Scottish Motorsport Marshals Club (SMMC) is firmly committed to protecting the environment, reducing our environmental impact and improving the long-term sustainability of our Club, while continuing to support Motorsport UK events across the country. Although SMMC does not organise motorsport events, we do play a vital supporting role at many events, and it is essential that we manage and minimise our own carbon footprint. This commitment is a key part of our Sustainability Accreditation with Motorsport UK.
The competition seen on the track, rally stage or hill is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motorsport’s carbon impact. Travel to events, the operation of our Rescue Units, and even everyday actions such as printing paperwork all contribute. In 2025 alone, SMMC Rescue Units travelled around 15,000 miles in support of motorsport. We are actively exploring ways to reduce CO2 emissions associated with our vehicles, including practical measures such as fitting our newest Rescue Unit with roof mounted solar panels to provide a trickle charge to onboard electrical equipment and heating systems, and low-energy LED external and internal lighting.
Where emissions cannot be eliminated completely, SMMC is committed to responsible carbon offsetting. Rather than offsetting at a distance, we are choosing to invest locally by partnering with registered environmental charity Fife Coast & Countryside Trust to deliver real, measurable benefits as part of their work at Coul Den Reservoir in Glenrothes.
Coul Den is a thriving nature reserve, rich in naturally developing habitats that support a wide range of birds, insects and mammals. Among them are Mallards, whose ground nests are extremely vulnerable to predation, trampling and disturbance from dog walkers. In some areas, fewer than 15% of nests successfully hatch.
Through this project, SMMC will help fund and install duck nest tubes, safe artificial nesting structures that protect nests from predators and the elements. When used correctly, these tubes can increase fledgling success to over 90%, delivering a clear and lasting conservation benefit. Our donation will fund the materials, with each nest tube costing around £50.
🦆 On Sunday 25th January, we will be helping build around ten tubes and assist with other maintenance activities at Coul Den Reservoir in Glenrothes. The build work will take place between 10.00am and 3.00pm, with the completed tubes then installed at key sites. The ducks need around six weeks to become accustomed to the tubes before nesting season begins, meaning our efforts will directly influence the success of the next breeding season.
If you are available, and would like to help with this project, or just want more information, please contact our Sustainability Champion, Mark Russell (mark@smmc.org.uk) and he will be in touch.
By combining practical emission reduction, local environmental investment and hands-on volunteering, this project demonstrates SMMC’s commitment to sustainability in action. It moves beyond words and distant offsetting schemes, showing how our Club can support motorsport while also helping to protect and enhance the natural environments in which we live, work and volunteer.