Helen Needham meets seed librarian Rowan Lear

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.

Explore the enchanting Mearns region, rich with literary history thanks to Lewis Grassic Gibbon's influence. Discover the unique behaviors of lapwings amidst conservation challenges. Experience a picturesque stroll by Gannaghy Bridge, intertwined with local folklore and geological wonders. Delve into the historical allure of Drumtochte Glen's striking Sitka spruce. Unearth tales from a castle's past besieged by history and enjoy insights on resilient wildlife amid a complex legacy. Appreciate the stunning landscapes around Stonehaven and connect with local resources.

Helen Brown from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust shares how otters are thriving in Edinburgh’s urban rivers. Eileen Stewart, director at NatureScot, discusses the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and its celebration of 20 years of responsible outdoor use. Alan Stephen tells the whimsical tale of the Turra Coo, a beloved cow that became a symbol of community protests against taxes. Together, they highlight the intersection of nature, community, and conservation in Scotland.

Explore the captivating Mearns region, where the landscapes inspired Lewis Grassic Gibbon's beloved novel. Discover the unique geology shaped by the Highland Boundary Fault and how it influences local culture and agriculture. Hear about a moving trip to a war memorial by Donutter Castle, intertwined with local legends. Experience an exhilarating boat ride along dramatic cliffs, and soak in the stunning coastal beauty during golden sunrises. Finally, appreciate vibrant wildlife and breathtaking formations at Trollochie Burn and Dunotter Castle.

Guests include Keri Tomlin, an author and celebrant illuminating the roots of the Imbolc festival, and Anna Neubert-Wood from Wander Women, who shares her personal connections to this celebration. Harley Matheson, a conservation volunteer, takes listeners on a journey through Frankfield Loch, discussing the importance of wetland ecosystems. The conversation highlights community efforts like the Big Farmland Bird Count, emphasizing the changing seasons and wildlife conservation, while also touching on personal growth through nature.

We celebrate Burns Day on Out of Doors on the 265th anniversary of his birth. Mark chats to Professor Fiona Stafford from University of Oxford who writes about Burns ‘the bard of nature’. They chat about his understanding of ecology and how that comes through in his poetry.Rachel hears the good news story about Goldeneye Ducks in the Cairngorms. Goldeneyes are a protected species that have suffered severe population declines, with only around 200 pairs in the UK. But recent work has seen their numbers increase. She finds out what’s behind the success.In our Scotland Outdoors podcast this week Helen Needham headed up Morven, a Corbett in Aberdeenshire with artist and adventurer Morven Stewart. We hear an excerpt where they chat about where her passion from sketching came from.No Burns Day would be complete without a haggis. Rachel heads to Glenesk where every year the locals make their own for the Tarfside Rural Burns supper. Anne Littlejohn lets Rachel into her kitchen to see the process- guts and all!We get a live update from the team at Ellisland Farm. Ellisland near Dumfries was built by Robert Burns in 1788 for his young wife Jean Armour and their family and it’s where he penned some of his most famous work. The team at the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust was awarded funding last year which has allowed them to make plans to secure the property’s future. We hear about what they’ve got in store.There are ambitious plans to completely transform a former opencast mine site at St Ninians in Fife. The land was purchased by community interest company National Pride over three years ago. Mark met chair of the company, Irene Bisset, at the site to hear about their hopes to create a facility that enables visitors to enjoy being close to the natural world.And we delve into the archive to hear a piece from 2020 where Mark and Euan visited the famous Globe Inn in Dumfries, a pub frequented by Burns after his move to Ellisland in 1788.

Helen Needham walks up Morven in Aberdeenshire with Morven Stewart

Rachel is in Lochaber where one of the biggest nature restoration projects in the country is underway. The Nevis Nature Network Project covers 22 thousand acres which includes fragments of Scottish rainforest and rare montane scrub. She met project manager Ellie Corsie for a walk to hear about their restoration vision.Mark is on Calton Hill in Edinburgh hearing about the challenges of repairing our historical buildings. Many of our famous landmarks were built using stone that is no longer quarried in Scotland. Imogen Shaw from the British Geological Survey tells him about their desire for more buildings to be built using Scottish stone to allow quarries to open here.Rachel delves into the history of the Newburgh on Ythan lifeboat, the oldest lifeboat station in Scotland. Charlie Catto has written a book about its history, and she met him at the station to hear about his research. She also hears about the plans of the Newburgh and Ythan Community Trust to take on the building and hopefully restore it to the condition it was in when it was first built in 1877.In the week where competitors took part in the 268-mile Montane Spine Race between Derbyshire and the Scottish Borders, we chat live to world record endurance cyclist Jenny Graham about why people want to take part in these kind of events and how she prepares for them.Mark is on Royal Deeside where a recent collaboration between Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority has resulted in a new stretch of path being built. The Charter Chest Path links up the existing path network and keeps cyclists and pedestrians off the busy road. He went for a wander with Colin Simpson, Head of Visitor Services and Active Travel with the National Park.Back to the Nevis Nature Network Project where Rachel continues her walk with Ellie Corsie to one of the areas of montane scrub they want to protect.Phil Sime takes a walk around Ness Islands in Inverness in the company of historian Norman Newton. Norman tells him about the areas interesting past including being home to a very popular outdoor arena and a dog cemetery.

Mark Stephen chooses some Burns favourites including his rendition of Tam O' Shanter