Vanishing habitats in the Cairngorms National Park

On Wednesday 30th October many of Scotland's conservationists gathered with anticipation at the Scottish Parliament to hear the shortlists for the 2019 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.

Hosted by Emma Harper MSP, the shortlists were announced by Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, Susan Davies, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, and the BBC's Euan McIlwraith, presenter of Out of Doors.

Natacha Frachon and Dr Aline Finger on a field trip, translocating Cicerbita alpina

Four RBGE projects had been nominated, and we were delighted to find that two had made it through to the shortlists, in a very competitive field. Our Scottish Rare Plants Programme was shortlisted in the new Conservation Science category, and horticulturalist Natacha Frachon was shortlisted for the RSPB Species Champion Award for her work with the alpine-blue sowthistle (Cicerbita alpina). All nominated projects were commended highly by the judges.

Alpine Blue-Sowthistle (Cicerbita alpina) in the Cairngorms

The winners will be announced on December 4th at a ceremony hosted by renowned wildlife broadcaster and cameraman Gordon Buchanan. All at the RBGE are keeping our fingers crossed for further recognition of our important role in conserving Scotland's unique and threatened plants and ecosystems.

A list of all shortlisted projects can be found here