Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 5h

Thanks to everyone who has submitted their squirrel sightings as part of the #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey. 🐿

Remember you can still send your red and grey squirrel sightings to the @scotsquirrels.bsky.social team at bit.ly/4gZ4tOP

A photograph of a red squirrel's bushy tail poking out from behind a tree. Photo taken by Keilidh Ewan.

1 4

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 17h

As the sun sets on our first ever #GooseFest, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has come along to Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre to have a gander at our gaggle of goose events. 🪿

We hope you've had as much fun celebrating these amazing visitors as we have! 💚

A skein of pink footed geese fly over clouds that are illuminated hues of pink and orange by the setting sun. The photo was taken by Ron Mitchell at the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Montrose Basin Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve.

7

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 3d

It's the last weekend of GooseFest and there are some great events lined up from felting to a sunset boat trip!

Head over to the website to find out more and book your spot.
bit.ly/3L0yZMW

#GooseFest

A skein of four pink footed geese flying over blue skies with white fluffy clouds. Photo taken by Scott O'Hara.

5

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 4d

Our first session is all about discovering the magical world of mushrooms and fungi — perfect for little explorers who love getting outside and learning something new!
Find out more at buff.ly/GoU0pMU
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

6

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 4d

We’re thrilled to be launching a brand-new Wildlife Watch Group in Kinross, specially designed for curious kids aged 5 to 8! 🌿🐾

Each month, we’ll be diving into fun, hands-on nature adventures right here in our local area — from creepy crawlies to woodland wonders!

A child looking through binoculars facing away from the camera. They are looking towards tall green reeds and the trunk of a willow tree can be seen just behind them.
Photo taken by Paul Harris as part of the 2020VISION project.

1 3 9

Reposted by Scottish Wildlife Trust

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels @scotsquirrels.bsky.social · 7d

It’s the first day of the #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey! Be part of something AMAZING this week by telling us about the squirrels you see at buff.ly/sbCx6Im

@scotwildlife.bsky.social @naturescot.bsky.social @rspbscotland.bsky.social @aberdeencc.bsky.social @treesforlife.bsky.social

3 12

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 8d

Keep an eye out for these colourful characters if you’re out and about in Montrose this week!

Pupils from local schools have done a fantastic job colouring in geese to create a trail around the town for #GooseFest. Pop into our visitor centre for plenty more goose-based fun!

#UKBirding

Several cut outs of geese coloured in different patterns. One at the top has text on it which reads, "I love geese".

A cut out of a goose coloured in pink with red love hearts.

A cut out of a goose coloured varying shades of purple, pink and red.

1 8

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 9d

It's been a wild couple of days, but who says you can't enjoy the wonders of nature while cooried up on the couch?

Check out this spectacular footage of Bonnington Linn in full spate yesterday, from our beautiful Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve.

🔊 SOUND ON

12

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 9d

Amazing to see so many people getting into the spirit of #GooseFest in Montrose this #PinkFootFriday ❤️

Thanks to Borrowfield Primary, Southesk Primary, Highland Scene, Project Montrose and everyone else who joined in the celebration of our pink-footed pals!

A photo of two people wearing pink shoes.

A collage of images showing staff at Project Montrose wearing pink socks and trousers.

A collage of images showing pupils from Borrowfield Primary School wearing pink socks, shoes and clothes.

Two Scottish Wildlife Trust volunteers in Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. One is wearing pink shoes and the other, pink socks.

5

Reposted by Scottish Wildlife Trust

Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels @scotsquirrels.bsky.social · 9d

We're very sorry to have to cancel tomorrow's Squirrel spotting event with @scotwildlife.bsky.social Wildlife Watch Group in Aberdeen, due to adverse weather conditions.

We really hope we can reschedule soon. Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming events in your area.

📷 Caroline Vaux

A red squirrel sitting at a mini picnic table, under a squirrel-sized red umbrella.

3 8

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 10d

Nearly 300,000 properties are estimated to be at risk of flooding in Scotland, and this figure is predicted to rise in the coming years.

Nature-based solutions - such as wetland restoration and riparian planting - can help us tackle this challenge.

Read more 🔗 buff.ly/d2C6dr2

A car struggling to drive through a flooded street.

3 10

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 11d

Healthy river woodlands are essential for climate resilience and adaptation 🌍
These unique ecosystems deliver significant environmental benefits, including drought mitigation, flood protection, improved water quality and carbon storage.

Discover more this #ScotClimateWeek 💚 buff.ly/ZHtQzIN

An aerial view of Corra Linn waterfall at the Falls of Clyde, surrounded by swathes of trees in a myriad of golds, reds and browns.

5 20

Reposted by Scottish Wildlife Trust

Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 12d

We're pleased that the @parliament.scot Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has backed proposals in the Natural Environment Bill to introduce statutory targets to restore nature.

Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.

Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...

13 35

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 12d

Following an extensive judging process, we’re delighted to announce the 15 finalists of our Words of the Wild writing competition.

Read the shortlist on our website and look out for the winners being announced at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

buff.ly/JTR9O2n

An otter eating a fish in amongst a bed of seaweed.

2 9

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 12d

Latest estimates: approximately 30,000 pink-footed geese and one spoonbill!

Thanks to Ron Mitchell who snapped this extra special visitor.

A spoonbill standing in Montrose Basin, surrounded by dozens of pink-footed geese.

2 7

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 13d

Honk if you’re excited about GooseFest!

The festivities officially kick off tomorrow, so whether you’re joining an event or just want to see the geese, pop into our Montrose Basin Visitor Centre and say hello 👋

More info 🔗 buff.ly/xwIMb0b

📷 Ron Mitchell

#BirdingScotland #UKWildlife

Thousands of pink-footed geese sitting on the water and flying over Montrose Basin.

1 2 16

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 14d

Only one week until we kick off this year’s #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey!

We’re asking everyone in Scotland to let the lovely folks at @scotsquirrels.bsky.social know about any squirrel they see – red or grey – from 6-12 October.

Find out more 🔗 buff.ly/HwyFqkK

A red squirrel perched on a fallen tree amidst thick ferns and tall conifer trees.

4 9

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 15d

Today is #WorldRiversDay 🌊

The Riverwoods initiative is working to create a network of healthy river woodlands and river systems across Scotland.

Together we can ensure these ecosystems continue to protect people and wildlife for future generations.

🔗 Learn more: riverwoods.org.uk

A shallow river winding through a tree filled glen.

8

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 16d

KNOW YOUR PINKIES!

Swot up on your pink-footed geese knowledge ahead of GooseFest with our handy ID guide below.

📷 D McNab
🔈 Peter Stronach, XC611208. Accessible at buff.ly/Izp3hUd

3 11

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 17d

A huge thank you to our Angus and Dundee Local Group for hosting a visit to The Miley Wildlife Reserve after our AGM last weekend. It was brilliant to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible work that goes on at a local level. 💚

📸© Scottish Wildlife Trust Angus and Dundee Local Group

A photo of a group of people stood on a wide gravel path. Behind them there is small pedestrian tunnel under a road. To either side of the path are earth banks with small plants and trees.
The photo was taken on The Miley Wildlife Reserve in Dundee by the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Angus and Dundee Local Group.

A photo of a group of people walking along a gravel path towards the camera. At the front of the group there is an lady using a walker to aid mobility, a man carrying a jacket and another lady wearing a blue scarf. To either side of the path there are dense plants and trees.
The photo was taken on The Miley Wildlife Reserve in Dundee by the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Angus and Dundee Local Group.

A photo of a group of people standing at the bottom of a short set of concrete steps outside. The people are talking to each other while standing on a gravel path. To either side of the path are plants and trees while on the right of the path is a green chain-link fence.
The photo was taken on The Miley Wildlife Reserve in Dundee by the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Angus and Dundee Local Group.

5

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 17d

This has been made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

#NatureBasedSolutions #KeepRiversCool #WorldRiversDay #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

1 1

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 17d

The organisations have been awarded #Riverwoods development grants to produce river woodland development plans.

These plans are the essential first step in enhancing local river health, creating new homes for wildlife and improving access to nature! 🌳(2/3)

A thick line of newly planted trees with stakes and protective coverings beside a shallow river.

1 7

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 17d

🎉 Ahead of this year's #WorldRiversDay, we’ve awarded over £200,000 of funding to 11 pioneering organisations, kickstarting a pipeline of new river woodland creation and restoration activities! (1/3)

Find out more 🔗 www.riverwoods.org.uk/transforming...

Recently planted trees growing by a riverbank, with mature trees and hills in the background.

1 5 19

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 20d

⌛CLOSING SOON!⌛

If you'd like this to be your new office, check out our Project Manager role for Inverbroom in the North West Highlands.

🔗Apply today at bit.ly/3VObY1S

#Vacancy #Scotland

An aerial photo of a waterfall taken on the Inverbroom Estate in the North West Highlands. The waterfall is cascading between two large rock faces with a narrow curved bridge spanning the gap above. There are trees and plants growing on both sides of the gorge both on the top and where the waterfall reaches the river below.
Photo taken by Landfor.

An aerial photo of the landscape on the Inverbroom Estate in the North West Highlands. There are rolling boggy plains in the foreground stretching away to distant mountain peaks. The sky above is blue and studded with white fluffy clouds. The clouds are casting patchy shadows on the ground below creating a mottled patchwork of light and shade.
Photo taken by Landfor.

An aerial photo taken looking along the length of Loch Broom in the North West Highlands. The Loch is to the right of the frame with rolling grassy hills on either side. At the far end there are distant mountains. The sky above is mostly vibrant blue with a few small white clouds. The hill on the left of the photo has several clusters of trees.
Photo taken by Landfor.

1 7

Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 21d

📣CALLING ALL EDUCATORS! 📣

If you deliver outdoor education and want activity ideas, resources and inspirational stories straight to your inbox, check out our new educator's mailing list! 📧

Sign up at bit.ly/4ncu2iA

#OutdoorEducation #Learning

A photo of an adult facing towards the camera while talking towards a group of children who are facing away from the camera. The adult is gesturing with their hands and smiling while leading an outdoor education session. The group are in the woods and there are trees and plants around them.
Photo taken by Paul Harris as part of the 2020VISION project.

1 7