Entries now open for Nature of Scotland Awards

"Let's celebrate the people, organisations and businesses going above and beyond to support our precious natural heritage: nominate a person, project or business dedicated to supporting our environment or submit your own project and tell the world what you’re doing to support nature"

Recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation, the eighth annual Nature of Scotland Awards are open for applications until 4 June, with the James Hutton Institute again sponsoring the Food and Farming category.

Entering the awards is free and applications are being sought across nine categories including 2 new awards for 2019: Coasts and Waters, Conservation Science, Community Initiative, Food and Farming, Innovation, Political Advocate of the Year, SNH Business, RSPB Species Champion and Youth and Education.

Food has a big environmental footprint but some individuals, businesses and organisations are working hard to reduce this. The Food and Farming Award celebrates sustainable food champions from wildlife-friendly farmers and farm shops, cafés and caterers. Winning in 2018, farmer John Dalziel from East Ayrshire has integrated wildlife conservation into his successful farming system - working with partners to restore peatlands, create wetlands and conserve curlews. If you are operating your farm with nature in mind or are part of a sustainable food business, consider applying today.

New this year and ahead of the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, the Awards will be celebrating the contribution of those who support nature living in Scottish marine and freshwater habitats. A new category is being launched to recognise and celebrate an individual or group of scientists whose research supports nature conservation in Scotland. 

The Nature of Scotland Awards shortlist will be unveiled at a Parliamentary Reception in September and the winners will be announced at a prestigious Presentation Dinner on the 4 December, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. Successfully shortlisted entries will receive two complimentary tickets to the dinner hosted by award-winning wildlife cameraman and TV presenter Gordon Buchanan and BBC Scotland’s wildlife expert Euan McIlwraith.

Let's celebrate the people, organisations and businesses going above and beyond to support our precious natural heritage: nominate a person, project or business dedicated to supporting our environment or submit your own project and tell the world what you’re doing to support nature.

Find out more about the awards and submit your application by 4 June by visiting the Nature of Scotland Awards website.

Categories for entry:

• SNH Business Award
  This award will recognise and celebrate businesses, large and small, that can clearly demonstrate what they have done for the benefit of nature in Scotland. Applications will be judged based on the impact delivered in proportion to the size of a business and available resource.
• Coasts and Waters Award, supported by Scottish Water
  Scotland’s rivers, lochs and seas are special places and bring to mind some of our most cherished wildlife experiences from leaping salmon and playful otters to basking seals and diving seabirds. To mark the upcoming Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, this special award will recognise outstanding contributions that are helping nature thrive in Scottish marine and freshwater habitats.
• Conservation Science Award, sponsored by SAGES
  This award will recognise and celebrate an individual or group of scientists whose published peer-reviewed research has either had a demonstrable impact in support of nature conservation in Scotland, or can show exceptional promise of such impact in the future.
• Community Initiative Award, sponsored by GreenPower
  This award will go to an outstanding community-based initiative that clearly demonstrates what they have done for the benefit of nature. The project should be developed and led by the people it serves, acting as an inspiration to others and offering real value to the whole community.
• RSPB Species Champion Award, sponsored by The Ardmore
  The nominee will have achieved something extraordinary to conserve a vulnerable and threatened species, providing a catalyst for positive change through hard work and dedication. This could be through implementing policy, intervening to prevent habitat destruction or helping to create a valuable ecosystem which has then helped a struggling species.
• Food and Farming Award, sponsored by the James Hutton Institute
  Food has a big environmental footprint; from how we grow it, to the amount we waste. But some individuals, businesses and organisations are doing things differently; taking steps to reduce their own environmental impact and helping consumers make good food choices. Whether that's wildlife-friendly farmers or farm shops, cafes and caterers carefully sourcing ingredients and reducing food waste, this award celebrates our sustainable food champions.
• Innovation Award, sponsored by Balfour Beatty
  Awarded to the most innovative project, initiative, practice, or technique (management or otherwise) that has aided nature conservation. Entries for this award need to stand out as being different – perhaps you have pioneered a project that is the first of its kind or you have approached something that has been done before in a new way.
• Political Advocate of the Year Award
  Do you know a politician, campaigner or individual who has made a difference or significant impact on public policy for nature and wildlife? This award is to recognise and celebrate the movers and shakers who go beyond the day-to-day to ensure our natural heritage is not only protected but enhanced for all and future generations. 
• Youth & Education Award, sponsored by Scottish Power
  This award honours schools and youth groups which can demonstrate how they have made a real difference to the conservation and sustainability of Scotland’s wildlife and habitats. These projects need to show through evidence and outcomes what they have done in nature, through nature, about nature and for nature.