calm, and say thank you. 🐝

#MakeSpaceForNature #pollinators #wasp

🐝 Nature Hero of the Month? The humble wasp. Yes, really 💚

Wasps are formidable pest controllers, capturing millions of caterpillars, flies and larvae every season.

There are two closely related species — the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica). They look almost identical, but you can tell them apart by their facial markings: an anchor shape on the common wasp, three separate dots on the German wasp.

They're also key pollinators of ivy — plants that flower late in the year when bees have largely disappeared. Those ivy berries are vital food for garden birds.

Oh, and without wasps carrying yeast through winter in their guts, we might not have some bread, beer or wine. Seriously! Read more about the research that revealed their surprising role. (link below).

So next time one hovers over your picnic — cover your food, stay calm, and say thank you. 🐝

#MakeSpaceForNature #pollinators #wasp

🐝 Nature Hero of the Month? The humble wasp. Yes, really 💚

Wasps are formidable pest controllers, capturing millions of caterpillars, flies and larvae every season.

There are two closely related species — the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica). They look almost identical, but you can tell them apart by their facial markings: an anchor shape on the common wasp, three separate dots on the German wasp.

They're also key pollinators of ivy — plants that flower late in the year when bees have largely disappeared. Those ivy berries are vital food for garden birds.

Oh, and without wasps carrying yeast through winter in their guts, we might not have some bread, beer or wine. Seriously! Read more about the research that revealed their surprising role. (link below).

So next time one hovers over your picnic — cover your food, stay calm, and say thank you. 🐝

#MakeSpaceForNature #pollinators #wasp

The sleek - and aptly-named - fifteen-spined stickleback, or sea stickleback, usually has between 14 to 17 spines. For reproduction, the male builds a nest made of algae. Then the female lays 150 to 200 eggs in the nest and dies soon afterwards. The male tends the eggs and guards the nest.

Picture taken in Loch Carron MPA © Ben James/NatureScot

Think you know Scotland? Whether it's your backyard or your bucket list, there's always more to discover than you'd expect.

In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Greig McBride of @scotland_uncovered — with a combined following of over 1 million across social media — to talk all things Scotland: a one-week road trip itinerary, why overtourism is putting pressure on Scotland's most iconic spots, and the quieter islands like Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis and Harris that deserve your attention.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this one's for you. Link in bio, or search Make Space For Nature on your preferred podcast app.

#ScotlandUncovered #MakeSpaceForNature #VisitScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenScotland #ScotlandPodcast #ExploreScotland #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode

Think you know Scotland? Whether it's your backyard or your bucket list, there's always more to discover than you'd expect.

In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Greig McBride of @scotland_uncovered — with a combined following of over 1 million across social media — to talk all things Scotland: a one-week road trip itinerary, why overtourism is putting pressure on Scotland's most iconic spots, and the quieter islands like Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis and Harris that deserve your attention.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this one's for you. Link in bio, or search Make Space For Nature on your preferred podcast app.

#ScotlandUncovered #MakeSpaceForNature #VisitScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenScotland #ScotlandPodcast #ExploreScotland #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode

Think you know Scotland? Whether it's your backyard or your bucket list, there's always more to discover than you'd expect.

In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Greig McBride of @scotland_uncovered — with a combined following of over 1 million across social media — to talk all things Scotland: a one-week road trip itinerary, why overtourism is putting pressure on Scotland's most iconic spots, and the quieter islands like Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis and Harris that deserve your attention.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this one's for you. Link in bio, or search Make Space For Nature on your preferred podcast app.

#ScotlandUncovered #MakeSpaceForNature #VisitScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenScotland #ScotlandPodcast #ExploreScotland #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode

Think you know Scotland? Whether it's your backyard or your bucket list, there's always more to discover than you'd expect.

In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Greig McBride of @scotland_uncovered — with a combined following of over 1 million across social media — to talk all things Scotland: a one-week road trip itinerary, why overtourism is putting pressure on Scotland's most iconic spots, and the quieter islands like Orkney, Shetland, and Lewis and Harris that deserve your attention.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this one's for you. Link in bio, or search Make Space For Nature on your preferred podcast app.

#ScotlandUncovered #MakeSpaceForNature #VisitScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenScotland #ScotlandPodcast #ExploreScotland #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode

With its black and white plumage and red feet, the black guillemot is an easy bird to identify. The highest numbers of these small auks are found down the west coast of Scotland and on Orkney and Shetland, but you can also spot them in other areas. They usually breed and winter in the same areas, nesting onrocky cliffs and islands.

Gulls are as much a part of the seaside as fish and chips.🐟 🍟

But did you know that human food is bad for gulls? And feeding encourages them to link people with food.

Help gulls and your local community - caring means not sharing 😊

Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?

St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.

Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?

St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.

Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?

St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.

Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?

St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.

Our St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a magical place, with wildflowers and butterflies galore and plenty of beautiful coastline. If you haven't checked it (or even if you have), why not plan a visit this spring or summer?

St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain. In summer, it’s awash with wildflowers and a haven for insects. There are many species of breeding birds, including meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark. Whether your interest is birds, botany or butterflies and moths, you’ll find plenty of interest at any time of year. Or just come for a walk and enjoy the sea views. One of the best ways to see the reserve is to explore the paths or walk along the extensive sandy beach.

Sea slugs are similar to their relatives - like the slugs you spot in your garden - but they're much more colourful. There are more than 100 species of these carnivorous, soft-bodied marine molluscs in UK waters. They feed on seaweeds, sea mats, sponges, anemones - and even other sea slugs.

Because of their slow movement, sea slugs must be ready to mate as soon as they encounter another slug. Fortunately, the sea slug has both male and female reproductive systems, doubling the chances of successful egg laying and hatching.

Pictures taken in Loch Sween © Ben James/NatureScot

Sea slugs are similar to their relatives - like the slugs you spot in your garden - but they're much more colourful. There are more than 100 species of these carnivorous, soft-bodied marine molluscs in UK waters. They feed on seaweeds, sea mats, sponges, anemones - and even other sea slugs.

Because of their slow movement, sea slugs must be ready to mate as soon as they encounter another slug. Fortunately, the sea slug has both male and female reproductive systems, doubling the chances of successful egg laying and hatching.

Pictures taken in Loch Sween © Ben James/NatureScot

Sea slugs are similar to their relatives - like the slugs you spot in your garden - but they're much more colourful. There are more than 100 species of these carnivorous, soft-bodied marine molluscs in UK waters. They feed on seaweeds, sea mats, sponges, anemones - and even other sea slugs.

Because of their slow movement, sea slugs must be ready to mate as soon as they encounter another slug. Fortunately, the sea slug has both male and female reproductive systems, doubling the chances of successful egg laying and hatching.

Pictures taken in Loch Sween © Ben James/NatureScot

Sea slugs are similar to their relatives - like the slugs you spot in your garden - but they're much more colourful. There are more than 100 species of these carnivorous, soft-bodied marine molluscs in UK waters. They feed on seaweeds, sea mats, sponges, anemones - and even other sea slugs.

Because of their slow movement, sea slugs must be ready to mate as soon as they encounter another slug. Fortunately, the sea slug has both male and female reproductive systems, doubling the chances of successful egg laying and hatching.

Pictures taken in Loch Sween © Ben James/NatureScot