Biodiversité

It is the mental health salve that many Scots have turned to during the pandemic. With increased numbers of people suffering with anxiety, stress and depression, nature has offered solace to those struggling through the crisis. And as we head into this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, it is the beauty of our natural surroundings that will take centre stage.

An extensive and impartial study to assess people’s views about the possible reintroduction of Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands is being launched this month by a new partnership of the charities SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and Vincent Wildlife Trust.Ecological research has shown that extensive areas of Scotland could support lynx, but the charities say returning the shy and elusive animal is less about science and more about people’s willingness to live alongside a species that’s become forgotten on these shores.