Lesley Riddoch, a journalist and broadcaster, sheds light on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code's impact on public land access. Bill Malcolm, a lifelong scholar of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, reveals how the author's roots shaped his literary works. Helen Rushton showcases her stunning collection of snowdrops, celebrating their beauty and symbolism. Dave Robinson discusses the essential Conic Hill path restoration project, while Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer explains the innovative beaver health screening and translocation efforts. Together, they explore nature's interconnectedness and conservation challenges.
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust's demonstration farm showcases innovative farming methods that enhance biodiversity while ensuring profitability for sheep farming.
Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code reveals an ongoing need for public education on land access rights and responsibilities.
Five Sisters Zoo's evolution from a small rescue operation to a significant conservation facility highlights the challenges and successes of caring for rescued wildlife.
Deep dives
Signs of Spring: The Beauty of Snowdrops
Snowdrops are recognized as the first flowers of spring, appearing in various locations across Scotland, such as Fife and the RSPB reserve at Loch Leven. The hosts of the program discuss their personal encounters with snowdrops, highlighting their beauty and abundance, especially in a garden in Aberdeenshire, where over 500 varieties are cultivated. One host describes the charm of these flowers, referring to them as a hopeful sign, often emerging as the last remnants of winter begin to fade. As a result of their popularity, snowdrop collections and festivals have become increasingly common, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate their delicate blooms.
Celebrating Two Decades of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The podcast marks the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, discussing its implications for public land use in Scotland. Journalist Lesley Riddoch reflects on the challenges and successes surrounding the code, addressing concerns from both landowners and the public about its impact on responsible access. The importance of educating people on the rights and responsibilities associated with the code is emphasized, as many are still unsure about what is and isn't permissible when accessing land. Despite the code's initial groundbreaking nature, there is a call for revisiting and possibly revising the regulations to better accommodate modern issues such as camping and traffic from motorhomes.
Conserving Wildlife Through Sustainable Farming
The focus shifts to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust's demonstration farm in Aberdeenshire, where innovative farming methods are employed to promote biodiversity while maintaining profitability. The farm features sheep grazing and various habitats, with efforts to plant hedgerows and cover crops that help restore degraded land. Max Wright, a research assistant, discusses the decline in farmland bird populations and the strategies being tested to combat this issue, including predator control. The ongoing challenges of sustaining these initiatives in a financially demanding agricultural environment are addressed, highlighting the need for long-term solutions.
Five Sisters Zoo: From Humble Beginnings to Conservation Efforts
Five Sisters Zoo, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has evolved from a small rescue operation to home for diverse species and active participation in conservation programs. The zoo has recently welcomed rescued animals from conflict zones, including bears and other exotic creatures, providing them with a safe haven. Brian Curran and his son Gary share anecdotes of how the zoo expanded from personal dedication and love for animals, eventually leading to the establishment of a formal zoo. The challenges of maintaining the balance between caring for rescued animals and educating visitors about wildlife conservation are acknowledged.
Revitalizing Popular Attractions: Conic Hill Path Project
Significant improvements are underway for the path leading to Conic Hill, one of Scotland's most popular walking destinations, aimed at preserving its ecological integrity while accommodating the numerous visitors. With around 215,000 annual visitors, the path has suffered from erosion, prompting a £900,000 project to enhance its sustainability. The access officer at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park explains how the new stone-pitched path will withstand traffic and environmental stress, ensuring its durability for future generations. The project also includes educational initiatives to minimize the impact on surrounding wildlife and vegetation.
A Unique Venture: Borders Bubbly Vineyard
The podcast introduces an innovative vineyard in the Scottish Borders, where the owners experiment with growing grape varieties suited for sparkling wine production. Trevor and Lorna Jackson share their journey from organic farming to viticulture, highlighting their passion for creating local Scottish wine. They discuss the challenges they have faced in establishing their vineyard, such as pest management and climate considerations, while also revealing their initial success in producing a small batch of sparkling wine. With plans for expansion and improved techniques, the venture emphasizes the potential for unique Scottish bubbly to emerge as a noteworthy player in the wine industry.
Auchnerran Farm is run by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust as a demonstration farm to test and trial conservation and land management strategies. Mark visits the farm to hear about their projects and how they manage these alongside a profitable enterprise of sheep farming.
It is the 20th anniversary of the opening of Five Sister’s Zoo this year, and the facility has grown from very small beginnings to now housing over 160 species on site in West Calder. Rachel chats to Brian and Gary Curran about their growth over the last two decades and their recent attempts to rescue zoo animals from Ukraine.
2025 marks 20 years since the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into force, and Mark is joined by journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch to look at exactly how this has impacted Scotland’s relationship with the outdoors.
Rachel is on the banks of Loch Lomond visiting a project attempting to combat erosion on one of Scotland’s most popular hills. Conic Hill has undergone a £900,000 path restoration, and access officer Dave Robinson meets her to explain why such a project is so necessary.
Mark is at Dunnottar Castle, one of the locations featured in Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s novel Sunset Song. Speaking to Emily Cruickshank, Mark finds out the history of the castle and spots some of the wildlife that surrounds it.
Mark and Rachel are joined by a lifelong scholar of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s work, Bill Malcolm, to find out more about the author’s background and the incredible impact he has made on Scottish literature, even 90 years on from his death.
It is the height of Snowdrop season, with many gardens across Scotland opening their gates for visitors to enjoy the carpet of white flowers. Mark visits Bruckhills Croft in Rothienorman and meets Helen Rushton, whose garden boasts nearly 600 different varieties of the plant.
Back at Five Sister’s Zoo, Rachel finds out about the important work the zoo does in partnership with the Beavers Trust, managing populations across Scotland.
Mark heads to Charlesfield Farm and meets Trevor and Lorna Jackson, the couple behind Border’s Bubbly, who are hoping to be the first sparkling wine producers in Scotland
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