Aberdeen-based Apex Tubulars has been shortlisted for an RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Nature of Scotland Award for its work supporting nature recovery across the River Dee catchment.
Apex Tubulars, a team of just six, has been shortlisted in the Business for Nature Award at the prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards, recognising the company’s commitment to protecting and restoring nature and its work inspiring wider action across Scotland’s business community.
Apex became the first River Dee Guardian in 2023, using its position within the energy supply chain to champion the importance of nature restoration and encourage other businesses to get involved. Since then, the River Dee Guardian network has grown to 19 businesses supporting the River Dee Trust.
The Apex team has also taken practical action on the ground, mobilising volunteers to support the Trust’s award-winning One Million Trees initiative, planting thousands of native deciduous trees to provide cooling shade along upper tributaries. The team has also helped pilot new volunteering activities, including building natural debris dams to help manage water flow conditions.
International Sales Manager Ronnie Grant, who has driven Apex’s involvement with the River Dee Trust, said:
“Being shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award is a real honour for everyone at Apex. We’re a small team, but becoming the first River Dee Guardian showed us just how much impact a business can have when it uses its relationships and influence to bring others together.
“What’s particularly rewarding is seeing the River Dee Guardian network grow to 19 businesses, alongside the practical work taking place on the ground. We’re proud to have played a part in that and hope our involvement continues to encourage more businesses to recognise the role they can play in protecting and restoring nature across the Dee catchment.”
Apex Tubulars was announced as a finalist at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Ariane Burgess MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.
John Mason, Chair of the Nature of Scotland Awards judging panel and Chair of the RSPB Scotland Committee, said “The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects and partnerships making a real difference for nature across the country. The standard of entries this year has once again been incredibly inspiring and demonstrates the passion, innovation and commitment that exists in every corner of Scotland. On behalf of the judging panel, I want to thank everyone who applied and shared their stories with us. I look forward to celebrating their achievements together at the awards ceremony in November.”
Headline sponsor NatureScot's Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith said: “We all want to live in a Scotland where people and nature flourish. With nature in a deepening global crisis, and climate change showing little sign of slowing, we need nature heroes now more than ever to tackle the impacts of climate change and to help nature recover.
"These nominees embody the remarkable, caring spirit of nature conservation, restoration and enjoyment across our country. They bring to life ideas, projects and communities that show us what a hopeful and resilient environment can look like."