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Deborah Long

@naturepower

Chief Officer at Scottish Environment LINK. Just Transition Commissioner in Scotland. Ecologist, gardener, traveller. Posting in a personal capacity.

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Latest posts by Deborah Long @naturepower

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An inspiring day of #NatureRestorationFund projects all making a difference for nature and delivering real benefits for nature and Scotland’s future. Hope is in short supply at the moment but today illustrates the huge potential for nature restoration to deliver resilience, health and prosperity.

10.03.2026 18:05 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Delighted to be at the #NatureRestorationFund conference today hearing about the fantastic projects that have been funded and that are making real progress in halting the loss of biodiversity and building Scotland’s resilience. Inspiring and so badly needed.

10.03.2026 10:52 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

A vibrant poster with a green background showing a red squirrel, Scottish wildcat, and puffin wearing party hats. They are surrounded by green and pink confetti, streamers, and balloons holding up a banner that reads: β€œMSPs voted to pass the Natural Environment Bill! Scotland WILL have legally binding nature recovery targets.

A vibrant poster with a green background showing a red squirrel, Scottish wildcat, and puffin wearing party hats. They are surrounded by green and pink confetti, streamers, and balloons holding up a banner that reads: β€œMSPs voted to pass the Natural Environment Bill! Scotland WILL have legally binding nature recovery targets.

Big win for Scotland’s nature! The Natural Environment Bill passed by MSPs will bring in legally binding targets to restore wildlife and habitats. Huge thanks to LINK’s members and supporters who helped make this happen! Let’s keep pushing for strong action and funding to restore Scotland’s nature.

30.01.2026 09:38 πŸ‘ 99 πŸ” 36 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 3
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Great news! The Natural Environment Bill has been passed in Scottish Parliament. Nature’s voice has been heard, bringing focus on 1 of the biggest risks facing the world but which is often ignored. Legally binding targets for nature alongside action on other key pressures will help focus minds.

30.01.2026 11:25 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
We need nature targets to drive real change There is so much we could be doing to bring nature back from decline and to restore it. But we lack focus and we lack political leadership on this fundamental issue for the planet, for communities …

My latest blog is about why we need legally binding targets for nature and a decent future for communities and future generations. Legally binding targets to be delivered by 2030 and 2045 provide focus to meet our international targets. valuingwildplants.wordpress.com/2025/12/20/w...

20.12.2025 12:31 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
We need nature targets to drive realΒ change There is so much we could be doing to bring nature back from decline and to restore it. But we lack focus and we lack political leadership on this fundamental issue for the planet, for communities today and for future generations. Legally binding targets provide that focus if we are to meet the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

My latest blog: There is so much we could be doing to bring nature back from decline. But we lack focus & political leadership on this fundamental issue for communities today and future generations. Legally binding targets provide that focus to meet the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

20.12.2025 12:24 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Today, some of @scotlink.bsky.social CEOs gathered in Birnam to discuss the future, share plans, hopes and ambitions for Scotland’s environment. I’m truly honoured to work with such smart, inspiring and generous leaders.

04.12.2025 18:26 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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LINK's Deborah Long in the new 'ScotLand Futures' report argues land reform must empower human & natural communities currently limited by concentrated ownership.

Read her full perspective on pg.16
www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...

@naturepower.bsky.social
@scottishlandcom.bsky.social

25.11.2025 11:25 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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A great evening #NatureofScotland awards celebrating all those doing fantastic things for nature in Scotland

20.11.2025 22:34 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Arriving at work this morning, a puffin, a wildcat, a bumblebee and a red squirrel reminded MSPs they needed a strong Natural Environment bill to protect and restore nature. They can’t vote and mustn’t be forgotten. #ScotlandLovesNature

30.10.2025 10:30 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

#JustTransitionSummit25 investors are avoiding nature restoration & inherent risks limiting investment. Scottish Investment Bank has key role but no ideas on how to tackle this urgent issue? Part of this is innovative natural capital investment but also not investing in nature negative activities.

29.10.2025 11:57 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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A Just Transition for is just as much about nature asΒ carbon I've been thinking about how Scotland's Just Transistion is just as much about nature, the people of Scotland and future generations, as well as carbon. There are challenges ahead but also opportunities and some clear options for action.

Scotland's Just Transistion is just as much about nature as carbon. There are challenges ahead but also opportunities and some clear options for action. I'm hoping these will be fully explored @JTCScot summit in Edinburgh today.

29.10.2025 10:09 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Key to land use and communities able to engage on local planning effectively depends on large part on #nationalplanningframework implementation of biodiversity enhancement, committing to replacing lost biodiversity and enhancing it. Work to do on that front.

29.10.2025 09:56 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Some excellent questions for @johnswinney.bsky.social about resilience, Scotland’s lack of it and the lack of a land use plan to plan developments and enable communities to engage.

29.10.2025 09:51 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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A letter from Nature toΒ Humanity If Nature could speak, what would she say? On the eve of the Just Transistion summit 2025 and two days before the debate in Scottish Parliament about the Natural Environment Bill, I imagined what nature would want to say to us: Nature's letter to Humanity

If Nature could speak, what would she say? On the eve of the Just Transistion summit 2025 and two days before the debate in Scottish Parliament about the Natural Environment Bill, I imagined what nature would want to say to us: Nature's letter to Humanity

28.10.2025 15:37 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Nature needs targets First published in the Scotsman, this blog explores why nature needs targets and how Scotland's Natural Environment Bill can, and must, make that happen.

First published in the Scotsman, this blog explores why nature needs targets and how Scotland's Natural Environment Bill can, and must, make that happen.

23.10.2025 17:14 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Scottish Environment LINK: reflecting on the recent milestone of 50Β members In July 2025, Scottish Environment LINK celebrated welcoming 50 members to the network. Started in 1987, LINK has continued to be the voice for Scotland's environment, amplifying member voices and ensuring the environment is seen and heard.

Scottish Environment LINK: reflecting on the recent milestone of 50Β members

In July 2025, Scottish Environment LINK celebrated welcoming 50 members to the network. Started in 1987, LINK has continued to be the voice for Scotland's environment, amplifying member voices and ensuring the environment…

11.08.2025 17:22 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
ScotLand Futures: how can land reform deliver a fairer, greener, more prosperousΒ Scotland? An opinion piece written for ScotLand Futures on how land reform can deliver for a fairer, green and prosperous Scotland.

ScotLand Futures: how can land reform deliver a fairer, greener, more prosperousΒ Scotland?

An opinion piece written for ScotLand Futures on how land reform can deliver for a fairer, green and prosperous Scotland.

07.08.2025 16:40 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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LINK at 50 members - Scotlink In July 2025, Scottish Environment LINK reached an amazing milestone! Our membership reached 50 member organisations. Deborah Long, LINK’s current CEO, has been talking to early supporters, early driv...

LINK at 50 members: I asked our Hon Fellows & members about the importance of working together as LINK:
The environment and planet has never needed champions more, ready to voice the uncomfortable & point out the awkward while always looking to the long-term future.
www.scotlink.org/link-at-50-m...

07.08.2025 16:15 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Today sees Scottish Government 1st evaluation of #NatureRestorationFund. Crucial to nature restoration in Scotland, its investment supports habitat & species restoration across Scotland. It's only the start but it powerfully shows how nature can recover given investment. www.gov.scot/publications...

06.08.2025 09:55 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

This is brilliant. 50 members and counting! Togther we're stronger and louder for the environment.

21.07.2025 13:21 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Essential Wildness
Essential Wildness YouTube video by John Muir Trust

I needed to find that Friday feeling & it's still here. This @johnmuirtrust.bsky.social film may be 10 years but it is as relevent today & still packs a punch.
Have a good weekend everyone.
youtu.be/1UIiixu2MZs?...

13.06.2025 15:37 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We made Nature's voice heard...thanks to everyone who showed up, spoke, shouted & rapped. πŸπŸŒΈπŸ—³οΈ

12.06.2025 14:09 πŸ‘ 9 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Brilliant to see so many eloquent and loud people outside parliament today. Thank you for Speaking up for Nature.

12.06.2025 14:05 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Today's the day! Join us outside the Scottish parliament from 12:30-2pm to make our voices heard for Scotland's nature 🌱✊

12.06.2025 09:06 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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I am on my way, with my placards, to Stand up for Nature at today's demo outside Scottish Parliament with @scotlink.bsky.social & our members!

12.06.2025 09:31 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
From Rhetoric to Reality: revisited - Scotlink In 2011, LINK published our first Rhetoric to Reality assessment. Ten years later in 2022, we have repeated the assessment. Read the report here.

The @acosvo conference today is reflecting a key theme in #environmentsector & @scotlink.bsky.social: we need to see a move from rhetoric to reality. The need is across society & across policy www.scotlink.org/publication/...

11.06.2025 12:46 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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In less than a week we'll be standing up for nature - join us!

With one in nine species at risk of extinction in Scotland, the time to act is now.

Join us to demand that our MSPs stand up for nature.

πŸ“…Thursday 12 June
⏰ 12:30-2pm
πŸ“ Scottish parliament

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-f...

06.06.2025 16:13 πŸ‘ 16 πŸ” 12 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Yesterday LINK members came together with MSPs to celebrate the Nature Champions initiative!

The event was a great chance to connect and pay recognition to the fantastic work our MSP Nature Champions and members do to bring a voice for nature into the Scottish parliament.

05.06.2025 11:30 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Thank you to everyone who came along to the fantastic @scotlink.bsky.social reception in Scottish Parliament tonight & congratulations to our #NatureChampion award winners. Special thanks to the fab @scotlink.bsky.social team.

04.06.2025 20:54 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0