More than a million people take part in record-breaking birdwatch
A record number of people took part in an annual birdwatching survey during lockdown earlier this year, the RSPB has said.
nature
Seal spotted sunbathing near Bridge of Dee in Aberdeen
A seal has taken full advantage of recent changes to the "stay at home" message by making a trip from the sea to Riverside Drive in Aberdeen.
Projects to bring back nature to villages, cities and farmland unveiled
Projects to transform an ex-golf course for nature, rewild a village and restore Ice Age “ghost” ponds are among schemes being launched to boost wildlife.
Butterflies enjoy ‘good year’ in 2020 – but experts warn over long-term declines
Last year was a good year for UK butterflies, experts have said – but warned that long-term declines of wildlife mean the view of what is “good” is shifting.
Gallery: Scottish Nature Photography Awards reveal winners for 2020
The winners of the 2020 Scottish Nature Photography Awards have been revealed - with landscapes and wildlife in the north, north-east and islands scooping much of the success.
New species of bee discovered at Highland nature reserve
Several new species of bees has been recorded for the first time at a Highland Perthshire nature reserve.
Scientists create model of early human embryo from skin cells – study
Scientists have created a model of an early human embryo from skin cells, a discovery which they say will revolutionise research into the causes of early miscarriage, infertility and early human development.
David Attenborough writes ‘beautiful’ reply to reassure concerned four-year-old
Sir David Attenborough has written a letter to a four-year-old boy to reassure him that the human race need not become extinct if “we look after our planet properly”.
Rewilding schemes boost jobs and volunteering while helping nature, study says
Rewilding “marginal” land boosts jobs and volunteering opportunities while helping nature and allowing food production to continue, research shows.
Supporting nature’s recovery can create 7,000 jobs, say environment charities
Leading environmental charities have said that backing their plan for nature’s recovery could create up to 7,000 new jobs in Scotland.
Brainy bees are whizzes at solving maths tests without using numbers – study
Honeybees are not only good at producing the sweet stuff from nectar but are also mini-maths geniuses, new research suggests.
Nature Needs You – NTS fundraising drive launched to protect outdoor places
A conservation charity is telling people “nature needs you” as it launches a campaign to raise funds to protect the country’s threatened wildlife and natural habitats.
More than three-quarters of Scots support rewilding – study
More than three-quarters of Scots support rewilding in Scotland, according to new study.
Charles thanks volunteers fighting to protect ‘delightful’ red squirrels
The Prince of Wales has expressed his affection for the “inquisitive and delightful” character of the red squirrel as he praised the volunteers fighting for the creature’s survival.
Whale of a time: Police hunt for rare bottlenose whale skull, illegally removed from Scottish beach
Police are hunting for a rare whale skull removed from a Scottish beach.
Aberdeen residents reminded to cut back hedges and trees from pavements and roads
Aberdeen residents are being reminded to cut back hedges, trees and shrubbery from pavements and roads.
New guides for north-east walkers as Scottish mountain paths damaged by social distancing erosion
Mountain trails across Scotland have been significantly eroded as a result of social distancing between hillwalkers, according to the National Trust for Scotland.
In pictures: Mother duck and her ducklings enjoy swim down Aberdeen river
An Aberdeen photographer has captured some lovely images of a mother duck taking her ducklings for a journey down the River Don.
Sir David Attenborough to lay out ‘vision’ for the future in new book
Sir David Attenborough has warned of “imminent” danger to the natural world as he prepares to set out his “vision” for the future in a new book.
Orcas swim alongside boat in Northern Ireland in rare and ‘stunning’ sighting
Boat operators in Northern Ireland say they were “stunned” to film killer whales in Strangford Lough.
Video: World-famous Zippo’s circus master wishes Captain Tom happy birthday with budgie trick
Captain Tom Moore wowed the nation earlier this month after his extraordinary effort of walking 100 miles around his garden helped to raise £29 million for the NHS.
New research reveals how microplastic pollution is threatening biodiversity
Microplastics pollution is causing disruption and behavioural changes among hermit crab populations, researchers have claimed.
North-east aquarium hosts virtual feed
An aquarium is set to present a virtual feeding of their fish during lockdown.
Hummingbird-sized dinosaur found preserved in amber
Scientists have discovered a new species of bird-like dinosaur from a skull trapped in amber.
Cuttlefish ‘will eat fewer crabs if shrimp is on the menu’
It appears cuttlefish, like humans, have strong food preferences.
Chimpanzee daughters ‘less likely to leave home if mother is powerful’
Sometimes a strong chimp matriarch makes staying at home look like a better option than moving out.
Earliest known hunting scene uncovered in cave painting
A 44,000-year-old cave painting discovered in Indonesia is believed to be the earliest known hunting scene to be uncovered.
Hidden giant planet discovered orbiting tiny white dwarf star
Evidence of a giant planet orbiting a dead white dwarf star has been found for the first time.
3.8 million-year-old fossil ‘game changer’ in understanding of human evolution
The discovery of a 3.8 million-year-old skull is a “game changer” in the understanding of human evolution, scientists say.
‘Inspiring’ Sir David Attenborough inundated with birthday messages
Tens of thousands have shared messages of congratulations to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s birthday.