Scotland Outdoors

Rachel Stewart hears from an experienced mountaineer who had to call for help on Ben More

Dr Shane Strachan has written a poem which encourages people to explore a new poetry and artwork trail along the 53-mile Formartine and Buchan Way. Rachel meets Shane to find out how he got involved.
In this week’s podcast excerpt, Mark is in Glasgow with Professor Dee Heddon and Dr Rachel Clive of Glasgow University Theatre Studies to hear about the play Three Words for Forest. The play explores the challenges, hopes and fears of those working in the forestry industry at a time of climate crisis.
Rachel joins photographer Richard Cook on the River Dee to search for dippers and to chat about his book Dippers on the Dee.
Mark looks for lapwings with Warden Lorna Dow at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and learns about how semi-feral conic ponies are helping manage the wetlands to encourage the birds to use the site.
Mark is near Fort William to discover how a detection dog is sniffing out an invasive marine species known as ‘sea vomit’. Dr Texa Sim explains how her labrador, Uisge, tracks down the carpet-like sea squirt.
Mark and Rachel are joined by Mark Greaves from Ordnance Survey to talk trig points as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the iconic pillars.
Mark hops on a catamaran to check out the gannets on Bass Rock on the Firth of Forth and to chat to Emily Burton, conservation manager at Scottish Seabird Centre, about drone surveys that are helping to monitor how the birds are faring since the outbreak of avian flu in 2022.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston is offering those living with dementia and their carers the opportunity to experience nature through a residential course. Mark meets some of those participating, and Professor Ann Dennis of the University of the Highlands and Islands explains how the programme runs.

Mark Stephen hears about the play Three Words for Forest which explores the challenges, hopes and fears of those working in the forestry industry at a time of climate crisis

Mark is in Gatehouse of Fleet with Mark Williams who has a new book out called The Coastal Forager. The pair chat about identifying coastal plants and have a nibble of a few different species.
In this week’s podcast excerpt, Rachel meets Arlene Stuart, one of the presenters of Landward, which is celebrating five decades on air.
The 200 year old Falkirk Tunnel is the longest canal tunnel in Scotland. Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Canals, gives Rachel the guided tour.
Mark joins dry-stone dyker, Alexis Zafiropoulos, in Alford, Aberdeenshire to talk about the sense of belonging Alexis has developed in the North-East through practising this ancient craft.
Mark meets Mary Smith, Engagement Ranger at Threave Nature Reserve in Castle Douglas to discover more about The Threave Landscape Restoration Project which is designed on a 100 year ecological timescale.
Poet Jim Carruth’s new book, Knockan, set in the far north west of Scotland, reflects his interest in geology and passion for farming. Rachel meets Jim in Renfrewshire to find out more.
The acclaimed wildlife cameraman Doug Allan, from Dunfermline, Fife, has died after becoming unwell on a mountain trek in Nepal. Mark and Rachel are joined by wildlife filmmaker John Aitchison to pay tribute to Doug’s life and career bringing the wonders of the natural world to our screens.
In collaboration with BBC L.A.B Scotland, pupils at Balwearie High School in Kirkaldy recorded an interview with Scottish wildlife filmmaker Libby Penman, who was once a pupil at the school.
Mark stops at a viaduct which overlooks Loch Nan Uamh to learn about the story behind the name ‘Dead Horse Bridge’.

Rachel Stewart meets Arlene Stuart, one of the presenters of Landward, Scotland's Farming and Countryside TV programme which celebrates five decades on air