We all need to step up to help Scottish wildlife soar

Scotland is internationally renowned for its amazing wildlife. And we are lucky enough to have one of the most incredible nature spectacles right on our doorstep. In fact, just five miles from Edinburgh you can watch puffins and other seabirds going about their business in the Firth of Forth.

"Stepping Up For Nature" is a phrase you may hear a lot from RSPB Scotland in the coming years. It's all part of our most ambitious public campaign ever, our attempt to help protect nature now and for the future, but we can't do it alone.

Over the next nine years RSPB Scotland will be encouraging governments, businesses and people like you and me to "step up" and play their part for nature.

Every day, species that were once commonplace, such as the kestrel, lapwing or redshank, are vanishing from our countryside. Globally threatened species including the panda, black rhino or the snow leopard, as well as locally threatened wildlife such as the capercaillie or the Scottish wildcat, are moving perilously close to extinction. Scotland has changed dramatically in recent years, many designated sites are in unfavourable conditions, Scotland's world-renowned blanket bog is badly fragmented and just one per cent of our native Caledonian pine forest remains.

So why should Edinburgh and the Lothians Step Up for Nature?

Because it's so close, it's easy to forget just how outstanding the Firth of Forth is, not just locally but on a global stage. It's an internationally important site for wildlife, and the Forth and its islands are Special Protection Areas for wintering wildfowl and breeding seabirds, such as gannets, gulls and the ever popular puffin. But these birds are at risk from environmental changes, as well as human activities such as over-fishing and poorly-planned developments.

Healthy and abundant seas are vital for Scotland's economy. We are Europe's number one wildlife-watching destination, attracting visitors from around the world. RSPB Scotland is urging the Scottish Government not to delay in designating Marine Protected Areas to safeguard seabirds in the Forth and all around Scotland, which in turn will protect the marine environment and lead to new opportunities for tourism, leisure and sustainable employment.

Of course, a healthy environment requires space and this has been reduced by many centuries of development, industrialisation and agricultural intensification around the Firth of Forth. This looks set to continue with the proposal of major new developments such as the replacement Forth crossing, ongoing development along Edinburgh waterfront and projects along the East Lothian coastline ranging from refitting Cockenzie power station to new golf courses. In addition, there are proposals for major offshore wind farm development in the outer Forth estuary.

RSPB Scotland is not anti- development. It just wants to make sure that development looks at the real costs, including the environmental costs, and that it is done sustainably. Although on their own these developments may not be very harmful, together they could reduce the space available for wildlife. So we must take care that when progressing such projects we do not damage our environment and, where possible, continue to invest and enhance in existing habitats.

RSPB Scotland is also fighting for a fairer deal for wildlife and wildlife-friendly farmers. Cuts to European Union funding pose a real risk to the conservation of farmland wildlife. Species including corn-buntings and corncrake have disappeared from the Lothians. We're working to help reform the Common Agricultural Policy and halt these declines.

Protecting nature isn't just a job for the government; we've already heard reports of individuals, volunteer groups and local authorities doing their bit.

East Lothian Council has done some excellent work at Musselburgh Ash Lagoons. This site is superb for birds and has largely been created by carefully managing the waste ash from Cockenzie power station.

Meanwhile, our dedicated local volunteers have been raising vital funds for our conservation work and inspiring people with our Date With Nature Sparrowhawk nest-cam project at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

There are many ways that you can step up for nature, from planting trees and flowers to help wildlife in your garden, to writing to your local politician about an issue of environmental concern, or taking part in RSPB events like the Big Garden Birdwatch or Love Nature Week.

Last year the world failed to meet a global target to halt the decline of biodiversity. A new target has been set for 2020. This time we cannot afford to fail; we have to think big and everyone has to take responsibility.

• Louise Smith is media and communications officer for RSPB Scotland