Helix up for nature award

The popular public open space is home to the Kelpies and acts as a magnet to millions of residents and tourists who have been flocking to the facility since it opened back in 2013.

It is also the preferred location for a wide variety of wildlife and, as such, has been shortlisted for a Nature Tourism Award in this year’s RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards.

The park was designed by Ironside Farrar Limited, an Edinburgh-based architectural firm that specialises in environmental projects. Its nature-friendly layout was also influenced by a series of public consultations with local residents.

It regularly stages events celebrating nature and hosts activities encouraging people to connect with wildlife across the park.

Nature of Scotland Award winners will be revealed at a presentation in Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House Hotel hosted by television presenter Chris Packham on November 24.

Chris said: “I’m really looking forward to hosting RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards this year, and celebrating the efforts of those people, and places like the Helix, working hard to safeguard Scottish nature.

“As this shortlist shows there are people, projects and organisations across Scotland dedicated to protecting its wildlife and wild places, and the presentation dinner will be a fantastic event to mark all their achievements.”