Submit your nomination for RSPB's nature of Scotland awards - Rhona Maxwell

Although many things have changed in the last year, the nature and climate emergency remains a constant, and one of the biggest challenges of our generation. However it is heartening to remember that there are people across Scotland who dedicate themselves to reversing biodiversity loss, mitigating climate change and saving nature.

Rhona Maxwell, Events and Project Officer for Scotland, RSPB Scotland

RSPB Scotland’s annual Nature of Scotland Awards, co-sponsored by NatureScot, is celebrating its 10th anniversary year showcasing the very best work in nature conservation. The awards are now open for applications and are an opportunity to laud those working in the sector. Preserving our unique habitats and diverse species is vital work, but so often lacks the profile it deserves in society.

No corner of life has been left untouched by the impact of Covid, and the environment sector is no different. It has had to adapt, and those working on the environmental front line have found themselves navigating a liminal space, as they transitioned from more traditional grassroots conservation to what is possible within current safety restrictions. The poet Ted Hughes once said “The only calibration that counts is how much heart people invest...”, and the good news is there’s been no shortage of that witnessed.

The awards have ten categories this year, including two new ones. The first, in a nod to the benefit many people have discovered recently, is the Health and Wellbeing Award. It recognises those who encourage us to engage with nature to support our mental and physical health. There will also be a special 10th anniversary accolade for Nature Champion of the Decade, which will be decided by a public vote this autumn.

Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica in the Treshnish Isles, Scotland.

Free to enter, we are seeking nominations and applications across ten award categories; Health and Wellbeing, Nature Champion of the Decade, Coasts and Waters, Business, Youth and Education, Forest and Woodland, Community Initiative, Innovation, Nature and Climate Action and Food and Farming.

Organisations, groups or individuals who meet the criteria for a category can apply directly or be nominated by someone else. Any work which has taken place in the last three years will be eligible to apply, and just being considered for these prestigious awards may give someone the boost they need.

Amongst the winners in 2020 was the Hebridean Whale Trail, which has mapped 30 unique sites across the west coast of Scotland where nature lovers have a high chance of spotting dolphins, whales and other marine species from the shore. Dr Jane Dodd also scooped the Species Champion Award for her pioneering work to save the Flapper Skate, the largest Skate species in the world and one which has suffered a massive population reduction and localised extinction.

The Nature of Scotland Awards get bigger every year, and the 10th Anniversary will be the ultimate hooley! From humble beginnings in 2012 the Awards have been embraced by the conservation community, attracting more applicants, sponsors and attendance every year. Our high-profile ceremony hosts, from Chris Packham to Gordon Buchanan and Steve Backshall, always help raise the roof and profile of our shortlisted entrants on Awards night.

Applicants have until Monday 14 June to submit their entries. The ceremony will take place on 17 November, with a Shortlisting Reception in September. For more information and to apply visit rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.

Rhona Maxwell, Events and Project Officer for Scotland, RSPB Scotland