PODCAST · science
Make Space For Nature
by NatureScot
NatureScot presents podcasts that celebrate Scotland's nature and landscapes. In each episode you'll find numerous ways to connect with - and protect - our amazing natural world. We want to inspire everyone to join the fight against climate change and reverse nature loss. Immerse yourself and #MakeSpaceForNature in your life. www.nature.scot
Episodes
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The Will in the Willows: Restoring Ben Lui’s Rare Mountain Plants
High on the slopes of Ben Lui in the Southern Highlands, a quiet restoration is underway. In this episode, we join volunteers and NatureScot staff for a day of tree planting on one of Scotland's finest National Nature Reserves. Peter Kelly, Operations Officer at NatureScot, tells us all about the...
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Secrets in the Sand: Findhorn Dunes Rewilded
A sand dune can look lifeless but is actually one of the most important places for biodiversity in Scotland. We head to the Moray coast to explore the Findhorn Hinterland, where a small, determined local charity is restoring dunes, grassland and woodland while keeping the whole community…
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Nature Networks: Meet the People Connecting Communities and Habitats Across Scotland
A city park can look ordinary until you realise it's part of a much bigger plan. From Leith Links in Edinburgh, we explore how a citywide Nature Network is being built to tackle biodiversity loss, prepare for climate change, and make neighbourhoods healthier and more beautiful. Fiona Leith chats…
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Scotland Uncovered — One Week in Scotland: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary with Greig McBride
In this episode, we chat to Greig McBride, creator of 'Scotland Uncovered', who makes the case that rain and mist aren't obstacles to enjoying Scotland — they're part of what makes it extraordinary. Greig shares a practical one-week itinerary taking in Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the west coast, and…
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"What's The Story?" The Power of Nature, Positivity and Scottish Spirit – with digital creator Eddy Cheeee
Goosebumps in the snow at Glen Coe. Laughter in the rain. A stranger’s kindness on Arran. We sit with traveller and creator Eddie Chee to trace how a spontaneous trip to Glasgow turned into a deep love for Scotland’s wild weather, rolling hills, and everyday magic—and why a ten‑minute walk can...
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Future-Proofing Caerlaverock: Wilder, Wetter, Working Together
Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline. David Pickett from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and Anna Austin from Caerlaverock Estate share how they're reconnecting fragmented...
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Forecasting the Future: From Changing Weather to Changing Habitats, with the Met Office
The natural world is speaking to us through shifting species patterns, and Graham Madge from the Met Office is helping us translate. As both a climate communicator and lifelong wildlife observer, Graham brings a unique perspective to understanding how Scotland's changing climate is reshaping our...
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Zero Waste Scotland: how small changes create big wins for people and wildlife
Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife. Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative…
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Scotland's Sea Eagles: Balancing Conservation and Farming
Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these…
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Beyond Hospital Walls: Green Spaces, Healing Places
Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community. Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive...
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Science on the Solway - how geese are helping us better understand avian flu
Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan. The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more…
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Named by nature: exploring the Gaelic roots of Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, with Roddy Maclean
Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world. Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited…
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Our shared outdoors: Ramblers Scotland on 20 years of access rights and responsibilities
Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland. Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal...
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Blood-sucking marvels: Scotland's mission to save the misunderstood medicinal leech
Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these...
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Nature's warriors: stepping up to tackle Scotland's invasive species
Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into…
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Helping our native wildlife thrive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum…
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From machair to meadows: exploring the vital role of grasslands with Plantlife
Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascinating range of grasslands and explains how these ecosystems are paramount for biodiversity, climate resilience, agriculture, and our mental and physical...
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Life at Loch Leven: exploring work and wildlife on the nature reserve
In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat. Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven…
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Transforming lives and landscapes through nature volunteering
Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week. Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth project, which has empowered over 100,000...
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Plants with Purpose: discovering green solutions for urban challenges
Join us as we chat to Caitlyn Johnstone, a Nature Based Solutions Scientist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to explore how plants and ecosystems can transform our cities. Discover how integrating nature-based solutions can make monumental differences in tackling urban issues like...
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Spring Clean Scotland: working together to Keep Scotland Beautiful
In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency. We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up…
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Scotland’s outdoor classroom: enriching learning by heading outside
In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning. Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of...
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Farming with nature: seven ways to boost biodiversity on farms
In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts. Rob also takes…
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Nature's reset: using social media to get outdoors more, with digital creator Chris Lawlor
In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland. Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the...
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Scotland's wildcats: bringing Highland tigers back from the brink
What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our...
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Two bogs, a swamp and some islands: revealing the hidden gems of Loch Lomond and beyond
In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey. They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and...
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Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and tackling the threat of Invasive Non-Native Species
In this episode we chat to Katie Berry from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in partnership with NatureScot and others, working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s native wildlife. Katie explains more about the work involved…
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Explaining the underlying causes of the nature-climate crisis, and how we can all be part of the solution
In this episode we chat to Robin Pakeman from the James Hutton Institute about the underlying causes of nature loss in Scotland. Recently revealed in a new report commissioned by NatureScot and co-authored by Robin and colleagues at the James Hutton and from the University of Glasgow, these...
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Beavers in Scotland: learning to live with nature's engineers
In this episode we head to the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire to meet with NatureScot’s beaver team and hear about the work they’re doing to help everyone in Scotland live alongside beavers again. Recorded at a recent demonstration event held by the team to teach volunteers and land…
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Exploring Scotland's outdoors responsibly: insights and inspiration, with filmmaker Calum Maclean
In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer. Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating bilingual content about Scotland's outdoors, while helping to promote and enjoy responsible access. With the publication of his first book on...
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Unearthing the Past: Exploring Scotland's Fossil Code with Dr Elsa Panciroli
In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who studies fossils and extinct life, with a particular interest in mammals. We discover the rich fossil heritage of Scotland and learn about the…
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The stories, people and projects behind the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by NatureScot. The fund has supported projects that encourage visitors to experience a wider range of the unique nature and culture of the Highlands…
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Making space for nature photography, with wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman
In this episode we chat to award winning nature photographer and filmmaker Libby Penman. She tells us what drove her passion for nature and filmmaking, and gives us a few insider tips on ways we can improve our own wildlife photography. We hear about her recent work on our Make Space For Nature...
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Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda, with Donya Davidson
In this episode we chat to Donya Davidson, NatureScot’s Natural Capital Tools Manager. Donya explains what we mean by Natural Capital, how taking a natural capital approach to managing land can provide multiple benefits for both people and nature, and how she Makes Space For Nature everyday....
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Unlocking potential through apprenticeships, with Mark Williamson
In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation. He tells us about the wide variety of work he’s involved with across three National Nature Reserves, his work experience so far, his career aspirations and how he Makes...
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Connecting with the outdoors from the inside, with Anna Wood
In this episode we chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of watching and photographing birds in her garden. She explains how connecting with nature has affected her mental and physical health, and how her...
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Making Space For Nature with Less Waste Laura
In this episode we chat to Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Recently awarded Scottish Influencer of the Year (Inspiration) for her climate and environmental work, Laura regularly speaks in the media on...
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Understanding the increase in urban birds, with Simon Foster
In this episode we chat to Simon Foster, NatureScot’s Trends and Indicators Analysis Officer, about our latest research which reveals an increase in the number of birds in Scotland’s towns and cities. He explains the likely reasons for the increase, how climate change is affecting our birds, and...
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Using Environmental DNA to prevent nature loss, with Brodie Thomas
Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how this non-invasive sampling technique can monitor wildlife and help build up a detailed image of what lives where. She explains the pros and cons of the...
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Attracting young people to green jobs, with Ceara Webster and Amy Kidd
In this episode we hear about NatureScot’s Programme for Youth employment, a programme helping to develop nature based skills to support the fight against climate change and nature loss. Since 2021 we’ve offered around 40 jobs for younger employees including project and practical placements,...
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Taking action to help peatlands, with Ben Inglis-Grant and Sue White
In this episode we chat with Peatland ACTION Project Officers Ben Inglis-Grant and Sue White. Both are based on Scottish islands; Sue works with Shetland Amenity Trust and Ben is with Carloway Estate Trust on the isle of Lewis. We hear about their varied work with Peatland ACTION, the national...
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The Nature Library: how stories connect people with nature, with Christina Riley
In this episode NatureScot staff Fiona Leith and Claire Gordon chat to Christina Riley the founder of the Nature Library, a pop-up nature library which travels to festivals and events around Scotland. Christina explains how the book collection has evolved, and why taking stories to local...
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Getting started with foraging, with Elli Carlisle and Kat O'Brien
Foraging Fortnight, a series of events celebrating Scotland’s natural environment and wild food, recently took place across the country. Following on from this festival, we chatted with two NatureScot colleagues, Elli Carlisle and Kat O’Brien, about the easiest and safest ways to experience the...
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A nature rich future for all, with Lorna Slater MSP and Francesca Osowska
In this episode NatureScot’s Chief Executive Francesca Osowska and Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, discuss what the Scottish Government and NatureScot are doing to tackle the climate and nature crisis and what radical change is needed by us all, to...
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Nature calls: how changing habits helps water and wildlife, with Brian Lironi of Scottish Water
In this episode we chat with Brian Lironi, Scottish Water’s Director of Corporate Affairs, who highlights the negative impact climate change is having on our water, and suggest ways we can all reduce consumption and help prevent system blockages. Brian explains why the Scottish Water 'Nature…
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Helping nature to adapt to climate change, with Nick Everett
In this episode we speak to Nick Everett, NatureScot’s Climate Change Adaptation Adviser. Nick explains what climate change adaptation is and provides examples of innovative nature-based solutions throughout Scotland, as well as practical ways we can all make space for, and help support, nature…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
NatureScot presents podcasts that celebrate Scotland's nature and landscapes. In each episode you'll find numerous ways to connect with - and protect - our amazing natural world. We want to inspire everyone to join the fight against climate change and reverse nature loss. Immerse yourself and #MakeSpaceForNature in your life. www.nature.scot
HOSTED BY
NatureScot
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Make Space For Nature have?
Make Space For Nature currently has 68 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Make Space For Nature about?
NatureScot presents podcasts that celebrate Scotland's nature and landscapes. In each episode you'll find numerous ways to connect with - and protect - our amazing natural world. We want to inspire everyone to join the fight against climate change and reverse nature loss. Immerse yourself and...
How often does Make Space For Nature release new episodes?
Make Space For Nature has 68 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Make Space For Nature?
You can listen to Make Space For Nature on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Make Space For Nature?
Make Space For Nature is created and hosted by NatureScot.
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