This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Green fingers and wild flowers
25/05/2006
People across Scotland are being urged to take part in a series of activities over the next two weeks to celebrate the country's biodiversity, including helping to restore native wild flower meadows.
To mark the launch of Biodiversity Fortnight a group of green fingered schoolchildren joined Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin in Edinburgh today to plant a wildflower meadow at Braidburn Valley Park.
It forms part of a nationwide campaign by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to boost Scotland's unique wildlife and habitats by giving away thousands of wildflower seeds across the country over the next two weeks.
Ms Brankin said:
"The future of Scotland's unique biodiversity is in all of our hands and I am delighted to see so many children taking that message quite literally today with a hands on approach which will improve this green space for their local community and their local wildlife.
"Their efforts will help conserve our rich natural heritage for the health, enjoyment and wellbeing of the people of Scotland now and in the future.
"There will be many more opportunities for people to get involved in events throughout Biodiversity Fortnight and I would encourage everyone to do their bit to protect the wildlife and habitats which make Scotland so unique."
Debbie Bassett, of the Scottish Biodiversity Forum, added:
"Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight will offer people throughout Scotland lots of local opportunities to find out more about and enjoy Scotland's fantastic wildlife and landscapes. There will be something for everybody, and a chance for everyone to get involved in looking after biodiversity, right on their doorsteps.
"SNH's generous wildflower seed giveaway will help people throughout Scotland to make a positive difference. By planting the seeds in their area people will be helping to restore valuable wildflower habitat, and help species like goldfinch, bumblebee and several types of butterfly including red admiral, painted lady and orange tip."
Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight runs from May 27 - June 11 and includes a series of events throughout Scotland, such as talks, guided walks, pond-dipping, bird watching trips, nature reserve open days, wildflower planting days, nature photography/painting workshops and exhibitions, whale and dolphin watching trips.