Entries open for RSPB's Nature of Scotland Awards

"There are a tremendous number of people and organisations working hard to give nature a home by protecting and enhancing the wonderful wildlife, special landscapes and wild places we have across Scotland

The search for Scotland’s leading lights of conservation has begun with entries now open for the RSPB’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards, with the James Hutton Institute sponsoring the Innovation category.

The annual competition is a celebration of the people and projects that go the extra mile to protect Scotland’s precious wildlife and the natural environment.

RSPB Scotland is inviting entries from individuals, schools and organisations that demonstrate an innovative approach to wildlife conservation and work hard to enhance the nation’s natural heritage.

Species and habitats as diverse as red squirrels, freshwater pearl mussels, terns, native woodland and machair have all been the subjects of award-winning projects in previous years.

This year, the expert judging panel will be looking for the very best across eight categories including a brand new category for 2015. The Nature Tourism Award will go to the nature-based tourism organisation that stands heads and shoulders above the rest for its contribution to conservation in Scotland. Tour companies, accommodation providers, attractions, wildlife guides and engagement activities are all welcome to apply.

The other categories for entry include: Marine Conservation, Sustainable Development, Politician of the Year, Youth and Education, Community Initiative, Innovation and RSPB Species Champion.

Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “There are a tremendous number of people and organisations working hard to give nature a home by protecting and enhancing the wonderful wildlife, special landscapes and wild places we have across Scotland.

"Each year I am truly impressed and inspired by the high quality entries we receive for these awards. We’re inviting individuals, community groups, schools, volunteers and members of conservation organisations and public sector initiatives to enter, and we look forward to hearing about all of your good work and celebrating your achievements.”

The shortlist will be announced at an evening reception at the Scottish Parliament on 10 September, and winners will receive their trophies at a black-tie gala on 19 November 2015 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh in front of hundreds of supporters.

The closing date for entries is Friday 12 June 2015. To find out more or to submit an entry to the Nature of Scotland Awards, please visit the RSPB website.

Categories for entry:

• Marine Conservation Award
  This award will recognise an outstanding contribution to the conservation or sustainable management of Scotland’s precious marine resources. Perhaps your partnership working, innovative ideas or new research is helping protect marine species and the habitats they rely on? If you have participated in activity that has directly contributed to marine conservation we would like to hear from you.
• Sustainable Development Award
  Nominations in this category will show how their research, initiative, planning or development has had a positive effect on nature conservation linked to Scotland. You may have been engaged in a successful consultation prior to a development or perhaps you have delivered habitat management or species protection on the ground.
• Politician of the Year Award
  Awarded to the politician that has made an outstanding contribution to nature conservation in the last year. The award is open to any elected representative (MSP, MP, MEP or local councillor) who has links to Scotland or Scottish nature conservation.
• Innovation Award (sponsored by the James Hutton Institute)
  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 - it could be a project that is the first of its kind, or something that has been done before but has been approached differently.
• Species Champion Award
  To be shortlisted for this award, the entrant will have achieved something extraordinary to protect a vulnerable or threatened species. Have you implemented a policy, intervened to prevent habitat destruction or helped to create a disappearing yet critically valuable ecosystem? Perhaps you or your company’s hard work and dedication on the ground has been a catalyst for positive change. Tell us about what you have done to save an at-risk species highlighting the results where possible.
• Community Initiative Award
  This award will go to an outstanding community-based initiative that benefits nature. The initiative should be developed and led by the people it serves, acting as an inspiration to others and offering real value to the whole community
• Youth & Education Award
  This award honours a school or youth group, which can demonstrate how they have made a real difference to the conservation of Scotland’s wildlife and habitats. This could be through fundraising for a conservation-related project, partnership working or best practice in hands-on delivery, connecting young people to the natural world.
• Nature Tourism Award
  This award will go to a nature-based tourism organisation or initiative that stands above its peers for its contribution to conservation. The winner will provide more than a wildlife experience, demonstrating a significant and lasting contribution to nature conservation in Scotland. Tour companies, accommodation providers, attractions, wildlife guides and engagement activities are all welcome to apply.