Summing up species

The Trust feeds wildlife sightings into UK-wide networks so we can see how our species are spread and how that is changing over time. Our experts go out and survey at properties all year round and keep a record of the results.

In the summer of 2018, the Trust is also taking part in Chris Packham’s Nature Reserves are not Enough campaign – the first independent nature audit of its kind in the UK.

The campaign kicks off at the Trust’s Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve on Saturday 14 July. It’s one of 50 sites across the UK that Chris will be visiting in July as part of his UK Bioblitz – nature reserves are not enough! campaign which aims to secure a snapshot of how the UK’s wildlife is doing.

Members of the public are invited to get involved and it’s a great opportunity for children and young people to experience and engage with the natural world, inspiring them to conserve and protect it as they grow up.

Ben Lawers is a hugely significant place for botanists as it is renowned for its arctic-alpine flora, many of which are rare and endangered species. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife including red deer, ptarmigan, black grouse and ravens.

Sister National Trust for Scotland property St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Borders is also taking part in the campaign with an event on 18 July and there are more Bioblitz events taking place at Trust sites across the summer.

The National Trust for Scotland works every day to protect Scotland’s national and natural treasures. From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, we protect all of this For the Love of Scotland.

In Our Strategy for Protecting Scotland’s Heritage 2018–23, we set out how we’re planning to work towards our vision that Scotland’s heritage is valued by everyone and protected now, and for future generations.