Submitted by Abigail Youngman on Wed, 26/11/2025 - 14:40
We’re delighted to share the news that Prof Rhys Green, Emeritus Honorary Professor of Conservation Science here at the Dept of Zoology has won the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Nature of Scotland Awards 2025.
The Award recognises his decades-long contribution to problem-solving conservation science and in particular the development of simple yet effective solutions to corncrake population decline. Prof Green’s dedication to understanding this elusive bird, and developing new and straightforward conservation measures, have allowed farmers, crofters and conservationists to successfully reverse declines.
Prof Green said, “When I began research in 1991 to try to solve the problem of the almost 100-year-long decline of the corncrake in Britain, I think most people thought that the species would soon disappear from our country.
“Our research found out many previously-unknown facts about corncrake ecology, which led us to propose some simple changes to grass-mowing methods by farmers and crofters in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
“These changes were implemented progressively: first by direct payments to farmers by the RSPB and then adopted by the government-funded agri-environment payment scheme. The result was an immediate change from decline to recovery. I am delighted that the teamwork that brought this about has been recognised by this award and by a motion lodged in the Scottish Parliament.”
The motion, lodged by Ariane Burgess, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, thanks Professor Green for his outstanding service to nature, and wishes him well in his ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity in Scotland and around the world.
Read more:
Nature of Scotland Awards 2025
Ariane Burgess’ motion: Scottish Parliament Website
Images:
(Banner) Prof Green (second right) with other winners at the awards ceremony. Photo credit: Mike Wilkinson
(Smaller image) Prof Green with corncrake. Photo credit: Shireen Green