For a Polish and British citizen living in Scotland, the day of 11th November is of special significance. It is our Independence Day in Poland remembering my country reappearing on the map of Europe in 1918 after 200 years of Russia, Germany and Austria’s partitions. It is a day also to reflect on things we have in common. Our two …
Sustainable energy within our reach
Kirk Hill Windfarm under construction in Ayrshire is a significant news, not as a marvel of technology, but because it is owned by consumers. Sustainable energy sources that provide free energy require considerable investments and these are not always supported by the government. But these installations are now possible through community enterprises like Linlith-Go-Solar or the aforementioned Kirk Hill Windfarm. …
Offshore wind farm puts Scotland in the world lead
There is a positive news for the energy sector in Scotland – the largest offshore wind farm Seagreen is operational. This largest in Scotland and deepest fixed offshore wind farm in the world “can generate enough electricity to power two-thirds of Scotland’s households”. But to fully benefit from this development there need to be prompt solutions to the limitations of …
New National Park proposed in Scotland
Tay Forest is one of the proposed areas for a new National Park to be announced in Scotland next year. Scottish Government is currently carrying out public consultation online and in person at a few community events in Perthshire. This is a “rare opportunity to seek international recognition for Highland Perthshire’s outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural and landscape diversity”. …
New technology for biodiversity management
Floradex, a new software developed at the University of Plymouth aids Bioblitz wildlife surveys and helps to improve biodiversity. Technology helping with Sherford biodiversity survey – BBC News
Machrie Moor on Arran – tells a story of past climate change
Walking among the ancient standing stones of Machrie Moore we crossed the wet moor, soft and moist under our feet. The history of this place on Arran is written on those stones brought here by strong hands from the depths of earth crust. Red sandstones standing high above the moor plane, granites sitting round a burial ground of Fingal’s Cauldron …
First PKC passivhaus school to open its doors
Back in spring 2021 Perth and Kinross Council gave a green light for a very special project – the first passivhaus primary school in Scotland. The work on the North Muirton site worth £16.5 mln was to be completed in spring this year, but the project was slightly delayed. The school is opening its doors tomorrow after the summer break. …
Better learning from nature
Schools in Scotland are back, which means end of outdoor summer fun. But learning does not need to be limited to a classroom, something that many schools and teachers recognize. There are many benefits of outdoor learning like boosting confidence, physical skills, better knowledge and understanding of the world around us, and in particular appreciation of nature. There are many …
Carbon capture through nature
A few days ago an interesting analysis by Sandra Laville in the Guardian discussed limitations of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in solving climate crisis. The UK government gives this technology its full support, mainly as a green light to its announcement of hundreds of new oil and gas licenses on 31st July. Stuart Haszeldine, professor of CCS at the …
Storm on Scottish seas
COP15 UN biodiversity conference has achieved an agreement that we will protect 30% of our planet’s land and water by 2030. Seas and oceans have become deserted with marine habitats devastated by overfishing on a mass scale. Climate change threatens marine environment with the rise of sea surface temperature leading to irreversible changes of water chemistry and biological life. This …
