2024

Starting in 1970, the GWCT’s ongoing Sussex Study is the world’s longest running scientific study on invertebrates in the cereal ecosystem, providing a robust indication of the national picture.

The GWCT condemns the illegal killing of all birds of prey and so the RSPB’s Birdcrime Report, which records 1,344 incidents of the illegal killing of raptors in 15 years, makes for depressing reading. Sadly, the criminal acts of a minority bring gamekeepers into disrepute. By doing so, they cloud the positive conservation work done by game managers across the country – including their work to help raptors.

The project aims to protect the black grouse, a red-listed species of high conservation concern, from the potential negative impacts of climate change. The project focuses on increasing breeding success and expanding the black grouse's current range in the North Pennines into the North York Moors using a conservation translocation technique.

GWCT Patron, His Majesty King Charles III’s new 50p coin adorned with a wild Atlantic salmon has officially become the rarest and most collectible at a time when wild salmon numbers are the lowest on record.

On Wednesday 9th October, Scottish Government signed off the training materials for the new Corvid Trapping and Spring Trapping courses.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) for this year’s film festival. This collaboration represents an incredible opportunity to celebrate our shared passion for fly fishing, community, and conservation efforts worldwide.

The Scottish Lowlands team had a busy start to the autumn, with the past couple weeks filled with fieldwork, travel and more fieldwork.

While it may seem like wildlife is winding down for the year, there are still things we can do for our countryside neighbours. Now is the time to plant wildflower seeds! Planting them before the first frost gives them time to settle in, and germination can be triggered by the cold so that they are ready to flower next spring.

GWCT Senior Advisor Mike Swan discusses the reintroduction of wolves and other species in Europe and the UK, highlighting challenges posed by strict protection statuses.

On Tuesday 24th September, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie informed Scottish Parliament that the ban on snares, which was introduced as part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, will commence on Monday 25th November 2024.