SOUTH of Scotland MSP Claudia Beamish says she is concerned by a recent State of Nature report.

The findings showed that one in 10 Scottish species are at risk of extinction and that 27 per cent of bird species are red listed as a highest conservation concern.

Ms Beamish, who is Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for environment, climate change and land reform, told us: “I welcome the State of Nature report, giving new and valuable insight into the health of wildlife in Scotland. 

“But the report reveals some deeply concerning figures. Almost one in ten Scottish species are at risk of extinction, and 27 per cent of the 218 species of bird in Scotland are red listed as a highest conservation concern.

“Scotland is famous for its natural beauty, but this report shows that unless collective efforts are made, this is a reputation we risk losing,” she added.
“For nature to flourish, it requires larger habitats, connected across the landscape. 

“Over the summer recess I was able to make a number of visits where I could enjoy being outdoors, one of these was to Glenlude in the Borders with the John Muir Trust. 

“It was a glorious sunny day and it was very humbling to be in such a beautiful place. 

“Such visits bring into stark reality the concerns highlighted in the report. The work of the Trust and many other charities and community organisations as well as individuals, is essential if we are to have a better biodiversity story to tell in coming years.

“Scotland’s nature is a right everyone should enjoy and we must do more to protect it.”