Reconnect With Nature

Current lockdown requirements can leave many people feeling disconnected from the great outdoors and our countryside's wonderful wildlife. However, keeping connected to nature can give us all a boost. The hard work of charities like Woodland Trust Scotland allows us to watch wildlife on our computer screens, via specially-constructed webcams.

Watch Osprey Family Dramas

Supported by our players since 2017, a live nest camera has been streaming footage of an osprey family in the Scottish Highlands. The nest camera at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in Lochaber has been switched on again for 2020, with ospreys returning for another season.

The camera watches the daily lives of ospreys Aila and Louis. The webcam has been operating for the whole of their breeding partnership. It has provided a rollercoaster ride of drama, triumph and tragedy for many thousands of viewers around the world. 

In 2017, the novice parents managed to fledge a single chick, called Lachlan. Disaster struck in 2018 when a pine marten stole all three of their eggs. There was better news in 2019 as chicks Mallie and Rannoch fledged successfully. Louis and Aila have been gaining skills and experience with every season, so fingers crossed this will be another successful year.

Restoring Native Woodland

Woodland Trust Scotland and local group Arkaig Community Forest bought the spectacular Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in 2016. They acquired 2,500 acres of magnificent but degraded ancient Caledonian pinewood.

Over the next 20 years, Woodland Trust will use its expertise to restore the pinewood to glorious native woodland, an important home for some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife.

There are just 84 native pinewood fragments left in Scotland. Loch Arkaig Pine Forest's ancient, wide-crowned 'granny' pines are precious features of this Scottish landscape, and part of an endangered habitat. 

Players of People's Postcode Lottery are lead funders of Loch Arkaig Pine Forest. It is thanks to this support that it has been able to buy the forest, and operate the popular osprey camera. The cam offers a slice of forest life to people everywhere and allows us to embrace the wilds of the Scottish Highlands from the safety of our homes.

Supporting Amazing Charities

Good causes like Woodland Trust are doing magnificent work with support from our players. To date, players have raised over £500 Million for a range of incredible charities. Check out how People's Postcode Lottery works. Our players can win Prizes every day of the week while 32% of the ticket price goes to good causes. Sign up today and help us help even more deserving projects.