The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative project has featured in the NatureScot podcast series – ‘Make Space for Nature’. The series looks at environmental and conservation projects across Scotland, highlighting issues impacting nature and the solutions to these problems. We're delighted to feature in two episodes.

The first interviewed Project Manager Callum Sinclair, who discussed the problems caused by invasive non-native species, including damage done to our environment, health and economy, and how the Initiative is tackling their target species: giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage, Himalayan balsam and American mink.

The second interviewed Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Initiative, who highlighted the contributions of volunteers and the collaborative nature of the project. The Initiative covers over a third of mainland Scotland – operating on this scale is only possible by combining the efforts of project partners, volunteers, landowners and land managers, organisations, and local communities. This episode also featured four dedicated volunteers from the Tayside area who shared personal perspectives on the project and their motivations for getting involved in invasive non-native species control. 

Tune in on your preferred podcast app (search ‘Make Space for Nature’, the episodes were released on 31 Oct and 14 Nov) or by following these links: Episode 1 and Episode 2