St Andrews Aquarium has announced its support for the campaign to protect Lucklaw Hill, a unique natural landscape near Balmullo that is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife and an important green space for the local community.

The Save Lucklawhill Community Action Group was formed to oppose proposals to expand the Balmullo Quarry, which campaigners say could significantly alter the hill and the surrounding habitats that support hundreds of species of plants, insects and animals.

One of the defining features of Lucklaw Hill is the heather that covers the summit, providing an important natural habitat for insects and pollinators. Heather-rich landscapes are particularly valuable for bees, offering vital nectar sources that support healthy colonies and help sustain the wider ecosystem. Bees in turn play a critical role in pollinating wildflowers and plants, which provide food and habitat for many other species.

To date, nearly 800 species have been recorded on Lucklaw Hill within just a one-kilometre area, demonstrating the remarkable biodiversity of the site. Experts surveying the hill continue to discover new species; most recently, moss specialists identified more than 40 different moss species during a single afternoon survey.

St Andrews Aquarium owner John Mace, who lives locally and keeps bees on Lucklaw Hill, says the hill’s natural habitats are particularly important for pollinators and the ecosystems they support.

“Lucklaw Hill is a special place for wildlife, and especially for bees,” said John Mace. “The heather on the hill provides an incredibly valuable source of nectar for pollinators, and as a beekeeper I see first-hand how important healthy habitats like this are. Bees support far more than just honey production — they underpin the entire ecosystem that many other plants and animals rely on. Protecting places like Lucklaw Hill helps ensure that wildlife and pollinators can continue to thrive for generations.”

As an organisation dedicated to inspiring people to care about animals and the natural world, St Andrews Aquarium says supporting the campaign reflects its commitment to protecting biodiversity both globally and within the local community.

The aquarium is encouraging people to learn more about the campaign and consider supporting efforts to protect the wildlife, pollinators and natural habitats of Lucklaw Hill.

Find out more about the campaign at: www.savelucklawhill.org

Submit an objection to the planning application here: https://www.savelucklawhill.org/copy-of-how-to-object