Biodiversity officers meet in the Western Isles

Biodiversity Officers attending the meeting (left to right): Nadine Russel (Orkney), Ro Scott (SNH Edinburgh), Peter Norman (Dumfries & Galloway), Susan Steel (Edinburgh), Caroline Peacock (Edinburgh & Falkirk), Samantha Muir (Western Isles), Janet Bromham (Highlands), Stephen Corcoran (Cairngorms National Park), Catherine Lloyd (Tayside) and Petrina Brown (Renfrewshire).

Wildlife and habitats were top of the agenda as Local Biodiversity Officers from all over Scotland met in the Western Isles last week. The formal meeting was hosted by the Comhairle in Stornoway and after a welcome from Cllr Archie Campbell, Chair of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee, officers discussed local and national Biodiversity issues and recent developments. A minibus tour of the Islands followed over the next day and a half looking at various projects concerned with the conservation of local wildlife and habitats. After the visit Cllr Archie Campbell said “the Comhairle’s commitment to the environment is demonstrated through the hosting of this network meeting. Those involved received a useful insight into the local community and importantly how the Comhairle and its local partners are helping to manage the environment through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan process and related projects”.

Biodiversity means the variety of all living things - including plants, animals and the habitats where they live. The officers’ work, from Shetland to Dumfries, includes taking action to improve conditions for rare and threatened species and habitats, and promoting people’s understanding and enjoyment of their local wildlife.

After attending the launch of the Local Nature Reserve at Loch Stiapabhat in Ness, the visitors enjoyed local hospitality at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis. Their journey then took them to Tarbert to hear about the Hebridean Mink Project, and on to North Uist to see habitat management work being done by RSPB at Balranald for the corncrake and great yellow bumblebee. Nadine Russell from Orkney said “It’s really useful for me to see the work being done to promote Biodiversity in a different group of islands. As relatively isolated small communities we have a lot in common, not least the management of the seas which surround us.” The final port of call was Loch Druidibeg in South Uist, where local SNH staff explained the work of the Goose Management Scheme and the Uist Wader Project.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk