Seven rare species found at conservation charity sites

THE discovery of seven rare species at National Trust for Scotland sites in 2025 is a “powerful sign” its conservation efforts are working, the charity has said.

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The rare Cortinarius eucaeruleus fungus was found at Killiecrankie

(NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND/PA)

Corncrake chicks, lichen, a rare fungus and an unusual beetle are among the “remarkable” species recorded in 2025, many of them found nowhere else in Scotland, the UK, or in some cases the world.

National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said that the discoveries highlight the importance of safeguarding nature and are a reminder of the pressures facing these delicate ecosystems amid climate change and habitat loss.

The species found include corncrake chicks on the Treshnish Isles, which were acquired by the trust in 2023.