Applications are now open for the 2023 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards. The awards honour people in Highland Perthshire and across Scotland who are doing their bit to support the local wildlife and landscapes.
The awards are open to nature champions, passionate community groups, and pioneering businesses that are working to make a difference within their local communities, schools, and businesses. The awards have been announced following an ambitious statement from the Scottish Government saying that they aim to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
Director of RSPB Scotland, Anne McCall said: “I’m delighted that we hear of so many new projects each year, all playing their part to protect landscapes and species. Right across Scotland, businesses, schools, communities and individuals are recognising the importance of the wildlife we’re so lucky to share our country with.
“The other judges and I are particularly looking forward to our new category for 2023, the Landscape Restoration Award. We know substantial efforts are needed to set Scotland up for the fight against the nature and climate emergency, so applicants for this award should inspire us with their conservation and environmental achievements, and the benefits to their communities.
“If you’ve ever considered applying for the Nature of Scotland Awards before, or if this is your first time hearing about them, this could be your year to win. It’s time to fill in your application!”
There are 10 awards up for grabs at this year’s ceremony, including a new award called the ‘Landscape Restoration Award’ which recognises partnerships and projects that are working to tackle the nature and climate emergency at scale either on land or at sea.
The categories this year are:
- Business for Nature – Sponsored by NatureScot
- Coasts and Waters – Sponsored by Scottish Water
- Community Initiative – Sponsored by GreenPower
- Conservation Science
- Food and Farming
- Health and Wellbeing
- Innovation – Sponsored by The James Hutton Institute
- Landscape Restoration Award – Sponsored by Scotland’s Landscape Alliance
- Nature and Climate Action – Sponsored by ScottishPowerRenewables
- RSPB Species Champion – Sponsored by The Ardmore
The Chief Executive at NatureScot, Francesca Osowska, said: “The Nature of Scotland Awards are a celebration of everything that is inspiring, rewarding and transformative about protecting and restoring Scotland’s biodiversity. People are at the heart of the movement to tackle climate change and reverse nature loss, and it has never been more important to see restoration of our precious habitats on a large scale. We are looking forward to the stories and ideas this year’s entrants will champion at this critical time for Scotland’s nature.”
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 30th of May. The shortlist will be unveiled in September and the awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 22nd of November.
To learn more about the award categories and to access the online application form, visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/search/?q=Nature+of+Scotland+Awards.