Continuously sculpted by waves and winds, Scotland’s coast and islands are amongst the most biodiverse areas in the UK. They provide a last refuge for some of our most beautiful and unusual, but also most vulnerable, species. Many are in decline and some are on the cusp of extinction.

Launching in 2023, Species on the Edge will be delivered by a partnership of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all of which are dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland’s coastal and island habitats. The partnership will deliver a four-and-a-half-year programme of work to tackle the impacts of environmental change on wildlife for the benefit of both nature and people.

Working together with local communities, Species on the Edge aims to improve the future prospects of coastal and island species throughout Scotland. This will be achieved via the formation of a support network of communities committed to safeguarding vulnerable biodiversity. Throughout this process we hope to strengthen the partnership approach towards ongoing conservation work throughout Scotland and to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

Species on the Edge is a national project spanning coastal and island landscapes harbouring some of the rarest and most threatened species in Scotland. Areas of project activity include Argyll & Inner Hebrides, East Coast, North Coast, Orkney, Outer Hebrides, Shetland and the Solway Coast. Each project area has devised a unique plan of action that reflects the biodiversity, geography, socio-economic and cultural characteristics of that particular region.

As area lead for Species on the Edge on the Solway Coast, ARC are proud to present 'Coastal Treasures of the Eastern Solway', through which local area staff will engage with the local community and oversee efforts to monitor and conserve rare and iconic species such as the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), as well as to work in closely alongside project partners to share expertise for the benefit of other species such as bats, butterflies and wading birds.

The aims of Species on the edge are threefold:

• Through a structured program of species monitoring and practical training, Species on the Edge plans to increase understanding of species distribution and abundance whilst also helping to build a resilient network of volunteer surveyors.
• Through public engagement activity we will help to empower people to better understand their local natural heritage and encourage communities to reconnect with nature through art, music and conversation.
• By working with landowners and other stakeholders we will endeavour to co-design and implement sustainable and effective habitat management strategies while at the same time raising the profile of local species in the hopes of influencing regional policy and decision making.

To find out more about Species on the Edge, head over to the website, give a follow on Facebook on Twitter, and sign up to the mailing list to receive regular news and updates about the project.

Species on the Edge is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who have generously contributed over £4m of funding towards a total programme cost of over £6.5m. In addition to the National Lottery players, thanks also go to all of our fellow Species on the Edge partners, the Scottish Government, Esmee Fairbairn, the Dulverton Trust, the John Ellerman Trust, the Banister Trust, SAC Consulting, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature for their funding and support.