The UK's hedgehog population is receiving a significant boost from a project that combines artificial intelligence with volunteer efforts. The National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, led by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, is using trail cameras and a special AI algorithm developed at Liverpool John Moores University to gather and analyze data. This initiative aims to provide the first reliable estimate of the UK’s hedgehog population and understand habitat preferences and causes of decline. Volunteers are invited to sort through images online via MammalWeb, contributing to a robust annual population estimate and long-term conservation efforts.

The podcast 'Windswept and Interesting' explores various aspects of conservation and nature restoration in Scotland. It features interviews with key figures such as Kate Holl from NatureScot, Nick Kempe, Rory Kennedy from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Peter Cairns. Topics include woodland restoration, access laws, biodiversity, and marine conservation. The podcast also discusses the management of Glen Coe by the National Trust for Scotland and the role of rewilding in conservation efforts. The tone is a mix of factual reporting and personal opinions from the interviewees.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is planning to apply for a licence to release over a dozen beavers in the upper Spey valley, marking the first reintroduction of wild beavers to the Cairngorms. This move aligns with the Scottish Government's policy to spread beavers across Scotland. While the CNPA highlights the environmental benefits, local farmers, represented by Ian Wilson of the National Farmers Union Scotland, express concerns about potential flooding and damage to farmland. Jamie Williamson, a nearby estate owner, fears the beavers could disrupt his land and infrastructure. The CNPA assures that mitigation measures will be in place, supported by NatureScot and park staff. The initiative has received mixed reactions from the public, with a majority supporting the reintroduction but local residents showing more apprehension.

Environmental groups are urging the Scottish Government to commit £500 million to save Scotland's unique temperate rainforest, with charities seeking at least £250 million in public funds to begin restoration efforts. The Woodland Trust Scotland estimates the total investment needed over ten years to be around £500 million, emphasizing the importance of this funding for ecosystem restoration, green jobs, and climate protection. The rainforests, remnants of ancient forests along the Atlantic coastline, are highly endangered and vital for biodiversity and flood protection. The funds would address issues like invasive species, deer management, and conservation work. Experts express optimism that the government will act on this urgent environmental issue.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is planning to expand Scotland's wild beaver population into the Cairngorms National Park, with a licence application to release over a dozen beavers in the upper Spey valley. While the authority and a public consultation highlight the environmental benefits, local farmers express concerns about potential flooding and damage to farmland. The initiative aligns with Scottish Government policy to spread beavers across Scotland, but faces opposition from farmers worried about the impact on their land and livelihoods.

Pressure mounts on the Scottish Government to enforce deer culling in the Highlands to protect the environment. The John Muir Trust calls for compulsory cull targets, while some estates request government intervention against non-compliant neighbors. Deer overpopulation is linked to increased traffic collisions and environmental damage. The government plans to modernize deer management, with NatureScot reporting a significant rise in deer-vehicle collisions. The Hill To Grill program educates students on deer ecology and meat processing, fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife management.

Expanding Scotland’s wild beaver population into the Cairngorms National Park is facing opposition from local farmers who fear devastating impacts on their land. The Cairngorms National Park Authority plans to apply for a licence to release beavers in the upper Spey valley, aligning with Scottish Government policy. While the authority highlights benefits such as enhanced wetlands and flood prevention, farmers express concerns about potential flooding and damage to farmland. The National Farmers Union Scotland and local estate owners voice significant apprehensions, despite public consultation showing majority support for the reintroduction.

A survey by Damart controversially named Finnich Glen in Stirlingshire as Scotland's best trail, surpassing renowned walks like the West Highland Way. Despite its popularity, the site has significant safety issues, including difficult access and frequent rescue incidents. Local authorities and rescue teams criticized the survey for promoting the site without adequate warnings. The owner, David Young, is attempting to sell the site, which has been plagued by litter and anti-social behavior. The survey's methodology and accuracy were questioned, leading Damart to pause its distribution and correct errors.

Two Highland estates, Glenisla House Estate and Auchavan and Glencally holding, are resisting NatureScot's voluntary plan to reduce deer populations in the southern Cairngorms to protect the Caenlochan Special Area of Conservation. NatureScot may resort to using hired marksmen to cull the deer if the estates do not comply, which would be a first under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. While eight estates have agreed to the plan, the two holdouts face potential legal obligations to reduce deer numbers. NatureScot aims to decrease the local red deer density from around 16 to fewer than 10 per square kilometer by March 2026. The agency has received support from the John Muir Trust and Scottish Land and Estates, while Nicholas Gibb of Glenisla House claims NatureScot is using bully tactics and expresses concern for the impact on their stalking business.

A conservation effort led by Dr Max Coleman from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Borders Forest Trust, is underway to find and propagate disease-resistant wych elm trees in Scotland. The project aims to create a resilient population of elms that can repopulate the countryside, combatting the widespread devastation caused by Dutch elm disease. Volunteers are identifying mature wych elms that have survived the disease, with plans to cross-pollinate them to produce a strain of super-trees. The initiative also includes the first full genome sequencing of wych elm to understand the survival mechanisms against the disease.

Beavers, once extinct in Scotland, are now officially sanctioned to repopulate the nation's rivers and lochs as part of climate change mitigation efforts. NatureScot's 23-year strategy outlines the expected thriving locations for beavers and the management of their spread, including a translocation policy. NatureScot's CEO, Francesca Osowska, praises the significant ecological benefits of beavers.

Key green charities are pressuring the Scottish Government to fulfill a COP26 pledge to save the temperate rainforest, urging a commitment of at least £250m to restore the habitat. The charities, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, and RSPB Scotland, emphasize the importance of this investment for biodiversity and climate change mitigation. They estimate a total of £500m is needed over ten years, with significant funds required to manage invasive species and other conservation efforts. The article highlights concerns that the government's current spending is insufficient and calls for substantial financial support to ensure the rainforest's survival.

The article discusses the issue of plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments, through the lens of beach clean-up activities at Killiedraughts Bay and Linkim Shore in Scotland. Volunteers, including the author, collect various plastic debris, highlighting the problem of microplastics and their impact on marine life. The article features perspectives from Sarah Russell of the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, Catherine Gemmell of the Marine Conservation Society, and Kevin Ross of Impact Solutions and the Scottish Rubber and Plastics Association. While Gemmell advocates for reducing plastic use and increasing public awareness, Ross emphasizes the value of plastics and the importance of improving recycling systems. The article also touches on government initiatives and industry responses to the growing concern over plastic waste in the oceans.