People urged to explore nature in 2013

23rd February 2013

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People living in or visiting Scotland are being urged to make 2013 their year to explore nature and landscapes. As part of the Year of Natural Scotland celebrations, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has outlined plans for a series of initiatives to promote nature and landscape.

A number of key events are planned over coming months as part of SNH�s contribution to the Year of Natural Scotland. They include:

The Big Five. A great deal of Scotland�s wildlife can be viewed with just a little effort and a lot of patience. But will your favourite five match the iconic animals that make up SNH's list?
John Muir Day. John Muir, the Scottish-born hero of conservation was born on April 21, 1838. To mark the Year of Natural Scotland the first ever John Muir Day will take place on April 21 and a programme of events will commemorate his understanding and love for the wilderness.
View from the Train. Scotland is home to some of Britain�s great train journeys and these will be made more memorable with a bespoke phone app, that will provide an insightful guide to the landscape and wildlife that can be seen from a train.

Naturally Inspired. Nature is a mainstay of creativity and SNH is working with Creative Scotland to combine the two in innovative ways during Year of Natural Scotland. Fourteen projects will take place across the country on sites ranging from an urban wetland park in the west to a remote stretch of land north of Aberdeen. The projects will be carried out by community groups, individual artists and the wider community.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse said:�Scotland is world renowned for its stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife and these natural assets were instrumental in securing CNN�s endorsement of Scotland as the place to visit in 2013. There�s no better time than the Year of Natural Scotland for visitors from home and abroad to enjoy Scotland�s natural landscapes � and these fantastic initiatives will allow people to do just that.�

Ian Jardine, Chief Executive with Scottish Natural Heritage, added:�Scotland's natural environment is spectacular and we should all be happy to celebrate it. That is what the Year of Natural Scotland is all about. There are plenty of opportunities to explore nature, whether you live in the country or in the city, so I'd encourage everyone to make this your year to get out there and explore Scotland�s nature.�

SNH has produced a short film that captures the essence of natural Scotland. As well as featuring iconic symbols such as the red deer and capercaillie, there is captivating footage of huge basking whales, rare wildflowers and swooping aerial views of rugged mountains and the remnants of the original forests that once cloaked this country.

Scottish Natural Heritage events please visit http://www.snh.gov.uk/natural