Make Space For Nature
Episodes
Clever, Adaptable and in Crisis: The Truth About Scotland's Gulls
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mixing Colours: Digital Creator Ophelie Adeyemi on Belonging in Scotland's Outdoors
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"What's The Story?" The Power of Nature, Positivity and Scottish Spirit – with digital creator Eddy Cheeee
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Beyond the Diagnosis: How Digital Creator Liam Robertson Found Support in Nature
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Future-Proofing Caerlaverock: Wilder, Wetter, Working Together
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline.David Pickett from the Wi...
Forecasting the Future: From Changing Weather to Changing Habitats, with the Met Office
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Zero Waste Scotland: how small changes create big wins for people and wildlife
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife.Andrew Pankhurst from Ze...
Scotland's Sea Eagles: Balancing Conservation and Farming
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing b...
Beyond Hospital Walls: Green Spaces, Healing Places
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, ...
Science on the Solway - how geese are helping us better understand avian flu
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 McKe...
Bogging Brilliant: The Power of Peatland Restoration
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Named by nature: exploring the Gaelic roots of Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, with Roddy Maclean
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language...
Our shared outdoors: Ramblers Scotland on 20 years of access rights and responsibilities
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland.Bre...
Blood-sucking marvels: Scotland's mission to save the misunderstood medicinal leech
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglif...
Nature's warriors: stepping up to tackle Scotland's invasive species
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Helping our native wildlife thrive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species l...
From machair to meadows: exploring the vital role of grasslands with Plantlife
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascin...
Life at Loch Leven: exploring work and wildlife on the nature reserve
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Transforming lives and landscapes through nature volunteering
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 ...
Plants with Purpose: discovering green solutions for urban challenges
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Spring Clean Scotland: working together to Keep Scotland Beautiful
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people f...
Scotland’s outdoor classroom: enriching learning by heading outside
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University o...
Farming with nature: seven ways to boost biodiversity on farms
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 L...
Nature's reset: using social media to get outdoors more, with digital creator Chris Lawlor
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Scotland's wildcats: bringing Highland tigers back from the brink
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 M...
Two bogs, a swamp and some islands: revealing the hidden gems of Loch Lomond and beyond
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 A...
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and tackling the threat of Invasive Non-Native Species
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Natur...
Explaining the underlying causes of the nature-climate crisis, and how we can all be part of the solution
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Beavers in Scotland: learning to live with nature's engineers
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Exploring Scotland's outdoors responsibly: insights and inspiration, with filmmaker Calum Maclean
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk to Calum Maclean, a presenter, social media specialist, filmmaker and writer.Fluent in Gaelic, Calum specialises in creating ...
Unearthing the Past: Exploring Scotland's Fossil Code with Dr Elsa Panciroli
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to esteemed palaeontologist Dr Elsa Panciroli, a researcher at the Natural History Museum at the University of Oxford, who stu...
The stories, people and projects behind the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we meet some of the recipients of The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund - a European Regional Development Challenge Fund, managed by ...
Making space for nature photography, with wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Natural Capital: pushing nature to the top of the agenda, with Donya Davidson
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 n...
Unlocking potential through apprenticeships, with Mark Williamson
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Mark Williamson, a Modern Apprentice with NatureScot, focused on Rural Environmental Conservation. He tells us about the wi...
Connecting with the outdoors from the inside, with Anna Wood
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to nature photographer Anna Wood, who, after developing severe ME which left her mostly housebound, discovered the joy of wa...
Making Space For Nature with Less Waste Laura
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, an award winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influe...
Understanding the increase in urban birds, with Simon Foster
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Simon Foster, NatureScot’s Trends and Indicators Analysis Officer, about our latest research which reveals an increase in...
Using Environmental DNA to prevent nature loss, with Brodie Thomas
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brodie Thomas, a project placement helping to facilitate NatureScot's use of genetic technologies, explains what Environmental DNA is, and how th...
Attracting young people to green jobs, with Ceara Webster and Amy Kidd
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we hear about NatureScot’s Programme for Youth employment, a programme helping to develop nature based skills to support the fight a...
Taking action to help peatlands, with Ben Inglis-Grant and Sue White
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Shetl...
The Nature Library: how stories connect people with nature, with Christina Riley
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 whic...
Getting started with foraging, with Elli Carlisle and Kat O'Brien
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Foraging Fortnight, a series of events celebrating Scotland’s natural environment and wild food, recently took place across the country. Following o...
A nature rich future for all, with Lorna Slater MSP and Francesca Osowska
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode NatureScot’s Chief Executive Francesca Osowska and Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, d...
Nature calls: how changing habits helps water and wildlife, with Brian Lironi of Scottish Water
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Brian Lironi, Scottish Water’s Director of Corporate Affairs, who highlights the negative impact climate change is havi...
Helping nature to adapt to climate change, with Nick Everett
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak to Nick Everett, NatureScot’s Climate Change Adaptation Adviser. Nick explains what climate change adaptation is and provid...
Mountain Biking Trail Therapy: Our Natural Health Service in practice, with Paul MacFarlane
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode for Green Health Week, Fiona Leith and I chat to Paul MacFarlane, Mountain Bike Trail Therapy Leader with Developing Mountain ...
Gardening for nature in spring, with Marianne Sandison and Fiona Leith
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode two NatureScot colleagues chat about their personal experiences of making space for nature in their lives. Keen gardeners Fiona Leith ...
Making progress for pollinators and space for nature this spring, with Jim Jeffrey
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat to Jim Jeffrey, NatureScot’s Pollinator Strategy Manager, who explains the importance and diversity of Scotland's polli...
Walking and wheeling to a happier, healthier, greener Scotland, with Kevin Lafferty of Paths For All
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Paths For All. Scotland's national walking charity, supported by NatureScot and...
Scotland's Young People's Forest: tackling climate anxiety and providing hope, with Abi Gardner and Emma Bryden
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Bryden, a member of the Young People’s Forest Panel, and Abi Gardner, NatureScot’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Officer, tell u...
How to Make Space For Nature this winter, with Ewen Cameron
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with biodiversity enthusiast and ex-colleague Ewen Cameron about how we can all help nature this winter. Ewen retired from Nat...
Where do we go from here? A post-COP26 discussion with Debbie Bassett and Eileen Stuart
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie Bassett, NatureScot’s Climate Change and COP Coordinator, returns to our podcast series, along with Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s Deputy Dire...
Genetic diversity and its importance in fighting climate change and nature loss, with David O’Brien
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
David O’Brien, NatureScot’s Biodiversity Evidence and Reporting Manager, explains what genetic diversity is and how it can help fight the twin cri...
Coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on our Dynamic Coast, with Alistair Rennie
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Alistair Rennie, NatureScot’s Dynamic Coast Project Manager and Geodiversity Advice Manager. He explains the link between cli...
How climate change is affecting our weird and wonderful weather, with Dr Heather Reid
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Well known for her weather forecasting with the Met Office and BBC Scotland, Heather was recently appointed to NatureScot's Board. Throughout he...
Blue carbon - what it is and how it can help fight climate change, with Caitlin Cunningham
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak to Caitlin Cunningham, NatureScot’s Graduate placement, focussing on blue carbon. She gives us an insight into her role, an...
Nature loss and climate change and how to be part of the solution, with Debbie Bassett
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We speak to Debbie Bassett, NatureScot's Climate Change and COP Coordinator, who explains so well how climate change and nature loss are linked, ...
Climate change, COP26 and hope for the future, with Chris Stark and Francesca Osowska
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To kick off this new season we have a very special episode - our guest presenter Richard Baynes speaks to the Chief Executive of the Committee on Clim...
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve - from seed to tree
04 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian Sargent, our Nature Reserves Manager for Beinn Eighe talks about the wealth of woodland at Britain's first NNR. With its cluster of mounta...
Greening the Grey - Nature-based solutions #2
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Scotland’s urban environment – which, contrary to many people’s expectations, is a flourishing place for wildlife. Gain an insight ...
A natural haven for Pollinators - visit to Creag Meagaidh and Loch Fleet
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Interview with Rory Richardson, Reserve Manager of 20 years at Creag Meaghaidh and Adam Rose, Operations Officer for Loch Fleet Creag Meagaidh Nation...
A seabird skyscraper - visit to Noss, Shetland
05 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Gain an insight into the life on Noss, National Nature Reserve on Shetland. Join Juan Brown, Operations Officer as he gives you a guided tour.A dram...
Life on the edge - visit to Rum National Nature Reserve
05 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as Francesca Osowksa, Chief Executive of SNH visits Rum and explores this magical National Nature Reserve for this first time. Interviewed by...