Recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation, the ninth annual Nature of Scotland Awards co-sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage are open for nominations and applications until 1 June.

Entries are being sought in nine categories: Coasts and Waters, Conservation Science, Community Initiative, Forest and Woodland, Innovation, Nature and Climate Action, SNH Business, RSPB Species Champion and Youth and Education.

New this year, the Nature and Climate Action Award recognises the link between the crises facing nature and the climate and the creative Scottish nature-based solutions making a critical impact. Individuals, projects or organisations who are nominated should demonstrate the clear and definitive steps they are taking to save nature and mitigate or adapt to climate change.

Winners of the SNH Business Award in 2019, Comrie Croft believe that business should be a force for good. Their community of nature-based enterprises really do put nature at the heart of what they do. This year we are looking to hear from businesses of all sizes that can clearly demonstrate the difference they have made for the benefit of nature in Scotland.

CalMac, the UK’s largest ferry operator, were highly commended last year too for launching their own Marine Awareness Programme and using their unique position to highlight threats to our oceans to visitors and locals. If the business you work in collaborates with the conservation sector to support wildlife and habitats, makes a direct contribution by lowering your carbon footprint, reduces emissions or carries out steps towards climate adaptation in harmony with nature then we want to hear from you.

Let’s celebrate those going above and beyond to support our precious natural heritage. Free to enter, nominate a person, project, group or business dedicated to supporting our environment or submit your own application and tell us what you’re doing to support nature!

The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday 2 September and the winners announced at a celebratory Presentation Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Wednesday 25 November with successfully shortlisted entrants receiving two complimentary tickets to the prestigious event.

Find out more about the awards and submit your application by 1 June by visiting rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.