Tag: wildlife

RSPB issues new guidance on what and when to feed garden birds

Feed Seasonally. Feed Safely.

To reduce disease, we all need to make some urgent but simple changes to how we feed our garden birds.

We all want to help birds and make our gardens or outdoor spaces a place where all wildlife can thrive. But some species, such as Greenfinches, are experiencing serious declines because of disease.

The good news is that we can help reduce the spread of disease by making two simple changes to the way we feed our birds.

How to help your garden birds

What’s the problem?

Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders.

Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades – and you may have seen this decline yourself. Back when the Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 Greenfinches were at number seven in the top ten birds seen. This year they were down to number 18.

Greenfinch on a bird feeder
Greenfinch

We’ve been working with experts to find a solution, and we believe that, together, we can make a difference by feeding birds seasonally and safely.

How you can help

We can help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making two simple shifts to how we feed birds. Put simply: Feed seasonally. Feed safely.

1. Feed seasonally

During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. But it’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects.

1 May to 31 October

  • Pause filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts.
  • You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet.

1 November to 30 April

  • You can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.
Song Thrush feeding on worms
Song Thrush

2. Feed safely

Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease. To help keep birds healthy, it’s vital to keep things clean – which is why we’ve strengthened our existing hygiene guidance. We recommend you:

  • Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. Good hygiene is essential. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.
  • Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.
  • Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings. 
  • Don’t use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there’s a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect.
  • Feed in moderation. Make sure all the food you put out is eaten within one to two days. Adjust the amount you offer based on demand to avoid overfeeding.
  • Keep food as dry as possible. Damp food allows disease to survive and spread. Choose feeders that prevent rain getting in and limit condensation.
  • Change water in bird baths daily. Only offer water if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. A pond is the best way to provide birds and other wildlife with water.​​​​​​​
  • Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds.
Goldfinch feeding on teasles
Goldfinch

Thank you for protecting garden birds

Stopping the spread of disease is a challenge we can’t tackle alone. By taking these simple steps to feed seasonally and safely, we can all help protect the future of our birds.

Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter, Notes on Nature, to be reminded when to switch your bird food throughout the seasons.

What’s next?

We need more research to find ways to reduce the risk of disease spreading at bird feeders. Some studies are already under way, but we don’t yet know if or when they’ll lead to effective solutions. It’s also important to remember that this advice may evolve as new evidence comes in. But the science shows we need to take action. We believe changing how we feed birds now will help protect them in the longer term. It will take time to see the benefits, so patience is important.

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 90th Anniversary Event

Celebrating 90 years of Scotland’s Bird Club

An Audience with Hamza Yassin: Talk, Q & A and book signing event

7.30pm on Saturday 11 April 2026, Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Fife

The SOC has long provided what our founders – back in 1936 – described as ‘a common meeting ground for all those interested in ornithology in Scotland’.

This year we celebrate 90 years of the Club fulfilling that original mission, and we’re delighted to commemorate this milestone by presenting a talk, Q & A and book signing from Scotland-based wildlife cameraman, author and TV presenter, Hamza Yassin. 

Few naturalists have captured the hearts of the nation like Hamza. His infectious sense of wonder combined with his breathtaking filmmaking has engaged millions of viewers in the UK, including those who tuned in to watch his most recent series, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles on BBC.

We’re delighted to be welcoming him on the night to share his incredible experiences filming wildlife across the globe, and particularly in his beloved homeland of Scotland. Packed with stunning footage, charming personal stories and reflections, the evening will offer a glimpse into the life and work of one of the country’s most-loved natural history storytellers.

As the Club enters its 90th year, Hamza’s message feels more important than ever. Hamza truly believes that by engaging people in the joy of nature and what it has to offer, we can all gain a fresh perspective on the world around us and work together to protect it.

Don’t miss this inspiring celebration—a night of stories, stunning visuals, and a shared passion for nature that birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fans of Hamza’s programmes will never forget!

Book your place now at https://tinyurl.com/38abp3c5 and be part of this milestone event in the Club’s history – 60% of tickets have already sold!

This event is suitable for attendees ages 12 and above. Young people under 18 years are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

Everyone attending requires a ticket. All tickets are General Admission. Places range for £10 – £20. 

SOC reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event due to unforeseen circumstances. Where participants are unable to join a re-scheduled event, a full refund will be given. With regret, ticket sales are non-refundable.

Count the birds! 

FeatherSnap helps nature lovers get ready to count the birds with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch: 23rd – 25th January 2026

 FeatherSnap, the solar-powered, Wi-Fi enabled smart bird feeder, is proudly supporting the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 encouraging households across the UK to join hundreds of thousands of people taking part in the nation’s largest annual survey of garden birds. 

Fun, free and open to everyone, the Big Garden Birdwatch provides a vital snapshot of how our most familiar bird species are faring. Every count helps build a clearer picture of the health of the UK’s bird populations and offers a simple, positive way for people to take action for nature. 

Together, let’s make it count 

Traditionally, birdwatchers have relied on sitting patiently in the garden, counting birds as they flit along fences or dart between feeders. FeatherSnap makes the process easier than ever, even when you’re not there to keep watch. Instead of guessing who popped by while you were out, FeatherSnap captures every visit automatically, making it simple to see exactly which birds are using your garden and how often. 

In the lead-up to the bird count, taking place from 23rd – 25th January, Feathersnap is encouraging nature lovers to get their gardens bird count ready. 

From practical tips on attracting birds into gardens and green spaces, to exclusive savings, FeatherSnap is offering 15% off feeders from 14th –31st January 2026 using the code FSRSPB15. 

The perfect tool for effortless bird counting 

Equipped with motion-activated cameras and AI-powered bird identification, FeatherSnap automatically captures high-resolution photos and videos of every visitor, delivering them straight to the FeatherSnap app.

Users can watch live, receive instant notifications, catalogue species and build a personal digital Bird Book – making it the ideal companion for observing, identifying and counting birds in support of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. 

Throughout the campaign, FeatherSnap will also be encouraging users to share their favourite sightings across social media using #BigGardenBirdwatch, helping to spread awareness and inspire even more people to take part. 

FeatherSnap’s resident Ornithologist and Research Specialist, Maria Kincaid, said: “The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is a fantastic and hugely important initiative. 

“I’m a huge proponent of citizen science – the more people that get involved, the better the data we can gather. It also helps people feel connected to the scientific process, providing a valuable snapshot of how birds are coping during winter, when they need our support the most, and helping to track population trends over time.” 

“At this time of year, there’s very little blooming in our gardens to support insects. While most birds continue to rely on natural foraging, studies show that garden feeders can provide valuable supplementary support during lean periods – while also giving people an unrivalled close-up view of the wildlife right on their doorstep.” 

Here, Maria shares her top tips for creating a bird friendly garden and getting bird count ready: 

  • Make sure your feeders are filled and maintained. It’s incredibly important to make sure that we’re not only regularly filling our feeders, but cleaning and sanitizing them as well – this helps to prevent the spread of diseases, and make sure that we’re not feeding spoiled food.  
  • Fill your feeders with high calorie/nutritionally dense food – suet is a great option for winter as it’s an easy to digest fat full of calories. Thistle, sunflower seeds, and nut mixes are also great options.  
  • Feeder placement matters too. keeping feeders either within three feet of windows or more than ten to reduce the risk of collisions, hanging them around five feet high for both access and squirrel deterrence, and positioning them near cover, without creating hiding spots for cats.  
  • Providing water is also very important during cold snaps – having open water is a limiting factor in the winter, so providing a bird bath is an excellent choice. If it’s regularly freezing, consider a heated bird bath, or adding a heating element. The goal is to make sure that the water doesn’t freeze, not to have it be spectacularly warm.  
  • Lastly, having a lot of cover available, whether it’s shrubs or a brush pile, makes for great roosting spots for birds, as they can get away from the wind and cold. Creating a brush pile in the corner your garden will also create a great foraging space.

Talk about nature in Granton

NATURE IN GRANTON: WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

More or less trees, foxes or gulls? Get that grass cut or let the wildflowers grow? Is nature helping with your mental health, or helping kids let off steam? Are there ways we could help nature thrive more, or should we tarmac the lot?!

Would you be up for chatting about nature in Granton for an hour for a £10 voucher (for Morrisons or Granton Garden Bakery – your choice)?

We’ll be running focus groups: Tuesday 7th October: 10-11am or 11.30am-12.30, at Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway. (tea/coffee and biscuits provided).

Places limited: to sign up please email: tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

We’re also launching an online survey, and would be grateful if anyone local could spend a few minutes filling it in (as much or little as you like):

https://forms.gle/q6xaTgmW3g2fp5yK9

Granton Nature Watch

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL NATURE WITH COMMUNITY GARDENERS

Can you help us learn about nature in Granton?

We have a new project to survey, map and learn about our local wildlife and how nature and people can live well together in Granton.

We’d love to see your nature photos and hear about the wildlife that you see!

We’re also looking for people who would be willing to do regular surveys on a walk, in a park or in your own garden.

No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Suitable for children too.

Get in touch with Katie on katie@grantoncommunitygardeners.org to find out more.

Calling all wildlife lovers – UK Butterflies need you!

This year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.

Last summer, Britain’s butterflies sent an urgent SOS through Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

The wildlife charity declared a Butterfly Emergency after results revealed a marked and deeply concerning decline in butterfly numbers, which were the lowest in the Count’s history.

The 2024 figures followed a pattern of long-term decline as butterflies struggle against a backdrop of habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use.

That’s why this year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.

🧪 No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time.

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2025 begins on Friday 18 July, and we’re calling on thousands of everyday heroes, from schoolkids to grandparents, dog walkers, hikers, even office workers on their lunch break, to take part.

Worryingly, 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. These delicate icons of summer respond quickly to environmental change, making their decline a powerful warning sign of a planet in peril.

The good news? There is hope. With just 15 minutes of your time, you can help protect UK butterfly species for future generations.

🕵️ The mission?

Spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.

That’s it. One small action that contributes to a much bigger effort to help save butterfly species and the ecosystems they support.

“This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come,” said Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. “Butterflies are beautiful, yes — but they’re also incredibly important bioindicators. This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it’s too late.

“If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it’s something everybody can do. If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer! – Every count really does make a difference.”

Whether you see a Red Admiral, a Common Blue, or an entire kaleidoscope of Meadow Browns, your sightings provide vital data that help scientists understand where butterflies are thriving, struggling, or shifting due to habitat loss or restoration.

And by taking part, you’re doing more than logging data — you’re standing up for nature. Your observations will help create a live map of UK biodiversity, visible in real-time through the Big Butterfly Count website and free app.

🌍 Why It Matters

With over 80% of UK butterfly species in decline, every single sighting counts.
Butterflies are early warning signs of environmental collapse — when they struggle, so do birds, bees, and entire ecosystems.

Together, we can reverse the trend by learning where and why butterflies are struggling and taking action to save them.

 What’s the problem?

Butterflies are struggling because their habitat is being destroyed and the climate they thrive in is changing and becoming more unpredictable. 

Populations may also be declining as a result of pesticide use, both commercially and in gardens. Even insecticides and pesticides labelled “pollinator friendly” can harm butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Employing more nature friendly gardening methods, such as companion planting and allowing wild spaces to flourish within our gardens are two of the best ways to help butterflies thrive at home.

✅ How to Take Part

  1. Download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org
  2. Between 18 July and 10 August, spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the number and type of butterflies you see
  3. Log your sightings on the website or app and help protect UK wildlife for future generations

This summer, step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the natural world on your doorstep.

Become a citizen scientist. Be part of the comeback. Help bring butterflies and wild spaces across the UK back to life.

BUTTERFLY EMERGENCY!

2024 officially one of the worst years on record for UK butterflies

  • More than half of UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline for the first time on record
  • Small Tortoiseshell had its worst year ever and is in long-term decline
  • Common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and the wider countryside had their second-worst year since 1976
  • 51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023

Newly released data has shown that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time on record, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline.

Nine species had their worst year since counting began, including the much-loved Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper.

Worryingly, last year was also the second-worst year on record for ‘wider countryside species’ – the common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and across the landscape such as Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Large White.

The figures come from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which has asked volunteers to count butterflies across the country since 1976 and now monitors more than 3,000 sites. The scheme is led by national charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

Overall, 2024 was the fifth worst year since records began for UK butterflies. Butterfly numbers always fluctuate annually, and last year’s low numbers are partly the result of a wet spring and relatively cool summer, however UKBMS data also show that 31 of the 59 resident UK species are now in long-term decline.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “I am devastated by the decline of our beloved British butterflies, and I’m sorry to say it has been brought about by human actions: we have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted the environment, used pesticides on an industrial scale and we are changing the climate.

“That means that when we have poor weather, these already-depleted butterfly populations are highly vulnerable and can’t bounce back like they once did – and with climate change, that unusual weather is becoming more and more usual.”

In total, 51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023, with just six species showing any increase.

Among the most concerning species is the Small Tortoiseshell: one of the most well-known butterflies in the UK, its bright colours and appearance in gardens have made it a recognisable favourite.

However, since the first UKBMS results in 1976, its abundance has plummeted by 86%. Numbers in 2023 were the worst ever at that point, and last year were down again.

Unlike many of the species that are faring worst, the Small Tortoiseshell is not a rarity confined to nature reserves but a ‘wider countryside species’, living in all parts of the UK and drinking nectar from a wide variety of flowers. Its caterpillars feed on stinging nettles.

Of the eight other species that had their worst year on record, Green-veined White, Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Small Copper are also wider countryside species.

The Green-veined White, one of the UK’s most widespread butterflies, is also now in significant long-term decline.

The Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Chalk Hill Blue, which also had their worst year on record, are already listed as threatened on the GB butterfly Red List.

These species all require specific habitat to thrive, and those habitats have been destroyed over the past century.

Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UKCEH, said: “These deeply concerning results from the UKBMS emphasise just how important it is to monitor and record our wildlife so we can target conservation efforts and protect our beloved species.

“Butterflies in particular are valuable not just in their own right but also as indicator species, meaning they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general.”

The UKBMS figures come after Butterfly Conservation declared a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency following the worst-ever results of its Big Butterfly Count last year.

Dr Fox said: “Most people will not be surprised by these results: all last summer we were inundated with people asking where the butterflies had gone and what they can do to help.

“By far the best thing we can do to help butterflies is to create more habitat. Last year we published research which showed that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass increases the number and variety of butterflies that you see.

“That is why we are calling on people and councils across the UK to pledge to not cut their grass this year from April to September: this simple act can make a real, immediate difference to butterflies, moths and other wildlife.”

Dr James Heywood, Bird Survey Organiser at BTO said: “We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of skilled volunteers who monitored butterflies last year at more than 3,000 sites as part of the UKBMS, as well the 300 volunteers who are recording both birds and butterflies at the same locations.

“The collective data, which reveal a concerning picture for so many species, will help to inform lasting, impactful conservation decisions. We will continue to support and encourage these brilliant citizen scientists to contribute to this scheme and ensure a better future for our amazing British wildlife.”

Steve Wilkinson, Director of Ecosystem Evidence & Advice at JNCC, said: “The results revealed by the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme highlights why robust wildlife monitoring is absolutely essential for conservation.

“Without the dedicated efforts of thousands of volunteers tracking butterfly numbers, we wouldn’t fully understand the scale of this decline. This comprehensive surveillance allows us to identify which species need urgent intervention, track long-term trends, and measure the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.

“The UKBMS data doesn’t just tell us about butterflies – it provides a critical indicator of the health of our wider environment. In the face of habitat loss and climate change, these monitoring schemes provide the evidence base we need to take meaningful action before it’s too late.”

Find out more about letting your grass grow long at butterfly-conservation.org

28,043 butterflies spotted in Scotland last summer: can we beat that in 2024?

Butterfly Conservation issues rallying cry to people of Scotland

Last summer, citizen scientists in Scotland spotted 28,043 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. Today, wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing a rallying cry to people in the region to help beat that this year.

In 2023, people across Scotland did 5,087 Big Butterfly Counts, with Small White taking the top spot for species sightings. Scientists are hoping even more people will take part to help find out what’s happening with the region’s butterflies before the Count ends on Sunday 4 August.

It’s more important than ever that people take part this year. After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.

Butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment – and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.


Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: ‘We really need people across Scotland to get out for the Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.

“We’re relying on everyone, everywhere to spend just 15 minutes outdoors and let us know what they see. With species on the move, someone in Scotland might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!”

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes in a sunny spot. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined four years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks, urban community spaces, balconies, courtyards and in the countryside. The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.



This year’s Big Butterfly Count is already underway, running from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.

For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

Scottish charity and committed polar cruise ship operator join forces to boost vital conservation efforts on the island of South Georgia

A new partnership between Dundee-based charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust and Poseidon Expeditions will enable those on a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica to help fund vital wildlife and cultural conservation on the island of South Georgia. 

Since its founding in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions has taken thousands of intrepid travellers to the most remote corners on earth. Now, Poseidon Expeditions will donate £100 to the South Georgia Heritage Trust every time a new passenger books a cruise featuring South Georgia, which will help fund SGHT’s ongoing conservation work on the island.

The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is famed for its iconic wildlife, with scenes of humpback whales, southern elephant seals, seabirds and vast colonies of king penguins often featuring in landmark series such as the BBC’s Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Planet Earth. 

It is also synonymous with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken Cemetery.

The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has been working to conserve South Georgia’s wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage since 2005. 

The charity delivered the world’s largest rodent eradication project, which against all odds successfully removed invasive rats and mice (accidentally introduced by whalers 200 years ago) which were predating the eggs and chicks of millions of native birds and had almost pushed one species, the South Georgia pipit, to extinction.

Since the island was declared rodent-free in May 2018, SGHT has been supporting ongoing efforts by the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands to make sure that South Georgia’s 10-15,000 annual visitors don’t inadvertently undo this amazing feat and that South Georgia remains an ecosystem in recovery.

Luke Smith, Director of Development at the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “We’ve had unprecedented success in removing the invasive rodents that were decimating South Georgia’s native bird populations, but as a small charity we need as much support as possible for our work to continue and grow.

“Donations from Poseidon Expeditions will enable us to further protect and preserve the island’s special environment and wildlife for future generations through conservation work. 

“This support will also contribute towards scientific research, help run the South Georgia Museum, and deliver major cultural projects on or related to the island, such as saving Shackleton’s heritage at Stromness and a major art installation which will act as a whale memorial at Grytviken.

“We are extremely grateful for Poseidon Expeditions’generosity, and we are very much looking forward to working together for the benefit of South Georgia, and all its beauty.”

The company’s chief executive officer, Angelica Vorea, said: “Poseidon Expeditions has been committed to safe and environmentally responsible exploration of the polar regions since 1999.

“We are privileged to bring visitors from all over the world to encounter the wonders of South Georgia and the wider Antarctic region. We know how much our guests value the opportunities they have to experience such sights and we are delighted to have teamed up with SGHT in this way so that our company can contribute to their important mission.”

The small British Overseas Territory of South Georgia lies 1,500km east of the Falkland Islands, and is home to theSouth Georgia Museum which SGHT runs on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.

To find out more about the work of SGHT and its ongoing work to protect the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of South Georgia visit: www.sght.org, and to find out more about Poseidon Expeditions visit www.poseidonexpeditions.com

Spring Talk From Great British nature writer Sir John Lister-Kaye

One of Britain’s best-known conservationists, John Lister-Kaye, described by Springwatch’s Katie Humble as ‘joyful and inspirational’, gives a rare glimpse into his intriguing life and work at a literary talk and book signing at the Royal Scots Club on 23rd March, 10:30am-12:30pm.

Entry is free and there will be a pop-up Toppings bookstall.

A true naturalist, John Lister-Kaye patiently and meticulously observes and records the lives, habits and habitats of otters, badgers, weasels and pine martens. Hours of careful waiting and watching in the woods and loch, the river, fields and moorland is rewarded with insight into how these animals live when unhindered by human interference; sometimes red in tooth and claw, but often playful, familial, curious and surprising.

John’s own journey from aristocratic roots to being captivated by the creatures of Scotland and becoming one of the most respected academic observers of the natural world gripping too.

During deep dives exploring natural history, familial characteristics and ecological significance, he began to find the animals were ‘teaching me to become feral myself, guiding me into their ways so that my senses seemed to merge with theirs at a level far more intimate than just scientific interest or admiration.’

His new book, FOOTPRINTS IN THE WOODS, The Secret Life of Forest and Riverbank, is not only a love letter to these elusive animals and what he describes as the ‘irresistible wildness’.

It is also a timely reminder of the fragility of habitat and the beauty and variety we have to lose if we don’t choose to actively protect it.

‘A peerless observer who is as much a part of the land as his beloved badgers. This, unusually, is nature writing that is actually about nature rather than the writer, and so it has the power and wisdom of the hills and forest. Marvellous’ – CHARLES FOSTER (Author, Cry of the Wild)

‘No one writes as movingly, or with such transporting poetic skills, about encounters with wild creatures’ – HELEN MACDONALD (Award-winning writer, H is for Hawk)

‘I am addicted to the writings of John Lister-Kaye’ – JOANNA LUMLEY

Sir John Lister-Kaye is one of Britain’s best-known naturalists and conservationists and has spent a lifetime exploring, protecting and celebrating the British landscape and its wildlife. 

John came to live in the Highlands of Scotland in 1968 to work with the celebrated author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell of Ring of Bright Water fame. 

He is the author of eleven books on wildlife and the environment, including The Dun Cow Rib, shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize, and Gods of the Morning, winner of the Richard Jeffereies Award for Nature Writing.

John has lectured on the natural environment all over the world. He was awarded an OBE for his services to nature conservation, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Geddes Environmental Medal and honorary doctorates from two Scottish universities for his contribution to nature writing. 

He has served prominently in the RSPB, the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He lives with his wife and family among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, where he runs the world-famous Aigas Field Centre.

The literary coffee morning with author talk will be held on 23rd March 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.

There will be an opportunity to purchase books for signing by the author at a pop-up bookshop provided by Topping & Company Booksellers, Edinburgh.

The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.

Reservations may be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com