Flow Country Partnership shortlisted for RSPB Nature of Scotland Award

The Flow Country Partnership, which exists to grow the resilience of the Flow Country and its people, has been shortlisted in the ‘Nature and Climate’ category at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards.

The partnership, which brings together a community of crofters, farmers, landowners and managers, local businesses, residents, ecologists and local government officials, oversees the Flow Country, a vast peatbog covering much of Caithness and Sutherland. 

Regarded as one of the best examples of a blanket bog in the world, The Flow Country, inscribed as an World Heritage Site earlier this year, stores around 400 million tonnes of carbon – more than all the UK’s forests and woodlands combined. Despite this, it still contains large areas degraded by drainage, afforestation and erosion. 

The Flow Country Partnership is working to develop a revitalised, sustainably and collaboratively managed landscape, re-evaluating and restoring peatlands and safeguarding against threats like wildfire. Its work is helping to address the climate crisis, protect the biodiversity of important habitats and wildlife, and create opportunities in the local community. 

Professor Stuart Gibb, Chair of the Flow Country Partnership and Director of the Environmental Research Institute, part of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award, which highlights the importance of local action in saving Scotland’s species and habitats, while delivering social and economic benefits for our region and its people. 

“Historically, peatlands were amongst the most ignored and abused ecosystems. Today, when viewed through the lenses of climate change, natural capital, sustainability and biodiversity conservation, they are being re-appraised as among our most important natural assets.” 

The Flow Country Partnership was announced as a finalist at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Graham Simpson MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits. 

The winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a celebratory event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on the 28 November, where the 53 finalists will gather. RSPB Scotland has been running the awards for over a decade, and is grateful for the support of our many supporters and sponsors including our 2024 headline sponsor NatureScot. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by BBC Landward presenters and nature enthusiasts Dougie Vipond and Arlene Stuart.  

The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment. 

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a light on people and projects going that extra mile to make a difference for nature in their local communities. Every year it is a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of people coming together to protect species and improve spaces for nature - we can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone. A huge thank you to all of our applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us. The awards ceremony is such a special evening, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone in November.” 

Professor Colin Galbraith, Chair of Awards headline sponsor NatureScot, said: “Right across Scotland we see people coming together and taking action to protect and restore nature. The efforts of all nominees are reason for great pride. The shortlisted projects for this year's Awards celebrate perfectly what can be achieved through inspiring collaborations that work with nature, build our resilience, and help us tackle the climate-nature crisis."