And the Environmental Champion award goes to ..........

I was nominated as the Environmental Champion as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Life magazine's People of the Year Awards.  

The awards were presented, yesterday, and I am delighted to say that I won, as the certificate demonstrates.  Fame at last!

Dartmoor - Pilot scheme for upland farmers

See the report from This is South Devon about a pilot scheme on Dartmoor that is giving farmers more say in how the land is managed.  It appears to be gathering speed and gaining support.

Fine and rare sporting book sale

David Grayling is hoping to retire in the next couple of months and with a view to clearing his stock is offering 30% off all the books on his website.

If he has a book that you would enjoy owning, reading or investing in, now is the time to buy!

This offer will be of interest to anyone with an interest in books on hunting, shooting, fishing, big game, hunting, natural history etc etc...

 

David has been a long term supporter of The Heather Trust and I am delighted to recommend him and support his sale.  I also wish him well for his retirement.

Delays to the CAP Reform Process

The article in the Teesdale Mercury sets the scene and flags up that delays in the reform process could cut the income to farmers from agri-environment schemes and the implementation of conservation friendly activity on the ground.

Moorland Forum posts

See the recent posts on the MF Blog:

Snaring developments in Scotland ahead of new legislation coming into force in April 2013.

New Chief Executive for the Cairngorms National Park Authority

Wildfire Prevention Seminars

The assembled delegates - Glen Tanar

Thank you to all who supported the Wildfire Prevention Seminars in the Cairngorms National Park, yesterday and last week.  I hope you enjoyed them, in spite of the interesting weather conditions, and benefited from them.  Photos are available: Laggan, Glen Tanar

The seminars were funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and I was working with Michael Bruce in his Firebreak Services capacity to deliver these seminars at Laggan on Speyside and at Glen Tanar, Michael's estate on Deeside.  We generated a good level of discussion during both seminars and this to me is a sign of success.  To give a feel for the content of the Seminars, the flyer can be seen on the CNPA website.

We would like to hold similar seminars in other parts of the country and would be pleased to hear from anyone who might be interested in this.

New Chairman of the Moorland Association

Photo: Moorland Association

Congratulations go to Robert Benson on his appointment as chairman of the Moorland Association.  Robert is a member of the Trust's Board and he succeeds Ed Bromet, who is also a member of the Trust.  I look forward to working with Robert in his new role and supporting his work with the Moorland Association.  There is more information on the Moorland Association website.

Nature of Scotland Awards

The Nature of Scotland Awards is run by the RSPB and recognises and rewards those who are making a real difference to the conservation of Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. The 2013 awards are open for entries on the 14 November 2012.

There are eight categories to enter, each identifying a different area of nature conservation: Marine Conservation; Sustainable Development; Politician of the Year; Innovation; Outstanding Contribution; RSPB Species Champion; Community Initiative; Education. 

It is free to enter to nominate those who should be rewarded for their conservation efforts.  The website has more information about how to enter, and the deadline for submissions is 15 March 2013.