Cairngorms project up for top RSPB award
A local project to protect the twinflower - one of Scotland’s most endangered and iconic wildflowers - has been shortlisted for a RSPB Nature of Scotland Award.
Announced on Tuesday at a special ceremony in Holyrood, the twinflower project has been shortlisted for the Species Champion award.
It involved a pioneering new translocation method aimed at increasing populations by encouraging the plant to reproduce.
The flower thrives in native pine woodlands and the number of plants has declined because patches of the species are too far apart to pollinate.
The project in the Cairngorms National Park involves carefully moving selected plants closer together to facilitate cross pollination and seed production.
The new translocation method has been developed by the Cairngorms Rare Plants Project, part of Cairngorms Nature, and it is hoped that the project will see the long term survival of this treasured flower.
Justin Prigmore, Cairngorms Nature Officer explained: "The twinflower may only be small but it is one of Scotland’s most charismatic plants and the Cairngorms National Park is a stronghold for the remaining population.
"It is exciting that this project has been recognised in the Species Champion category because it has been so innovative in seeking a solution to the conservation issues in Scotland.
"The project officer, Andy Scobie, has been crucial to making it a success and I’m delighted that his hard work is getting acknowledged."
Andy Wells, Chair of the Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group, said: "It is fantastic to see this project getting shortlisted.
"It involved land managers and 10 key conservation partners as well as rangers and local volunteers.
"It is an excellent example of how groups and individuals can come together to make a positive difference, which is what Cairngorms Nature is all about."
The Nature of Scotland awards were launched by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in 2012 to recognise excellence, innovation and outstanding nature conservation in Scotland.
Chris Packham will host the awards, for which several Highland citations are listed:
Mary Scanlon, local MSP, is includdd in the Politician of the Year category for her participation in the Scottish Environment LINK Species Champion initiative.
The Mollusc of the Glen project, run by Alba Ecology, is listed for its initiative to conserve the globally endangered freshwater pearl mussel in Scotland. The work focuses on undertaking and publishing important scientific research, raising awareness of the key threats the species faces and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to protect and conserve the freshwater pearl mussel.
The Glenlivet Mountain Bike Centre, a new development consisting of two mountain bike trails and facilities, has been listed in the Sustainable Development category.
Red squirrels, puffins, river regeneration and sustainable fishing were some of the other projects involved.
After tough deliberations the judges have identified a shortlist of entries, which will now be in the running to take home one of eight top prizes. The shortlist represents a cross section of businesses, charities, the public sector and individuals working toward conserving the country’s unique wildlife and natural environment.
The judging panel includes BBC presenter Euan McIlwraith, wildlife editor Sophie Stafford, Chief Executive of SNH Ian Jardine, respected naturalist Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE, and is chaired by RSPBs Director in Scotland, Stuart Housden OBE.
Winners across the eight categories will be announced at a special black tie gala at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh on November 20 November.
Chris Packham said: "I am absolutely delighted to be hosting the RSPB’s Nature of Scotland Awards this year.
"Scotland is home to a fantastic wealth of wildlife and habitats that we need to invest our time and energy in for future generations.
"That’s why it’s so encouraging to see such a wide range of projects being shortlisted for an award this year, from people who are truly passionate about conserving nature."
