They claim the reason for this is that 'more and more people see that there is a possibility of irreparable damage to wildlife and the environment from inappropriate developments'.
They point out: "The carefully considered SNH advice to the Scottish Executive that the proposed north Lewis wind farm would have 'a detrimental effect on internationally important wildlife sites' is welcomed and it is hoped that the issue henceforward receives a more careful and balanced treatment than it has so far."
On the question of hedgehogs, HELPS state that the natural environment of the Outer Hebrides is easily and irrevocably damaged, often in unexpected ways.
"In recent months the hedgehog, unfortunately introduced several years ago, has once again been a reminder of this ever-present hazard. In order to remove an alien predator, hedgehogs have been subject to culling, particularly to prevent their destruction of the eggs of ground-nesting birds in Uist and Benbecula," say HELPS.
They point out that the Scottish SSPCA asked SNH earlier in the year to give up culling and replace it with 'relocating hedgehogs to the mainland', SNH agreed to this change of approach. Now a year-long trial of 'relocation' has begun.
HELPS continue: "Most of the 'nature news' since the beginning of the year has been either of 'an appropriate and constructive kind' or in the form of 'welcome events' ranging from the arrival of two snowy owls in the north-west of Lewis to the appearance of 'Light and Flight' which they describe as 'an attractive but inconsistent wildlife and landscape sketch book published in Mull, with good coverage of the Outer Hebrides'.
HELPS welcome the increased activity of the RSPB in the islands, including two important conservation schemes – one relating to the survival of the corn buntings in North Uist by building hay stacks to make seed available for them, and the other fostering the survival of bumblebees, especially the rare great yellow bumblebee.