Flying high!
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
EFFORTS to protect six types of rare insects within the Cairngorms have been rewarded with a UK-wide prize.
A team of dedicated and passionate volunteers help out with the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms (RIC) project.
Loads of work goes into locating the six rare and and poorly understood species.
RIC then talks with landowners to promote land management techniques which enable the species to thrive and spread.
The project has won a UK National Parks Volunteer Award, which was handed over at the Kendal Mountain Festival in the Lake District.
TV wildlife presenter Paul Rose was on hand to present the award to RIC's project officer Gabrielle Flinn.
Gabrielle said: “We are very grateful to have our efforts recognised by this award.
"We really appreciate the support and hope to continue to inspire people across the National Park to stand up for nature at a time when it has never been more crucial."
The project was jointly nominated for the award by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, which is one of its partners, alongside RSPB Scotland, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Sarah Henshall from the park authority said: "One of the most incredible things about it is its ability to reach and bring together such a wide variety of people and stir them into action.
"The result is a committed group who work together to conserve essential habitats for these threatened species and thousands of others."
The National Parks UK Volunteer Awards are sponsored by Columbia Sportswear who provide clothing for staff and Rangers in all 15 of the UK's National Parks.
The RIC project received a £500 bursary for winning.
A good starting point for anyone curious about how to get involved with RIC is to look at www.cairngorms.co.uk/volunteers
The six species are:
1, Kentish glory (Endromis versicolor)
2, Dark-bordered beauty (Epione vespertaria)
3, Northern silver-stiletto fly (Spiriverpa lunulata)
4, Pine hoverfly (Blera fallax)
5, Small scabious mining bee (Andrenamarginata)
6, Shining guest ant (Formicoxenus nitidulus)
.
