Aedán Smith
@aedansmith.bsky.social
Nature. Cycling. St.Johnstone. And some other stuff. Head of Policy @ RSPB Scotland; Trustee @ Scottish Environment LINK; Trustee @ Environmental Rights Centre. Posts here are mine alone.
"Reprieve for Scotland's environment" would be a better headline but this is a good article on a critical issue. Hopefully Scottish Government now just drop the enormously worrying Part 2 from what is otherwise generally a very welcome bit of legislation.
November 27, 2025 at 9:43 AM
"Reprieve for Scotland's environment" would be a better headline but this is a good article on a critical issue. Hopefully Scottish Government now just drop the enormously worrying Part 2 from what is otherwise generally a very welcome bit of legislation.
Reposted by Aedán Smith
📢Great news! Today, MSPs voted to remove Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill, a serious threat to wildlife.
Thanks to everyone who spoke up! 🐦🌱
We’re not out of the woods yet though as it could return. Help us keep the pressure up for the Bill’s final stage: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Thanks to everyone who spoke up! 🐦🌱
We’re not out of the woods yet though as it could return. Help us keep the pressure up for the Bill’s final stage: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
November 26, 2025 at 5:32 PM
📢Great news! Today, MSPs voted to remove Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill, a serious threat to wildlife.
Thanks to everyone who spoke up! 🐦🌱
We’re not out of the woods yet though as it could return. Help us keep the pressure up for the Bill’s final stage: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Thanks to everyone who spoke up! 🐦🌱
We’re not out of the woods yet though as it could return. Help us keep the pressure up for the Bill’s final stage: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
The world is upside down.
The Natural Environment Bill could be a turning point for Scotland’s nature. But Part 2 of the Bill threatens our most important wildlife protections. A Bill meant to help nature should not put it at risk!
Email your MSPs 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
The Natural Environment Bill could be a turning point for Scotland’s nature. But Part 2 of the Bill threatens our most important wildlife protections. A Bill meant to help nature should not put it at risk!
Email your MSPs 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
November 25, 2025 at 9:27 AM
The world is upside down.
The Natural Environment Bill could be a turning point for Scotland’s nature. But Part 2 of the Bill threatens our most important wildlife protections. A Bill meant to help nature should not put it at risk!
Email your MSPs 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
The Natural Environment Bill could be a turning point for Scotland’s nature. But Part 2 of the Bill threatens our most important wildlife protections. A Bill meant to help nature should not put it at risk!
Email your MSPs 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Help nature now! 🌱🐝🐦
Tomorrow is the first debate looking at potential changes to the Natural Environment Bill.
Tell your MSPs you want it to include strong targets, Swift bricks and no powers to weaken wildlife protections. It only take a minute 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Tomorrow is the first debate looking at potential changes to the Natural Environment Bill.
Tell your MSPs you want it to include strong targets, Swift bricks and no powers to weaken wildlife protections. It only take a minute 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
November 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Help nature now! 🌱🐝🐦
Tomorrow is the first debate looking at potential changes to the Natural Environment Bill.
Tell your MSPs you want it to include strong targets, Swift bricks and no powers to weaken wildlife protections. It only take a minute 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Tomorrow is the first debate looking at potential changes to the Natural Environment Bill.
Tell your MSPs you want it to include strong targets, Swift bricks and no powers to weaken wildlife protections. It only take a minute 👉 action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
One in nine species in Scotland is at risk of extinction. We can change this. 🏴
The Natural Environment Bill is our chance to set binding targets to restore nature.
Take 30 seconds to email your MSPs here: scotlink.eaction.online/targets
#Scotland #NatureRestoration #NaturalEnvironmentBill
The Natural Environment Bill is our chance to set binding targets to restore nature.
Take 30 seconds to email your MSPs here: scotlink.eaction.online/targets
#Scotland #NatureRestoration #NaturalEnvironmentBill
November 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
One in nine species in Scotland is at risk of extinction. We can change this. 🏴
The Natural Environment Bill is our chance to set binding targets to restore nature.
Take 30 seconds to email your MSPs here: scotlink.eaction.online/targets
#Scotland #NatureRestoration #NaturalEnvironmentBill
The Natural Environment Bill is our chance to set binding targets to restore nature.
Take 30 seconds to email your MSPs here: scotlink.eaction.online/targets
#Scotland #NatureRestoration #NaturalEnvironmentBill
Reposted by Aedán Smith
The Natural Environment Bill could restore nature across Scotland. 🐦🌱🐝
But there's a problem.
Part of the Bill introduces powers that threaten our most important wildlife protections.
A nature Bill shouldn't do that! Join us in calling for this to be fixed 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
But there's a problem.
Part of the Bill introduces powers that threaten our most important wildlife protections.
A nature Bill shouldn't do that! Join us in calling for this to be fixed 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
The Natural Environment Bill could restore nature across Scotland. 🐦🌱🐝
But there's a problem.
Part of the Bill introduces powers that threaten our most important wildlife protections.
A nature Bill shouldn't do that! Join us in calling for this to be fixed 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
But there's a problem.
Part of the Bill introduces powers that threaten our most important wildlife protections.
A nature Bill shouldn't do that! Join us in calling for this to be fixed 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
I’ve spoken up for Scotland’s nature!
The Natural Environment Bill's next debate on 19 November must make sure its strong enough to restore wildlife, protect our future, and unite us in recovery.
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
The Natural Environment Bill's next debate on 19 November must make sure its strong enough to restore wildlife, protect our future, and unite us in recovery.
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Ask your MSP to act for Scotland's wildlife.
MSPs will debate one of the most important nature bills in a generation on the 19th of November.
Take action and make sure they back a strong Bill that protects wildlife, not weakens it.
action.rspb.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I’ve spoken up for Scotland’s nature!
The Natural Environment Bill's next debate on 19 November must make sure its strong enough to restore wildlife, protect our future, and unite us in recovery.
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
The Natural Environment Bill's next debate on 19 November must make sure its strong enough to restore wildlife, protect our future, and unite us in recovery.
action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
There’s still time to #SaveCoulLinks.
A year ago, we gave evidence about the irreparable damage a golf course would do to this incredible place.
Its fate is in the hands of Scottish Ministers. Nearly 18,000 of you have asked them to stand up for nature.
A year ago, we gave evidence about the irreparable damage a golf course would do to this incredible place.
Its fate is in the hands of Scottish Ministers. Nearly 18,000 of you have asked them to stand up for nature.
November 10, 2025 at 1:11 PM
There’s still time to #SaveCoulLinks.
A year ago, we gave evidence about the irreparable damage a golf course would do to this incredible place.
Its fate is in the hands of Scottish Ministers. Nearly 18,000 of you have asked them to stand up for nature.
A year ago, we gave evidence about the irreparable damage a golf course would do to this incredible place.
Its fate is in the hands of Scottish Ministers. Nearly 18,000 of you have asked them to stand up for nature.
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Is Scotland's Natural Environment Bill a trick or a treat for nature?
Yesterday MSPs backed legal targets to restore wildlife, and many called for Part 2 to be fixed.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for nature - we must get it right.
Yesterday MSPs backed legal targets to restore wildlife, and many called for Part 2 to be fixed.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for nature - we must get it right.
October 31, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Is Scotland's Natural Environment Bill a trick or a treat for nature?
Yesterday MSPs backed legal targets to restore wildlife, and many called for Part 2 to be fixed.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for nature - we must get it right.
Yesterday MSPs backed legal targets to restore wildlife, and many called for Part 2 to be fixed.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for nature - we must get it right.
Reposted by Aedán Smith
📣Help nature today.🐦🌱
We’ve a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for Scotland's wildlife and wild places.
On Thursday MSPs will debate the Natural Environment Bill. Let them know you want a safe future for Red Squirrels, Puffins, Swifts and more 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
We’ve a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for Scotland's wildlife and wild places.
On Thursday MSPs will debate the Natural Environment Bill. Let them know you want a safe future for Red Squirrels, Puffins, Swifts and more 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
October 28, 2025 at 7:22 PM
📣Help nature today.🐦🌱
We’ve a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for Scotland's wildlife and wild places.
On Thursday MSPs will debate the Natural Environment Bill. Let them know you want a safe future for Red Squirrels, Puffins, Swifts and more 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
We’ve a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around for Scotland's wildlife and wild places.
On Thursday MSPs will debate the Natural Environment Bill. Let them know you want a safe future for Red Squirrels, Puffins, Swifts and more 👉
action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Today at Scottish Parliament, MSPs debate the Natural Environment Bill.
This morning LINK was outside with the #ScotlandLovesNature campaign, representing red squirrels, Scottish wildcats, puffins and bees. 🐿️🐝
This Bill is our VITAL chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌿🐾
#savenature
This morning LINK was outside with the #ScotlandLovesNature campaign, representing red squirrels, Scottish wildcats, puffins and bees. 🐿️🐝
This Bill is our VITAL chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌿🐾
#savenature
October 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Today at Scottish Parliament, MSPs debate the Natural Environment Bill.
This morning LINK was outside with the #ScotlandLovesNature campaign, representing red squirrels, Scottish wildcats, puffins and bees. 🐿️🐝
This Bill is our VITAL chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌿🐾
#savenature
This morning LINK was outside with the #ScotlandLovesNature campaign, representing red squirrels, Scottish wildcats, puffins and bees. 🐿️🐝
This Bill is our VITAL chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌿🐾
#savenature
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Shout out to Swifts this #WorldMigratoryBirdDay!
These aerial acrobats have left our skies for winter, but fewer Swifts are returning to Scotland in spring each year.
You can help 👉 Join our call to get Swift bricks in the Natural Environment Bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
These aerial acrobats have left our skies for winter, but fewer Swifts are returning to Scotland in spring each year.
You can help 👉 Join our call to get Swift bricks in the Natural Environment Bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
October 11, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Shout out to Swifts this #WorldMigratoryBirdDay!
These aerial acrobats have left our skies for winter, but fewer Swifts are returning to Scotland in spring each year.
You can help 👉 Join our call to get Swift bricks in the Natural Environment Bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
These aerial acrobats have left our skies for winter, but fewer Swifts are returning to Scotland in spring each year.
You can help 👉 Join our call to get Swift bricks in the Natural Environment Bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/177329/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Yesterday the Scottish Government announced a further delay to the implementation of muirburn licencing.
That very same day, a muirburn in Aberdeenshire got out of control and started a wildfire.
We can’t afford any more delay. 👇
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
That very same day, a muirburn in Aberdeenshire got out of control and started a wildfire.
We can’t afford any more delay. 👇
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
October 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Yesterday the Scottish Government announced a further delay to the implementation of muirburn licencing.
That very same day, a muirburn in Aberdeenshire got out of control and started a wildfire.
We can’t afford any more delay. 👇
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
That very same day, a muirburn in Aberdeenshire got out of control and started a wildfire.
We can’t afford any more delay. 👇
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
When we work together, nature wins 💪
The vital support of RSPB members helps restore habitats, protect species and encourage decision-makers to act for nature.
Thank you to our members across Scotland for helping secure a brighter future for our natural environment 🎉
The vital support of RSPB members helps restore habitats, protect species and encourage decision-makers to act for nature.
Thank you to our members across Scotland for helping secure a brighter future for our natural environment 🎉
October 10, 2025 at 10:47 AM
When we work together, nature wins 💪
The vital support of RSPB members helps restore habitats, protect species and encourage decision-makers to act for nature.
Thank you to our members across Scotland for helping secure a brighter future for our natural environment 🎉
The vital support of RSPB members helps restore habitats, protect species and encourage decision-makers to act for nature.
Thank you to our members across Scotland for helping secure a brighter future for our natural environment 🎉
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Scotland's first nature-friendly farming summit created a real buzz earlier this week. 🐝🐄🚜
One of the most impactful parts of the day was when farmers from across Scotland shared stories about their journey to nature-friendly farming.
Read more here: www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/new...
One of the most impactful parts of the day was when farmers from across Scotland shared stories about their journey to nature-friendly farming.
Read more here: www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/new...
October 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Scotland's first nature-friendly farming summit created a real buzz earlier this week. 🐝🐄🚜
One of the most impactful parts of the day was when farmers from across Scotland shared stories about their journey to nature-friendly farming.
Read more here: www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/new...
One of the most impactful parts of the day was when farmers from across Scotland shared stories about their journey to nature-friendly farming.
Read more here: www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/new...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
We are delighted to be at the Scottish Summit of the Nature Friendly Farming Network today!
Across the country, pioneering farmers and crofters are proving nature-friendly farming can produce the food we need while looking after nature and our climate 🐦🌻🚜.
#ScottishNFFNSummit25
@nnfn.bsky.social
Across the country, pioneering farmers and crofters are proving nature-friendly farming can produce the food we need while looking after nature and our climate 🐦🌻🚜.
#ScottishNFFNSummit25
@nnfn.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
We are delighted to be at the Scottish Summit of the Nature Friendly Farming Network today!
Across the country, pioneering farmers and crofters are proving nature-friendly farming can produce the food we need while looking after nature and our climate 🐦🌻🚜.
#ScottishNFFNSummit25
@nnfn.bsky.social
Across the country, pioneering farmers and crofters are proving nature-friendly farming can produce the food we need while looking after nature and our climate 🐦🌻🚜.
#ScottishNFFNSummit25
@nnfn.bsky.social
Reposted by Aedán Smith
We’re looking forward to meeting lots of inspiring nature-friendly farmers at the @nffnsnc13.bsky.social summit tomorrow 🌱🧑🌾
Farmer Andrew Whiteford shares one of the ways farming can help create safer spaces for wildlife and give species like Corn Buntings a chance to thrive 💚
Farmer Andrew Whiteford shares one of the ways farming can help create safer spaces for wildlife and give species like Corn Buntings a chance to thrive 💚
October 6, 2025 at 10:45 AM
We’re looking forward to meeting lots of inspiring nature-friendly farmers at the @nffnsnc13.bsky.social summit tomorrow 🌱🧑🌾
Farmer Andrew Whiteford shares one of the ways farming can help create safer spaces for wildlife and give species like Corn Buntings a chance to thrive 💚
Farmer Andrew Whiteford shares one of the ways farming can help create safer spaces for wildlife and give species like Corn Buntings a chance to thrive 💚
Reposted by Aedán Smith
🚨Good to see today's committee report calling for major improvements to Scotland’s new nature law.
Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill could significantly weaken protections for Scotland’s wildlife – from seabird colonies at Bass Rock to Golden Eagles in the Cairngorms.
It must be fixed!
Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill could significantly weaken protections for Scotland’s wildlife – from seabird colonies at Bass Rock to Golden Eagles in the Cairngorms.
It must be fixed!
September 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
🚨Good to see today's committee report calling for major improvements to Scotland’s new nature law.
Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill could significantly weaken protections for Scotland’s wildlife – from seabird colonies at Bass Rock to Golden Eagles in the Cairngorms.
It must be fixed!
Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill could significantly weaken protections for Scotland’s wildlife – from seabird colonies at Bass Rock to Golden Eagles in the Cairngorms.
It must be fixed!
Reposted by Aedán Smith
We're incredibly concerned about the welfare of two satellite-tagged golden eagles, Tarras and Wren, that have recently disappeared in Dumfries and Galloway.
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.
Read more 👉 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce80l4jgd1qo
📷 Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.
Read more 👉 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce80l4jgd1qo
📷 Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images
September 30, 2025 at 9:37 AM
We're incredibly concerned about the welfare of two satellite-tagged golden eagles, Tarras and Wren, that have recently disappeared in Dumfries and Galloway.
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.
Read more 👉 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce80l4jgd1qo
📷 Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.
Read more 👉 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce80l4jgd1qo
📷 Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Ruth Ashton-Shaw runs a small organic farm in Scotland, focusing on soil health & working with nature.
Her farm is one example of the solutions we’ll explore at our sold-out Scottish Summit this October.
Thanks @rspbscotland.bsky.social & @naturescot.bsky.social! 💚
👉https://tinyurl.com/yxv2n6ba
Her farm is one example of the solutions we’ll explore at our sold-out Scottish Summit this October.
Thanks @rspbscotland.bsky.social & @naturescot.bsky.social! 💚
👉https://tinyurl.com/yxv2n6ba
September 24, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Ruth Ashton-Shaw runs a small organic farm in Scotland, focusing on soil health & working with nature.
Her farm is one example of the solutions we’ll explore at our sold-out Scottish Summit this October.
Thanks @rspbscotland.bsky.social & @naturescot.bsky.social! 💚
👉https://tinyurl.com/yxv2n6ba
Her farm is one example of the solutions we’ll explore at our sold-out Scottish Summit this October.
Thanks @rspbscotland.bsky.social & @naturescot.bsky.social! 💚
👉https://tinyurl.com/yxv2n6ba
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Right now just 5% of Scotland’s farm funding directly supports nature-friendly farming. That’s nowhere near enough.
Ahead of next year’s elections call on party leaders to commit to investing in a future where wildlife and farmers thrive 🚜 🐦🐝
Take action now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/174887/...
Ahead of next year’s elections call on party leaders to commit to investing in a future where wildlife and farmers thrive 🚜 🐦🐝
Take action now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/174887/...
September 29, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Right now just 5% of Scotland’s farm funding directly supports nature-friendly farming. That’s nowhere near enough.
Ahead of next year’s elections call on party leaders to commit to investing in a future where wildlife and farmers thrive 🚜 🐦🐝
Take action now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/174887/...
Ahead of next year’s elections call on party leaders to commit to investing in a future where wildlife and farmers thrive 🚜 🐦🐝
Take action now: action.rspb.org.uk/page/174887/...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
🚨BILLBOARD MESSAGE DEMANDS MSPS ACT NOW TO SAVE NATURE 🚨
A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs.
With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now!
www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...
A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs.
With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now!
www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...
September 2, 2025 at 10:07 AM
🚨BILLBOARD MESSAGE DEMANDS MSPS ACT NOW TO SAVE NATURE 🚨
A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs.
With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now!
www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...
A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs.
With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now!
www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...
Reposted by Aedán Smith
Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund 1st evaluation report published today. Its investment has supported habitat and species restoration across Scotland. It's only the start but it powerfully shows how nature can recover given investment.
www.gov.scot/publications...
🌳🌱🐝🦋🐟🐸🦢🐾🌍
www.gov.scot/publications...
🌳🌱🐝🦋🐟🐸🦢🐾🌍
August 6, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund 1st evaluation report published today. Its investment has supported habitat and species restoration across Scotland. It's only the start but it powerfully shows how nature can recover given investment.
www.gov.scot/publications...
🌳🌱🐝🦋🐟🐸🦢🐾🌍
www.gov.scot/publications...
🌳🌱🐝🦋🐟🐸🦢🐾🌍
Reposted by Aedán Smith
A dark day for Scotland’s seabirds.
We're incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for the Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction 🚨
We will carefully scrutinise the details and consider our next steps.
We're incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for the Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction 🚨
We will carefully scrutinise the details and consider our next steps.
July 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
A dark day for Scotland’s seabirds.
We're incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for the Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction 🚨
We will carefully scrutinise the details and consider our next steps.
We're incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for the Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction 🚨
We will carefully scrutinise the details and consider our next steps.