Make Space For Nature

Goosebumps in the snow at Glen Coe. Laughter in the rain. A stranger’s kindness on Arran. We sit with traveller and creator Eddie Chee to trace how a spontaneous trip to Glasgow turned into a deep love for Scotland’s wild weather, rolling hills, and everyday magic—and why a ten‑minute walk can reset a heavy mind.We trade big‑ticket views for quieter corners, moving from the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr to Ayrshire’s coast, Stirling’s landmarks, and country parks locals often overlook. Eddie talks about using nature as a safe haven for mental health, the simple discipline of stepping outside when you least feel like it, and the relief of leaving the phone in your pocket. He shares how followers and locals steer him toward hidden gems, and how respect for the land—leave no trace, give wildlife space, read the weather—turns adventure into a habit you can sustain for life.There’s practical wisdom throughout: think of rain as texture, not a barrier; pair a short walk with a coffee to create momentum; choose off‑peak spots to spread footfall; and know when to turn back. Eddie’s story is a reminder that joy thrives on small decisions—pack a layer, pick a path, look up—and that legacy can be as simple as showing the next person it’s possible.If you’re craving a nudge to get outside, this conversation is your sign. Press play, then tell us where your first ten minutes will take you. Subscribe for more nature‑first stories, rate the show if it helped you, and share this episode with someone who needs a gentle push into fresh air.

Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline.David Pickett from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and Anna Austin from Caerlaverock Estate share how they're reconnecting fragmented landscapes. With backing from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, they're turning drains into wetlands, pastures into corridors, and local ambition into climate-ready results.Discover the practical side of restoration: cutting drains, looping burns, and carving ponds that invite lapwing, teal, and golden plover to return. Learn how grasslands and hedgerows weave through productive farms, connecting peatland, saltmarsh, and meadows into resilient networks.Partnership drives this transformation. Neighbouring landowners work together to create thriving habitats where vulnerable species, such as natterjack toads, can flourish as the climate changes. From winter skies crowded with barnacle geese to summer meadows alive with dragonflies, this is nature restoration that works for people and place.Ready to connect habitats in your area? Listen for tips on creating wildlife corridors and building partnerships that benefit both nature and communities.Information:Nature Restoration FundWWT Caerlaverock Wetland CentreCaerlaverock Estate

The natural world is speaking to us through shifting species patterns, and Graham Madge from the Met Office is helping us translate. As both a climate communicator and lifelong wildlife observer, Graham brings a unique perspective to understanding how Scotland's changing climate is reshaping our beloved landscapes and wildlife.Climate change isn't just about distant polar bears - profound transformations are already underway right here in Scotland. The Scottish crossbill, a finch found nowhere else on Earth, faces an uncertain future as warming pushes its suitable habitat northward, whilst Mediterranean species like little egrets and spoonbills are becoming increasingly common visitors to our shores.Graham explores how extreme weather events accelerate these impacts, and how nature serves as both victim and potential saviour in our climate crisis. Scotland's peatlands and forests play crucial roles in carbon storage, while natural coastal defences help communities adapt to rising seas. Most importantly, he reveals how we can all help by creating connected habitats and recording the wildlife around us - turning every nature walk into vital climate science.Information:NatureScot – Climate ChangeMet Office – Climate Change in the UKMet Office – Effects of Climate Change

Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife.Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generations, not moments.Learn from the carrier bag charge success story that achieved an 80% reduction in use and fewer bags on beaches through simple policy changes.While Plastic Free July drives environmental action, Zero Waste Scotland focuses on reducing all single-use items. Surprisingly, food waste and textiles cause greater environmental harm than plastic, scoring highest for carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, land use, and water consumption.Understanding these impacts helps us prioritise the most effective solutions. Explore innovative programmes like Stirling's Ditching Disposables initiative and Glasgow's Borrow Cup scheme that make sustainable choices convenient.Andrew offers a refreshingly non-judgmental approach: "Whatever you can do is fine." The simple reduce, reuse, recycle framework gives everyone an accessible pathway to better choices, without overwhelming guilt.Ready to join Scotland's waste-free future? Listen for practical tips and ways to protect our wild places and wildlife, while creating a healthier world for everyone.Information:Zero Waste ScotlandPlastic Free July