NatureScot’s coastal National Nature Reserves (NNRs) had a difficult year as avian flu swept through some seabird colonies, but there were glimmers of hope with other species faring well.
With the threat of the virus still very much live heading into 2023, Scotland’s avian flu task force, led by NatureScot, is continuing to work flat out to gain a better understanding of the virus and take the necessary action on the ground to protect our wild birds.
Away from the coasts, large-scale habitat restoration has continued apace at many NatureScot’s reserves this year. Click through to see all the stats and highlights.
NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “This year has been a challenging one for nature in Scotland, as we saw an unprecedented avian flu outbreak that took a devastating toll on our wild birds, with NatureScot leading the national response to the crisis. As we look back on 2022, it’s heartening to hear some more hopeful stories from our National Nature Reserves and reflect on the great work staff are doing on the ground for nature and people. With new global targets for nature just agreed this week at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15), we head into 2023 with stronger than ever resolve to lead the bold action needed to protect, restore and value nature, and tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.”
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Posted On: 03/01/2023