The Butt of Lewis and the Isle of Barra will be the focus of attention for local schools during this year’s Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight. Wildlife Treasure Hunts have been organised for primary school children in Ness and Barra as a fun way to explore and learn about their local wildlife. These activities are in addition to a programme of events and activities being organised by the Comhairle for Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight between 27 May and 11 June.
This will be the fourth year that events have been organised in the islands.

Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight is fourteen days of events and activities for children, grown ups, schools, families, businesses, in fact everyone. There will be talks, guided walks, pond-dipping, birdwatching trips, nature reserve open days, wildflower planting days, nature photography/painting workshops & exhibitions, whale and dolphin watching trips and much more! The myriad of activities run during the fortnight, across the whole of Scotland, are designed to promote awareness and appreciation of Scotland's unique biodiversity, help the public understand what biodiversity is, to encourage them to get involved, and to reinforce the message that what they are doing locally does have a national, international, and global impact.

Councillor Angus Nicolson, chairman of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, said “Involving young people is key to ensuring the Western Isles’ unique wildlife and habitats are maintained for future generations. Children experience far more learning about biodiversity in the environment around them and I am encouraged to see events and activities aimed specifically for schools. The wider events programme includes a variety of activities throughout the islands, which provide the opportunity to view and appreciate some of the incredible range of wildlife found in the Western Isles. The programme promises to offer something for everybody regardless of age or ability."

To find out more about what is being done for biodiversity in the Western Isles and for a full programme of events, visit the Western Isles Biodiversity website at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity or contact Anne MacLellan on 01870 602425, email amaclellan@cne-sair.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

1. The Western Isles Biodiversity Partnership comprises CnES, SNH, RSPB, SAC, SEERAD, Scottish Crofting Foundation, Crofters Commission, SEPA, Forestry Commission Scotland, Western Isles Fisheries Trust, Western Isles Fishermen’s Association, Western Isles Aquaculture Association, a Landowner representative, and Scottish Wildlife Trust.

2. The Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) comprises ‘Our Nature’ A Framework for Biodiversity Action in the Western Isles and 8 species and habitat action plans. Copies of ‘Our Nature’ and the action plans can be downloaded at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity.

3. Awareness raising through events such as Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight is a key aim of the Western Isles LBAP.

4. The Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight logo is shown below.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk