From the Scottish Highlands to Qld's Rainforests: 5 Positive Nature Stories from 2025

Glossy black cockatoo. Photo Credit: Richard Fisher, CC BY 2.0

Biodiversity underpins all life on Earth including animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms. As of 2022, it is estimated that we share this planet with 2.16 million species! This staggering number not only reflects the incredible variety of life on Earth, it also reminds us of the responsibility we have to protect it.

It’s true that stories of environmental doom and gloom often dominate the headlines, but around the world, people are becoming more conscious of the need to care for nature, and it’s making a difference. Through conservation and restoration efforts, some species are making a comeback, helping to restore balance in ecosystems. There’s plenty to be hopeful about, so here is our roundup of our top 5 good news stories so far this year.

1.Birds take back Linnunsuo

Golden eagle. Photo credit: Paul Sparkes

In eastern Finland, a once-barren peat mining site has been reborn as a thriving wetland now called Linnunsuo, locally known as “Marsh of Birds.”  Since 1980 to 2011, this site was used for mining activities, which damaged the soil and caused acidic runoff that harmed the ecosystem, killing fish in the Jukajoji River. Throughout this period, the absence of bird species such as gulls and the protected whooper swan also remained evident. As a result, in 2017, a local environmental group, Snowchange Cooperative, purchased the property, restoring the area and transforming Linnunsuo back into a functioning wetland.

Within just one year of restoration work, the site transformed into a haven for wildlife, attracting more than 190 bird species and up to 100,000 migrating geese each autumn. The speed of recovery even surprised ecologists. Endangered Northern Pintails and Greater Spotted Eagles now nest here, while wolverines, bears, and moose roam the pools and reedbeds. Even sphagnum moss has naturally returned, helping secure the site’s future as a vital carbon store.

2.Lost shark resurfaces after 50 years

A shark species once thought extinct has reappeared in Papua New Guinea after more than five decades. The Sailback Houndshark (Gogolia filewoodi) was first described in the 1970s from a single specimen. It had wide eyes, a large head and a short mouth and it was never seen again, until now. Researchers have documented six new individuals, five females and one male, near the Gogol River mouth. Researchers have documented six new individuals, five females and one male, near the Gogol River mouth.

The species is unique to Papua New Guinea and represents a rare evolutionary lineage. But some researchers believe that the distribution of this species is not limited to Papua New Guinea, it may also extend across Indonesia. Little is known about its biology, but its rediscovery highlights the importance of continued exploration and monitoring.  What other elusive marine animals may still be out there waiting to be found?

3.Retired GP uncovers seven new fungi species

Marasmius porphyrocephalus. Photo credit: Stephen Axford

An 80-year-old retired doctor has discovered seven new species of fungi, all found in the rainforests of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Fran Guard’s interest in fungi sparked after she bought a property on the Sunshine Coast, where she discovered colorful, unidentified mushrooms. Her passion grew even more after leaving her medical career for mycology, where she successfully identified 21 new species!

Her in-depth research, supported by DNA analysis, confirmed the fungi belong to the genus Marasmius, a group that recycles leaf litter and organic matter on the forest floor. Among them is Marasmius wianwian, a striking purple pinwheel fungus recorded in only a few locations. Some species are highly localised, while others span forests and even gardens across eastern Australia.

4.Aspens bounce back with wolves’ return

Aspen groves exhibiting regenerative sucker growth in the lower Antelope Creek drainage. Photo credit: Flickr/YellowstoneNPS

Three decades after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park, mature aspen trees are finally returning to the landscape. A new study has recorded the first generation of tall, overstory aspens in 80 years after decades of suppression by overabundant elk. For decades, young quaking aspens struggled to grow beyond waist height in Yellowstone. The situation worsened during winter, as they became a primary food source for elk.

Now, with wolves, bears, and cougars back in the system, elk browsing pressure has eased, bringing relief to the aspens. The trees now have a chance to grow and mature into full stands. These trees are critical for a wide range of wildlife, from beavers to cavity-nesting birds. Researchers say it’s a rare, large-scale example of how restoring predators can bring whole ecosystems back into balance.

5.Attenborough welcomes Scotland’s newest eagle

Golden eagles. Photo credit: Wildland Limited.

Golden eagles are soaring again in southern Scotland, thanks to a major conservation effort, and the first chick to fledge has been given a name by none other than Sir David Attenborough. At 99, the legendary broadcaster chose “Princeling,” meaning young prince, to symbolise new hope for the species. The bird is also often referred to as the king of skies.

Once down to only three breeding pairs, the golden eagle population in southern Scotland has grown to over 50 since 2018, boosted by translocations from the Highlands. The project, led by Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), is a turning point for one of Scotland’s most iconic birds of prey. And as a symbol of new hope, this species can integrate into local populations and even recolonise northern England over time.

We know that environmental news can often feel overwhelming, so we hope this list has offered a moment of optimism and a reminder that progress is possible. Persistence, resilience and ongoing curiosity have helped us rediscover species we once thought were lost and uncover new species that enrich our understanding of biodiversity. With only around 20% of Earth’s species identified so far, every effort plays a vital role, ensuring stories like these continue to bring hope, and inspire us to care for our environment and community as a whole.

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