World Leader Wildlife Viewing
The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick is the world leader in remote wildlife viewing and a triumph for sustainable tourism in
With state-of-the-art live interactive cameras, the Seabird Centre brings people of all ages and abilities close to nature and focuses on the amazing wildlife in the area - 400,000 seabirds, including over 140,000 gannets on the Bass Rock, described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the wildlife wonders of the world”. The Isle of May with 100,000 puffins and the largest grey seal colony on the east coast of
A community based independent charity, the Centre is committed to increasing the awareness, appreciation and care of our natural environment, while contributing over £2million annually to the local economy.
As a charity, the Seabird Centre is grateful to Green Insurance for sponsoring the new Live Streaming Webcam.
Green Credentials
The Scottish Seabird Centre is proud to have won a Green Tourism Gold Award (http://www.green-business.co.uk/). This award recognises the importance of businesses being environmentally friendly and encourages the development of a sustainable tourism industry for Scotland.
The award winning five star wildlife visitor centre is committed to providing a good high quality service, while minimising its environmental impact. Through membership of the Green Tourism Business Scheme the Scottish Seabird Centre is committed to the following:
Good environmental practice in all business activities
- Responsible care requirements for waste disposal
- Continual sustainable environmental improvements
- Prevent any polluting activities in the Seabird Centre and promote reduction of polluting activities to visitors in the area
Environmental Practice
The actions of each and every one of us have an impact on the environment. The Scottish Seabird Centre’s Environment Zone provides advice information about the challenges to our planet and its wildlife and the things we can all do to help. The Seabird Centre practices what it preaches and below is an overview of our Environmental Code of Practice.
The Seabird Centre uses alternative energy sources wherever possible. The remote cameras on the islands are all solar powered, as is the ticket machine in the car park. Lights up the path to the Centre are also solar powered and a wind turbine operating on the office roof is saving % of the Centre’s energy. Long term, the Seabird Centre plans to power the entire centre with alternative energy and plans have just been approved to intall solar roof panels. We have also applied to the Carbon Footprint organisation to calculate our primary footprint and await confirmation on actions required to offset.
We work with our supplier partners to encourage use of environmentally friendly products
- We identify and implement eco-friendly policies through the Green Team, an internal working group.
- We purchase recycled goods whenever appropriate and possible.
- We recyle at every opportunity.
- We maintain a policy of seeking improved methods of reducing energy consumption.
Initiatives to Reduce, Re-use & Recycle
The following is a selection of initiatives that we adopt to help reduce, re-use and recycle:
- Water Hippos in flush toilets to save water
- Dedicated recycling units
- Re-use of furniture and fittings after our refurbishments by donating to local charities and businesses.
- Installation of low energy light bulbs
- Solar powered cameras on the islands
- Solar powered parking machine
- New solar power outdoor lighting
Daily Actions
On a day to day basis the teams at the Seabird Centretake the following actions in their contribution to helping the environment:
- Recycling of Paper, Plastic, Cardboard, Glass, Polythene Wrappers and Toner Cartridges
- Waste cooking oil is recycled by locally based candle manufacturer Carberry Candles
- Daily monitor water/gas/electricity consumption to aid reducing consumption levels
- Encourage car share
- Encourage cycle to work and provide cycle rack facilities plus cycling discounts
- Encourage local transport and provide information on their facilities
- Purchase recycled goods
- Provide environmental awareness and training as part of the induction programme
- On going environmental and awareness training
- Have a dedicated environmental group driving forward new initiatives
- Promote our Green Tourism Business Scheme award and policy to clients Local Support
We support our local environment, services, producers and suppliers through the following actions: - Use local produce for beverages, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy
- Support Fair Trade products
- Provide local transport services information to our staff, volunteers and visitors
- Provide cycle hire information
Developments - Energy saving lighting, dimmers and motion detectors are in place
- Timers on electrical equipment
Offset your Carbon Footprint
To offset your carbon footprint click on the link below to Climate Care http://www.climatecare.org/.
Code of Conduct
The Scottish Seabird Centre is a member of Wild Scotland, an association of wildlife tourism operators who are passionate about Scotland’s rich natural heritage.
Members aim to provide the very best wildlife watching in Scotland through a responsible attitude to the environment, your safety and enjoyment.
You can help us to enjoy and protect Scotland’s wildlife
- Give wildlife space – keep quiet and use your binoculars to see wildlife close up without disturbing the animals
- Follow your guide’s instructions. If you are unsure what to do, ask the guide.
- Keep to paths or established routes when on land
- Don’t drop litter!
- Don’t touch or feed the wildlife
