Biodiversity Champions in Aberdeenshire Council

The Biodiversity Champions initiative has been running in Aberdeenshire since 2016. At the moment we have 21 Aberdeenshire Councillors volunteering to Champion a range of species, habitats and topics which are considered to be facing particular challenges in the north east. Topics include swifts, Invasive Non-Native Species, the red squirrel, the hedgehog and pollinators.

The scheme is based on the National Species Champions run by Scottish Environment LINK’s Wildlife Forum which invites MSPs to champion species under threat. The list for Aberdeenshire has been widened to include habitats, species and issues in particular need of our attention.

“Important insects such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies have received considerable media attention recently, highlighting their declines due to loss of suitable habitat and the damaging impact of certain pesticides. It’s really important to raise the profile of pollinators and encourage suitable planting everywhere from landscaping schemes in developments to our gardens”. Councillor Peter Argyll, Pollinator Champion

“It’s really important to raise the profile of pollinators and encourage suitable planting everywhere from landscaping schemes in developments to our gardens” ©Aberdeenshire Council

“We are delighted that there has been such a wide interest in the issues being raised by the Champions Initiative. We are promoting actions for some of our iconic species including freshwater pearl mussel, red squirrel, wildcat and pine marten. These species are priorities for action within the North East.” Councillor John Latham, Pine Marten Champion

To find out more about the Councillor Biodiversity Champions and contact a Champion email emma.williams@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.