We restore and protect the health and resilience of natural ecosystems, by:
Restoring, protecting and connecting habitats to conserve and improve abundance and resilience of native biodiversity
Restoring and protecting ecosystem function, health and resilience
Supporting and conducting research into ecosystem restoration practices; dissemination and interpretation of results to benefit nature and people
We connect and engage people with nature, by:
Improving the connectivity of people with Nature so that they are motivated to protect it
Making nature accessible to all; reaching new audiences through using nature to connect with people in innovative ways
Connecting people with their natural and cultural heritage to understand its importance in shaping how we understand nature and how we live with nature in the future
Empowering communities and individuals to learn new nature based skills and knowledge, to improve wellbeing and employability
I'm delighted to share that Mark Holmes has joined Bright Green Nature as our new Chief Executive!
As Mark steps into this exciting role, I will be moving into the position of Chair of Trustees, having had the privilege of serving as Chief Executive since founding the charity in 2022. This marks an exciting new chapter for Bright Green Nature, and I couldn't be more pleased to be handing over to someone with Mark's experience, energy and vision.
It has been an incredible journey helping to build an organisation dedicated to connecting people with nature, restoring ecosystems, and empowering communities across the Scottish Borders.
I am immensely proud of what our team have achieved together โ from restoring habitats and creating opportunities for young people, to supporting communities, schools and families to take action for nature. None of this would have been possible without the passion and commitment of our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters.
Leadership transitions are significant moments, but they also create opportunities for renewal, fresh ideas and new ambitions. I look forward to supporting Mark and the team as we continue our mission to restore nature for present and future generations.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. I'm excited to see what the future holds for Bright Green Nature. ๐ ๐ฟ ๐
Yesterday I attended an awards ceremony at St Peter's Primary School in Galashiels, where every child in P7 (26 children in total) was receiving their John Muir Awards Certificate. Their teacher (Richard Bramhall) had signed the class up for this, and it has clearly been a huge success. Every Monday afternoon the whole class has spent most of their time outdoors learning about nature - and they have learned a huge amount.
The children were incredibly enthusiastic sharing stories of their experiences, and talking about everything they had seen (and heard) whilst being outdoors. The confidence with which they shared their new found knowledge was striking, and there is no doubt that this is something that will stay with them, and will have an impact on them and on other family members, for many years to come.
We are proud to have supported Richard (and his P7 class), and we presented Richard with a copy of Tom Bowsers book - The Waters of Life, in recognition of his contributions to outdoor learning for the younger generation. He really did go above and beyond!
๐ฟ๐ฟ๏ธ๐ซ213 EVENTS IN JUST 6 MONTHS๐ฟ๐ฟ๏ธ๐ซ
Our brilliant engagement team has been busy connecting with communities, schools, volunteers, young people, and landowners across a fantastic mix of projects. Thank you to everyone who has been part of it โ and a huge thank you to the team and our funders for making it all happen. ๐
๐ ๐ ๐ National Insect Week is a great time to celebrate the amazing array of insects that call Deer Park home. From busy pollinators to tiny hidden creatures, these often overlooked species play a vital role in keeping our rewilding site full of life and natural balance.
๐ชฒThis beautiful video by Lisa McLeish offers a glimpse of the fascinating insect world all around us and reminds us just how important these small creatures are to healthy habitats.
๐Relax, sit back, and enjoy a mindful minute of minibeasts!
๐ฏFavourite insect fact: one in every three mouthfuls of food depends on insect pollination.
๐Why not share a few of your own insect snaps in the comments below? ๐