We have lift off!
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
First flight The first successful flights have been achieved by the main nest’s young ospreys this week. The young male was first to take flight, with his sisters following his lead over the next two…
Pre-flight checks…
Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Wing-flapping exercises The main nest osprey chicks are eight weeks old this week! This week, the fortunes of the young male osprey have turned about; he has been the underdog of the brood for much…
Seven weeks old
Thursday, 18 July 2019
A surprise visit Tiny chaffinches on the tree above the right hand branch The young ospreys on the main nest were treated to a surprise visit from a delightful family of chaffinches this week. At …
Ringed and tagged
Monday, 15 July 2019
It's ringing time again This time of year seems to come around so fast. It feels like only yesterday we were waiting for birds to arrive, then eggs, then hatching. Now we are six weeks into the young…
Peatland Restoration – the fight against climate change
Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Our peatlands can play an important role in tackling today’s global climate emergency. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is doing its bit to reduce the impacts of climate change on a number of fronts …
Urban forests around Glasgow and Edinburgh
Wednesday, 10 July 2019
A forest adventure is often closer than you think. If you’re one of the over 1 million people that call Edinburgh or Glasgow home, you may be surprised to know there are several forests on the doorste…
Five weeks old
Monday, 08 July 2019
On 30 June the three osprey chicks reached five weeks of age and are looking very impressive with their feather-covered upper bodies. There is still some grey down, below their bellies, but the upper …
First steps in forestry: Hannah Humphreys
Thursday, 04 July 2019
Meet Hannah Humphreys, one of four Careerwise placement students who will be working for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) this summer, in partnership with Equate Scotland. While studying …
Wild country: an introduction to our Forest Drives
Wednesday, 03 July 2019
With summer in full swing, our two Forest Drives showcase the best that Scotland’s forests and land have to offer, with breathtaking scenery, winding forest trails, glittering lochs and mysterious rui…
Behind the scenes: Archaeology from the sky
Monday, 01 July 2019
Copyright FLS by Skyscape Survey 2019 The Iron Age hillfort of Castle Hill above Glentress is probably around 2500 years old, give or take a few centuries. The site has never been excav…
A feast of pike
Monday, 01 July 2019
25 days old 25 days old On 24 June, the osprey chicks in the main nest were 25 days old (based on the eldest chick, as they were born a day apart). The transformation from helpless grey downy chic…
Looking for lichens
Thursday, 27 June 2019
We see lichens all the times – in forests, on walls, even at the top of a mountain we’ve just clambered up – but how often do you actually notice them? With amazing names like Reindeer Moss and Old M…
Cows: Unlikely gardeners!
Monday, 24 June 2019
Home to the remains of the Antonine Wall, once the northernmost tip of the Roman Empire, Nethercroy Hill is now a World Heritage Site. It's a beautiful spot—a stunning nature spot where butterflies,…
Growing up so fast
Monday, 24 June 2019
This week at the osprey nest we have witnessed the family feasting on fish until they look like they are about to burst. Father SS is bringing fish in with such regularity that the chicks are being fe…