Biodiversity Information and Conservation Links
For information on biodiversity in North Ayrshire, contact Dr. Iain Hossack (Policy Officer - Environment)
Biodiversity is Life
North Ayrshire Council is supporting the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. The diversity of life on earth is crucial for human well-being and now is the time to act to preserve it. For information on events, initiatives and exhibitions across the UK visit www.biodiversityislife.net
Ayrshire Wildlife Website Links
North Ayrshire RSPB group
http://www.narspb.org.uk/
Ayrshire Dragonfly, Butterfly and Moth blog
http://ayrsdragons.blogspot.com/
Butterflies and Dragonflies in Ayrshire
http://www.fssbirding.org.uk/butterflyhome.htm
SWT Ayrshire
http://sites.google.com/site/swtayr/home
Ayrshire Birding
http://www.ayrshire-birding.org.uk/
Ayrshire Red Squirrels
http://www.ayrshireredsquirrels.org.uk/
Wildlife in Stevenston
http://sites.google.com/site/stevenstonconservation/
National Conservation Links
Scottish Wildlife Trust
With conservation at the heart of the organisation, we are committed to giving homes, a voice and access to wildlife. Through the support provided by our members, we are able to offer practical conservation solutions through habitat management and ensure that we can challenge others with our independent voice and expertise.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading charity dedicated solely to the protection of our native woodland heritage. By acquiring woodland sites we bring them into our care and protection. Many of our woods were previously under threat from development pressure or unsympathetic management.
Butterfly Conservation
Our ultimate goal is nothing less than the restoration of a balanced countryside, with butterflies and other wildlife returned to the profusion they, and we, once enjoyed.
Bat Conservation Trust
There are 17 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. The Bat Conservation Trust is working towards a world where bats and people live in harmony. We aim to secure and enhance bat populations for future generations to enjoy.
Scottish Badgers
Scottish Badgers is an umbrella organisation, bringing together all the local badger groups within Scotland, for the purpose of standardising procedures and liaising with statutory authorities when necessary.
Froglife (Scotland)
Froglife is a national wildlife charity concerned with the protection of Britain's amphibians and reptiles, all of which are increasingly under threat. Scotland is home to six of the seven native amphibian species and three of the six native reptile species found in the UK.
British Dragonfly Society
The British Dragonfly Society was formed in 1983 to promote and encourage the study and conservation of dragonflies and their natural habitats especially in the United Kingdom.
Botanical Society of the British Isles
The Botanical Society of the British Isles is for everyone who is interested in the flora of Britain and Ireland. From its earliest days it has welcomed both professional and amateur members, and it remains the biggest and most active organisation devoted to the study of botany in the British Isles.
The Wildflower Society
The Wild Flower Society was founded in 1886 by Edith Vere Annesley. Initially to teach her youngest sister Alice, to find and name wild flowers on their afternoon walks, the walks became so popular that more and more children (and adults) joined in. The aim of the society is to promote a greater knowledge of field botany among the general public and in particular among young people; to advance education in matters relating to the conservation of wild flowers and of the countryside; and to promote the conservation of the British flora.
Plantlife (Scotland)
Plantlife Scotland is the Scottish office of Plantlife - the leading charity working to protect wild plants and their habitats. Plantlife Scotland is based in Stirling, from where staff carry out conservation and outreach work across the whole of Scotland. They have been championing plant conservation since 1989 and have an enviable track record for campaigning, promoting and protecting Scotland's threatened, wild plants.
British Lichen Society
The Society was formed in 1958 to stimulate and advance interest in all branches of lichenology. The first society in the world entirely devoted to the study of lichens, it has many overseas as well as British members.
Black Environment Network
Black Environment Network uses the word 'black' symbolically recognising that the black communities are the most visible of all ethnic groups. BEN work with white, black and other ethnic communities.
The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) Scotland
If you want to get a taste of what conservation volunteering is about, why not go out for the day with one of their local Conservation Volunteer teams; get healthy on a BTCV Green Gym; have a Conservation Holiday in some of the nicest locations in Britain or around the world; or attend one of our renowned training courses.
Community Service Volunteers (Scotland)
CSV pride themselves on pioneering new solutions and innovative ways to tackle society's needs. Over 40 years' experience helps them to know where to focus energy and ideas so that CSV, its partners and volunteers really make a difference to people's lives.
The John Muir Trust
The John Muir Trust is a leading UK charity dedicated to the protection of wild land for both nature and people. The John Muir Trust educates people about the value of wild places through the John Muir Award, which is open to all. Through the four challenges of discover, conserve, share and explore and three progressive levels of involvement, it has so far helped over 30,000 people gain an appreciation of such places. The JMT engage people with wild places through our Activities and Conservation Programme. They welcome volunteers to join us on our conservation weekends.