Minister Signs Up For Floodline Service

While visiting SEPA's Floodline control centre in Perth yesterday, Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson signed up his home address for the free service which will warn him of flood risks that might affect his property.

Speaking after the visit Mr Stevenson said,

Click on picture to sign up now

"More than 10,000 house-holders and businesses have already signed up for Floodline alerts which save people and property in the event of flooding in their area.

"With climate change adding further risk of extreme weather events in Scotland, this service is something everyone should consider signing up for. Although I live in a comparatively low risk area, I can see the benefits of an early warning of possible flood impacts nearby. Roads may be blocked and neighbours could be at risk. My knowing this could be a real life saver.

"I encourage everyone to visit the Floodline web site and sign up today. It's free but valuable beyond price."

Mr Stevenson was also briefed on how Floodline works and said,

"The tight integration of SEPA expertise and Met Office research has helped the development of new modelling that makes Scotland safer. I was impressed by the engagement of all who are involved and very impressed by their commitment."

Note: You can sign up for Floodline online at http://www.floodlinescotland.org.uk or phone 0845 988 1188

Borders red squirrel frontline visited by minister

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson is visiting the Borders to see steps being taken to protect red squirrels.

The Red Squirrel South of Scotland project aims to stop the pox virus carried by grey squirrels spreading.

Scotland is one of the UK's last red squirrel strongholds, with the south of the country seen as being on the frontline of conservation efforts.

Mr Stevenson will also inspect environmental work on the River Tweed and carbon-neutral efforts in Moffat.

He said the work being carried out in southern Scotland was an excellent example of public and private sectors working together in "pushing back grey squirrels".

"The red squirrel is at particular risk in the Borders from the squirrel pox virus carried by greys and it is important we keep this disease at bay," said Mr Stevenson.

"There are some very encouraging signs of progress being achieved by this project, which is part of a Scotland-wide strategic approach.

"I am confident that we can ensure many more generations to come will be able to enjoy the sight of red squirrels by preserving Scotland as one of the few habitats remaining in the UK for this species."

He added he was also looking forward to seeing the work being done by the Tweed Forum.

He said its work covering issues such as "pollution control, natural flood management and control of invasive non-native species" was "vital to the preservation of local biodiversity".

Later in the day the minister will visit to the Moffat Carbon Approaching Neutral (CAN) project in Dumfries and Galloway.

Mr Stevenson said: "The work of the 'Zero Heroes' in Moffat is proving invaluable in reducing carbon emissions through both its innovative food growing, waste and recycling projects and raising awareness and influencing behaviour of local people.

"I will be particularly interested to see Scotland's first aquaponics greenhouse."

Scottish landowners urged to 'answer the call' of wildlife

‘Answer the call’ of wildlife. That is the challenge being laid down to land and estate owners by Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and the Scottish Government at today’s (Friday) Game Fair. Over 200 farms and estates have signed up to the WES initiative since it was launched last November. Today marks the start of a pilot project involving the six Scottish estates of Atholl, Abernethy, Allargue, Alvie, Glenlivet and Edinglassie which will put the ten key commitments of WES into practice.

WES is an industry-led quality assurance scheme which demonstrates how effective biodiversity management is undertaken by Scotland’s landowners. Embracing the requirements of all major birdlife and biodiversity agreements and directives, WES will show how tangible benefits are delivered to the wildlife of rural Scotland through positive, integrated land management.

WES Chairman Robbie Douglas-Miller commented:

WES chairman Robbie Douglas-Miller
with Stewart Stevenson

“We are delighted that so many land and estate owners have already joined WES and today from the Game Fair in Scone we are appealing to those who have not yet done so to now become involved.

“We are confident the pilot scheme starting today will prove how effective the industry already is at integrating rural economic prosperity with effective habitat management. We also hope that it will flag up any areas where constructive change may be required.

“The more estates we can get on board and put WES into practice the better since that inevitably means greater credibility and integrity for the whole project. It is particularly encouraging to have the new Minister for Environment Stewart Stevenson here today to support our call”.

Minister for the Environment Stewart Stevenson said:

“This industry-led scheme demonstrates those involved in Scotland’s rural land and estates are serious about proving their land management practices are in the best interests of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Scotland’s sporting estates have a vital role in managing our countryside and make a valuable contribution to our rural economy.

“I am pleased to see that so many estates and landowners have already endorsed this initiative by becoming members of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and I would strongly encourage those not already signed up to do so. It is in our collective interest to protect and improve Scotland’s rural environment and I wish the pilot estates getting started today on the WES programme every success.”

Those who are interested in signing up can do so now through the new WES microsite available at www.wildlife-estates.co.uk or by contacting Scottish Land & Estates on 0131 653 5400.

The WES initiative has been developed by Scottish Land & Estates (formerly the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association) over the past year with advice from Scottish Natural Heritage, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

Wildlife Estates Scotland is a national version of the EU Wildlife Estates (WE) label.