RSPB Scotland and co-sponsor Scottish Natural Heritage are excited to announce entries are now open for the prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards. The awards celebrate people, projects, and organisations who have demonstrated their passion and dedication to conserving Scotland’s nature. This year the awards will be hosted by BBC TV and Radio presenter Euan McIlwraith. The awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner on Wednesday 25 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
RSPB Scotland are celebrating the ninth year of the awards, having launched the event in 2012. Over 50 awards have been presented in that time, recognising the commitment people across Scotland have made to preserving the country’s incredible nature and wildlife.
This year there will nine categories including two brand new awards; the Forest and Woodland Award and the Nature and Climate Action Award.
Last year’s winners included a school of conservation in Glasgow, a community of nature-based enterprises in Perth and Kinross, and a Scotland-wide marine citizen science project in its third decade!
This year’s awards are open for entries until Monday 1 June. The shortlist will be revealed at a Scottish Parliament reception in September.
Steve Backshall – TV presenter, adventurer, author, wildlife expert and supporter of the Nature of Scotland Awards said: “I’ve always loved wild places and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to explore some of the harder to reach places in Scotland and to witness the amazing wildlife that lives here.
My great passion is inspiring others, especially kids, to get outside and interested in wildlife and the great outdoors. It is vitally important that we look after nature and the environment for future generations whilst inspiring others to do the same. That is why I’m delighted to support the Nature of Scotland Awards 2020 which will recognise and celebrate the people working tirelessly to protect our precious natural heritage.”
Francesca Osowska, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Chief Executive, said: “We all benefit from nature in many ways and we all have a role to play to create a nature-rich future in Scotland.
“That’s why we’re proud to be sponsoring the Nature of Scotland Awards for a third year, to celebrate the many dedicated people and projects who are leading the way with their hard work to protect and enhance our biodiversity.
“It’s been fantastic to see the awards going from strength to strength and expanding to reach more sectors and I’m sure 2020 will build on that great momentum. I’m looking forward to being inspired by this year’s nature heroes, so get your nominations in now!”
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “Highlighting nature’s heroes, an incredible 309 people, projects and organisations have been shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award since it started in 2012 and I’m delighted that the awards will be returning in 2020.
Help us celebrate those working to save nature from the many threats that it faces by nominating your conservation champions.”
Scottish Natural Heritage is the awards co-sponsor this year. Francesca Oswoska, the Chief Executive, will sit on the panel of judges alongside Anne McCall, who will chair the judging panel, which includes Euan McIlwraith, Susan Davis, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, and Sara Thiam, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
Please visit rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland to find out more about each category and to download an entry form (applications must be submitted electronically).
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