At Merman Conservation, we understand the importance of ensuring that renewable energy projects not only contribute to the environment but also create lasting social and economic benefits for local communities. As part of our commitment to sustainable development, we participated in the recent consultation on community benefits from onshore and offshore renewable energy developments.

We believe that as the renewable energy landscape evolves, with technologies like wind, solar, and hydrogen playing an increasingly vital role, it’s crucial that communities—especially those in rural, island, and coastal areas—are adequately supported. Community benefit schemes are an opportunity to share the success of these developments with those who host them, ensuring that the wealth generated from renewable energy is reinvested back into local economies.

Our views are focused on the need for fairness and transparency in how community benefits are distributed. Developers should prioritize engaging with local communities early in the process and design benefit packages that reflect their specific needs and priorities. This includes ensuring that both smaller and larger communities have equal access to opportunities, with measures in place to address any barriers, such as limited access to finance or capacity in remote areas.

​We also strongly support the idea of updating the Good Practice Principles to reflect the diverse and changing landscape of renewable energy, while ensuring that all communities—especially those most impacted by energy developments—receive meaningful benefits. By participating in this consultation, we hope to help shape a future where community benefits are an integral part of Scotland’s transition to net-zero energy, benefiting both people and the planet for years to come.​

​What a fantastic day of wildlife recording at Hogganfield Loch and Frankfield Loch! We logged over 21 species in the area, highlighting the rich biodiversity of this urban wetland.

The biggest surprise? A Western Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) spotted near Stepps—an unexpected but welcome find!
​
Every record helps us better understand and protect the amazing wildlife of Glasgow’s green spaces.

​Birds:

1. Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
2. Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
3. Aegithalos caudatus (Long-tailed Tit)
4. Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
5. Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot)
6. Fringilla coelebs (Common Chaffinch)
7. Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
8. Ardea cinerea (Grey Heron)
9. Larus argentatus (European Herring Gull)
10. Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
11. Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
12. Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
13. Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
14. Bucephala clangula (Common Goldeneye)
15. Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
16. Erithacus rubecula (European Robin)
17. Coloeus monedula (Eurasian Jackdaw)

Mammals:

   18. Capreolus capreolus (Western Roe Deer)
   19. Sciurus carolinensis (Eastern Gray Squirrel)

Invertebrates:

   20. Family Lumbricidae (Lumbricid Earthworms)

Plants: 

   21. Crocus tommasinianus (Woodland Crocus)

A fantastic birdwatching session today at Lochend Loch in Drumpellier Country Park! Spotted over 18 species, with plenty of activity both on the water and around the woodland edges.

It’s always amazing to see how much birdlife thrives in this beautiful spot. From waterfowl to woodland birds, there was plenty to see and hear!

Birds we spotted:

• Emberiza schoeniclus (Reed Bunting)
• Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
• Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
• Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen)
• Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
• Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
• Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
• Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot)
• Motacilla cinerea (Grey Wagtail)
• Erithacus rubecula (European Robin) 
• Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
  
• Haematopus ostralegus (Eurasian Oystercatcher)
• Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
• Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
• Prunella modularis (Dunnock)
  
• Turdus viscivorus (Mistle Thrush)
• Carduelis carduelis (European Goldfinch)
• Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling)

​A great day of birdwatching along the Monkland Canal! Spotted 12 species, including some wonderful surprises.
The canal is full of life, even in late winter. Always a joy to see how much biodiversity thrives in urban green spaces!

Birds we spotted:

​

• Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
• Anas platyrhynchos var. domesticus (Domestic Mallard)
• Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
• Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
• Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
• Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
• Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen)
• Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
• Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
• Turdus merula (Eurasian Blackbird)
• Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
• Parus major (Great Tit)

Scotland's coastal waters are teeming with elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays! From the majestic Basking Shark to the mysterious Common Skate, these marine wonders play a vital role in our ecosystem.
​
Have you ever spotted one during your seaside adventures? Share your elasmobranch encounters (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sharks-in-scotland) or tag a friend who loves marine life! Let's celebrate the diverse and fascinating world beneath the waves. #Elasmobranchs #ScotlandMarineLife #OceanWonders #BiodiversityDiscovery