Looking for a chance to increase your effectiveness as an ‘active citizen’?

Or, do you know someone else who is looking for such an opportunity?

The Fred Edwards Trust is offering a free personal development opportunity to individuals of all ages who are seeking to bring about change in their life or work.

Further details, including an Information Leaflet and an Application Form, are on their website.

Richard Lochhead MSP and Cabinet Secretary has set up an 18-strong group of farmers, conservation and community and land experts, chaired by Andrew Barbour to determine how best the expansion of Scotland's woodlands can be taken forward. Further details are on www.forestry.gov.uk/weag and views are sought by email, weag@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, with a deadline of 6th January 2012. Stakeholder events will be held across Scotland during February.

Are you interested in generating your own heat, leading a greener lifestyle and saving money?

The UK Government has launched the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme (RHPP), managed by the Energy Saving Trust, enabling homeowners to claim up to a £1,250 voucher towards a renewable heating system.

RSPB Scotland has announced the shortlist for its inaugural Nature of Scotland Awards. Nearly ninety entries were received. The awards will celebrate outstanding achievements in Scottish nature conservation. The winners will be announced at a black tie award ceremony at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh on 1 March, 2012.

The Scottish wildcat is endangered by interbreeding with the domestic cat. They are looking to recruit new volunteer trappers in the Deeside and Upper Donside areas.

Please show your concern about the adverse impacts of Vehicle Hill Tracks on Wild Land by signing this petition.

Labour MSPs have called for tighter control of hill tracks. A motion in the Scottish Parliament urges government to do more to regulate hill tracks.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the John Muir Trust have called for greater protection for Scotland's and wild lands.

Our own Hilltracks Survey continues. Please contact us if you would like to help.

Vehicle hill tracks in wild mountain land have become very topical recently. NEMT are collecting up to date information on the current state of upland vehicle hill tracks in the Cairngorms National Park.

Find out how you can become involved in this project.

Highland Perthshire joins the Cairngorms National Park.