The Tayside Biodiversity Partnership has been shortlisted for the prestigious RSPB Nature of Scotland Community Initiative Award. This recognition highlights the partnership's invaluable contributions to conserving and enhancing the region's biodiversity and environment.

The partnership works closely with communities and stakeholders in Tayside to address local and national priorities and the pressing challenges posed by climate change. They coordinate existing conservation efforts and projects while also initiating and coordinating new initiatives.

The partnership's nomination for the RSPB award is a testament to their dedication and impact in preserving Tayside's natural heritage.

Angus Council's Environment spokesperson, Cllr Martin Shepherd said: "To be shortlisted for the Nature of Scotland Awards represents excellent recognition for the outstanding work that the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership has been involved in across a quarter of a century. There is little doubt that their collective efforts have made a huge difference in raising people's awareness of climate change and the challenges faced by our local biodiversity.

"This is the only category in which an award is voted for by the public and I hope that the people of Tayside can support them in gaining the additional recognition that winning this award would bring. Working alongside the people of Tayside, they have indeed worked tirelessly and successfully together to champion, restore and celebrate the region's nature."

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The public vote for the Community Initiative Award is open now and closes on Tuesday 15 October.

The work of the group has been further acknowledged by the shortlisting of Tayside Biodiversity Coordinator Catherine Lloyd in the RSPB Species Champion Award for the power of work she has done since the group began.

The shortlist for the Nature Scotland Awards, which recognises the very best of Scottish Nature Conservation, was revealed at an event held at Scottish Parliament last week, hosted by Graham Simpson MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits. Winners in all 10 categories will be revealed at an event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 28 November, where all 53 finalists and guests will gather.

RSPB Scotland has been running the awards for over a decade, and is grateful for the support of supporters and sponsors, including 2024 headline sponsor NatureScot. This year's ceremony will be hosted by BBC Landward presenters and nature enthusiasts Dougie Vipond and Arlene Stuart.

The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland's wildlife and natural environment.

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: "The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a light on people and projects going that extra mile to make a difference for nature in their local communities. Every year it is a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of people coming together to protect species and improve spaces for nature - we can't tackle the nature and climate crisis alone. A huge thank you to all of our applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us. The awards ceremony is such a special evening, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone in November."

Professor Colin Galbraith, Chair of Awards headline sponsor NatureScot, said: "Right across Scotland we see people coming together and taking action to protect and restore nature. The efforts of all nominees are reason for great pride. The shortlisted projects for this year's Awards celebrate perfectly what can be achieved through inspiring collaborations that work with nature, build our resilience, and help us tackle the climate-nature crisis."