ABOUT USFidra is named after the Scottish island and wildlife haven, made famous by writer of Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson.
Founder, Dr Becky Gait initially brought together a group of parents and friends with a shared passion for the environment and expertise in science, public health, law, and finance. Living by the sea they were naturally concerned about plastic pollution on local beaches and began to focus on the then little-known problem of nurdles – tiny pellets, used in the manufacture of plastic products, which wash up on our shores.
Becky formally established Fidra and the group launched The Great Nurdle Hunt in 2013 – to document nurdle pollution and engage with industry and others. Dr Abi Entwistle and Michelle Sutherland were appointed as Trustees together with Becky and her husband, David Gait.
Fidra harnessed the concerns of people living around the Firth of Forth, highlighting the issue across Scotland and then further afield, and used an evidence-based approach to encourage and enable plastics producers, users, transporters, and trade associations to introduce best practice in plastic pellet management.
Whilst plastics pollution remains a key focus, we have grown our capacity and expanded our remit and now work on threats to the environment from pollution and habitat degradation. We are continually scoping new projects on emerging issues, working with government, industry and the public to deliver evidence-based solutions.
Fidra uses scientific evidence and research best practice to achieve positive environmental change and depends upon the talent and dedication of its team of highly skilled staff to scope and deliver its projects.
The Trustees continue to play an instrumental role in growing and shaping the organisation and are closely and actively involved in determining its strategic direction.
Our Vision - Sustainable societies; healthy ecosystems
Our Mission - To achieve solutions to environmental issues using the best available science working in collaboration with governments, industry and the public
Our Values - We are collaborative and evidence-based
Fidra’s Focus
- We have a clear impact whilst being a catalyst for broader change.
- We promote a holistic view of environmental change, ensuring each of our projects feeds into efforts to address the climate and biodiversity crises.
- We use the best available science and evidence to identify projects and inform our work.
- We believe that everyone has a role in seeking solutions from individuals, communities, government and industry.
- We aim to ensure we meet the best possible sustainability standards as an organisation.
WORKING AT FIDRA
To realise our vision, mission, and values Fidra aims to continuously learn, improve, and adapt as an environmentally conscious employer with a commitment to provide an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming workplace for all employees.
