The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, a partnership project tackling invasive species in northern Scotland, has been shortlisted in the Landscape Restoration category at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards. 

The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative an exciting and ambitious 8-year partnership project set up to tackle invasive non-native species alongside rivers and watercourses in northern Scotland. Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are a significant threat to our countryside, our native wildlife, our economy and in some cases directly to our health. The project covers 43 river catchments, making it the largest INNS control project in Great Britain, and tackles some of the most problematic species including giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and American mink. By working at a local level with landowners, volunteers, and communities we aim to put in place sustainable long-term solutions to invasive species management.

Callum Sinclair, Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in the ‘Landscape Restoration’ category of the 2023 Nature of Scotland Awards for our work across the north of Scotland delivering landscape scale invasive non-native species control and restoration with local partners, communities and volunteers.

“This is great recognition of our work tackling one of the major threats to our native biodiversity in Scotland which is only possible through the hard work of our project team, local partners and communities and, in particular, our network of dedicated and committed volunteers.”

The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative was announced as a finalist in the Landscape Restoration category in September at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Colin Smyth MSP and sponsored by Beam Suntory.

The 54 finalists will all gather at the EICC on the 22 November to enjoy a night of celebration, where the winners of all 10 categories will be announced. The awards ceremony, now in its 12th year and co-sponsored by NatureScot, will be hosted by zoologist, TV presenter and RSPB Ambassador Megan McCubbin and TV presenter and nature enthusiast JJ Chalmers. They will recognise the individuals and organisations making a difference in their local communities, businesses and schools to support Scotland’s wildlife and special places.

Nature-lovers also have a chance to choose their winner of the Community Initiative Award, which celebrates projects developed and led by the people it serves.  You can see the shortlist and vote for your favourite here.

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “The Nature of Scotland Awards celebrates people and projects who really make a difference for nature in their local communities and across the country. Being at the head of the judging panel is a wonderful part of my job, as I get an unrivalled opportunity to hear about inspiring actions and the incredible things that can happen when people work together - we can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone at the awards in November, and would like to thank all of our applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us.” 

Colin Galbraith, Chair of Awards co-sponsor NatureScot, said: “Our natural world is at the heart of the nation’s well-being, and this year’s shortlisted Nature of Scotland Awards nominees are shining examples of vital, nature-based solutions from people, communities, businesses and organisations across the country. As co-sponsor of the awards, we celebrate the inspiring efforts each and every nominee has contributed to Scotland’s mission to tackle biodiversity loss and the nature-climate crisis.” 

Anyone with an interest in nature is welcome to attend the Awards, with tickets available at - rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland

A full list of shortlisted projects is available at - https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/nature-of-scotland-awards/shortlist