Champions of Scottish Conservation Shine at Nature of Scotland Awards 2024

29 November 2024

Partnership News Release

Scotland’s leading conservationists gathered at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) last night for the RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards with headline sponsor NatureScot. Dougie Vipond and Arlene Stuart, BBC Landward presenters and nature enthusiasts, hosted an unforgettable night recognising inspiring individuals and projects.

The Awards have been running for over a decade and highlight outstanding efforts in conservation, biodiversity, and community-driven environmental action. 

Among this year’s standout winners:

• Bringing Nature Connection and Nature Mindfulness into Prisons, which claimed the Health and Wellbeing Award for its groundbreaking work in bringing nature to those with limited access, inspiring and supporting lives through nature-connection activities.
• The Flow Country Partnership took home the Nature and Climate Action Award for its crucial restoration of blanket bog peatlands in Caithness and Sutherland, a critical initiative in combating climate change and preserving unique habitats.

A highlight of the evening was the Community Initiative Award, chosen by public vote. This award recognised CLP Nature Action—The Power of Collaboration, For People, For Nature, For Climate, which delivers nature conservation and restoration initiatives and works to make village life more sustainable for the long term through positive collaboration. 

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “Once again the Nature of Scotland Awards have brought a growing group of hardworking, motivated and passionate people into the conservation spotlight, and I’d like to wish all our winners a huge congratulations.   

It’s a joy to see such incredible work happening across the country with nature and climate at its heart, and Scotland is all the better for it. Thank you.” 

Professor Colin Galbraith, Chair of awards co-sponsor NatureScot, said: “As Scotland takes up the challenge to stop the biodiversity loss our generation has witnessed, this year's award winners are the true nature heroes we all need in our lives.  

"Their energy, expertise and compassion are truly inspirational, and reason for celebration. Their achievements give us all hope for a nature-rich future across Scotland and demonstrate that everyone can take action to help." 

Further information

More information including award winners can be found at RSPB - Nature of Scotland Awards webpage. 

The full list of Winners are as follows

• Business for Nature Award sponsored by NatureScot
   Winner - University of Glasgow Estates Grounds Team
• Coasts and Waters Award sponsored by Scottish Water
  Winner - Restoration Forth
• Community Initiative Award sponsored by GreenPower (Public vote)
  CLP Nature Action—The Power of Collaboration, For People, For Nature, For Climate
• Farming with Nature Award
  Winner - Clyde Valley Waders Farming Group
• Health and Wellbeing Award
  Winner - Bringing Nature Connection and Nature Mindfulness into Prisons
• Innovation Award sponsored by The James Hutton Institute
  Winner - The Common Ground Forum
• Nature and Climate Action Award sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables
  Winner – The Flow Country Partnership
• Nature Tourism Award sponsored by VisitScotland
  Winner - Dundreggan Rewilding Centre: bringing people and nature together
• RSPB Species Champion Award sponsored by The Ardmore
  Winner - Alastair Stephen - Salmon Champion
• Youth Action Award
  Winner - Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger Project

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