Bird and flower of the Beltane
The marsh marigold and the whimbrel have Gaelic names with links to this time of the Beltane. This post in Scotland’s Nature (3 May 2022) describes how both species provide a reminder of the close links between Gaelic culture and the Scottish seasons. This post is also available in Gaelic.
How poetry can help communicate science to a more diverse audience
This interesting article in The Conversation (April 11, 2022) shares the opportunities provided by using poetry to engage a wider audience with science. This includes new ways to discuss environmental change and the climate crisis.
Wallabies to damselflies: Scotland’s newest animals get Gaelic names
This article in The Guardian (2 April 2022) describes how species moving north into Scotland as our climate heats, along with more recent introductions, have been given Gaelic names. For example, the leathery sea squirt is now spùtachan-mara leatharach, for leathery little squirting creature of the sea!
The language of wildflowers
A lovely post from Grow Wild (5 April 2022) on how wild flowers are used for reflection, connection and remembrance. A useful resource for RME at school?
Adders of Poison and Wisdom
This Scotland’s Nature blog (March 22, 2022), both in Gaelic and English, shares how adders have a significant place in Gaelic folklore, including in stories and place names.
The snowdrop – we’ve been expecting you
This article in Scottish Pollinators (27 January 2022), describes the language, literature and culture associated with snowdrops, as well as the part they play in wildlife crime. As one of the earliest spring flower, snowdrops also have huge value for newly emerged pollinating insects.
How Britain’s favourite festive birds got their names
This article in The Conversation (23 December 2021) describes the names of the birds through their historical English speaking origins. This includes the robin, nuthatch, blue tit, blackbird, and turtle dove.
A Gaelic Advent calendar
Plantlife Scotland share news of their project to bring life back to wild plant names and their uses and folklore. Check out their post Celebrating Scotland’s Natural Heritage with 25 Wild Plants: A Gaelic Advent Calendar 2021 (23 November 2021).
