Afleveringen
-
We are joined by Jonathan Morley from Pivotal, to discuss the importance of robust, reliable and verifiable data and how digital biodiversity monitoring is part of this. Pivotal are a biodiversity monitoring and analytics company working with a range of Natural Capital managers, funds and organisations across the world, providing data from both the ground and remote sources. We discuss the range of technologies and methods available and the use cases for high-quality, verified biodiversity data, including linking nature investment to real world outcomes. Jonathan gives us valuable insight on how good business and nature are interlinked, the role of land managers and how to accurately evidence the biodiversity on your land.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps:
2:25 – 11:07 methods and technology for gathering complex biodiversity data
11:08 – 16:49 benefits and improvements to digital data monitoring
16:50 – 35:36 how to collect high quality data, it’s uses and economic drivers
35:37 – end improving biodiversity and evidencing real world change
Related FAS resources:
Emerging Biodiversity Markets In Scotland, A Source Of Alternative Funding | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Investing in data for nature-based projects | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Biodiversity Net Gain | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Resources:
Pivotal
Measuring nature and biodiversity: A guide to high quality monitoring and analytics
-
In this episode we speak to Celine Delabre from NatureScot to inform listeners on the upcoming requirement to complete biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan and how NatureScot’s farm biodiversity app can help to deliver these in the future. We discuss the important details that farmers requiring the audit need to know to help them complete it and find out more about the NatureScot app.
From 2025 a Whole Farm Plan will be a mandatory condition for accessing future funding. This will involve all farmers and crofters undertaking a number of audits and plans relevant to their agricultural activities. By 15 May 2025 farmers are being asked to prepare for the Whole Farm Plan by undertaking at least two baseline plans or audits including a carbon audit, soil analysis, an animal health and welfare plan, an integrated pest management plan and a biodiversity audit.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Kieron Sim.
Timestamps:
0:50 – 5:23 Intro to Whole Farm Plan and biodiversity audits
5:23 – 10:00 NatureScot biodiversity audit and ways to complete them
10:00 – 24:55 Story of the app being developed, data it uses and how it works
24:55 – end What NatureScot is learning from the audit, future plans and advice
Related FAS Resources
Natural Capital | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Preparing For The Future Whole Farm Plan | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Preparing For The Future Biodiversity Audits | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Biodiversity Audit | NatureScot
Whole Farm Plan (ruralpayments.org)
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is a charitable organisation that looks to bring farming, the working countryside, and Scotland’s Natural Capital to life for young people. The trust aims to connect Scotland’s youth to the countryside, and give insight into food, farming and countryside management in Scotland. The trust achieves this through a number of key activities, such as farm visits and providing educational resource materials for schools, along with much more.
Ensuring younger generations from both rural and urban communities are aware and understand where and how food is produced, and the countryside is managed, is vitally important in ensuring a thriving rural sector, and appreciation for Scotland’s Natural Capital and its conservation.
Today we are joined by Katrina Barclay from RHET to hear about what their organisation does and why.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie.
Timestamps:
1:30 – 5:30 What is RHET and the type work they do
5:34 –7:05 The role that Natural Capital has
7:05 – 33:29 Farming and learning outcomes, benefits for children and the sector.
33:30 – 40:49 Incorporating land use change and sustainability issues.
40:50 - 50:15 How can teachers and farmers get involved
Related FAS Material:
Environment resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Materials:
The Royal Highland Education Trust | Royal Highland Education Trust (rhet.org.uk)
Food: The Facts | Royal Highland Education Trust (rhet.org.uk)
THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)
Good Food Nation - Food and drink - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
-
Loch Leven’s Larder is an enterprise with the farm to fork concept at its core, with the farm providing produce to the café and shop. Since 2005, the larder has put community and sustainability at the forefront of its operations, to provide the Loch Leven area a place to enjoy locally sourced healthy food in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the land that produced their food, and the Loch Leven landscape at large.
Loch Leven’s Larder looks to utilise the natural capital in their area in a way that enhances biodiversity, stimulates local economy, provide space for local community, while maintaining a healthy business that thrives through diversification. Today we are speaking with Robin Niven from Loch Leven’s Larder, to discuss their story and how understanding, utilising and enhancing natural capital has shaped there business and provides opportunities for the future.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps:
1:25 – 4:09 The history and purpose of Loch Leven’s Larder
4:10 – 12:31 Local community importance and benefits
12:32 – 21:09 Why people visit, sustainable farming practices and looking after natural capital
21:10 – 29:09 Private sector funding and sustainability of food to plate
28:10 – 35:45 Advice for others looking to diversify and a thriving rural economy
Related FAS Material:
Rural Business resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Materials:
Loch Leven's Larder- award-winning Kinross-shire Café, farm shop & gifts (lochlevenslarder.com)
-
Forth Rivers Trust leads the Leven LENs, a collaborative project that aims to match investors with local activities and projects, that preserve and enhance the Leven catchment’s natural assets. This strategy for long-term investment will deliver a healthy productive landscape, while benefitting the environment, boosting biodiversity and uplifting local communities.
We speak to Co-Director of Forth Rivers Trust, Amelia Heath about the Leven LENs project, the wider work of Forth Rivers Trust, their engagement within the Forth catchment and how they overcome the challenges they face.
Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) facilitate investment in nature-based solutions, that deliver productive, resilient landscapes alongside positive environmental outcomes. LENs, are a marketplace for land management measures that deliver ecosystem functions, creating a network of private and public stakeholders based on shared interests and collaboration.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie
Timestamps:
1:20 – 9:59 Forth Rivers Trust, working with land mangers and pressures on the catchment
10:00 – 13:29 LENs, collaboration and the roles of different stakeholders.
13:30 – 20:29 Loch Leven LENs, funding and engaging local communities
20:30 – 27:54 Other Forth Rivers Trust projects and overcoming challenges
Related FAS resources:
FAS Water Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
Landscape Scale Collaboration episode https://www.fas.scot/publication/natural-capital-landscape-scale-collaboration/
Landscape Scale Conservation https://www.fas.scot/article/landscape-scale-conservation/
Emerging Biodiversity Markets In Scotland, A Source Of Alternative Funding https://www.fas.scot/article/emerging-biodiversity-markets-in-scotland-a-source-of-alternative-funding/
Other Related Resources:
Forth Rivers Trust https://forthriverstrust.org/
Landscape Enterprise Networks LENs https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/
FIRNS - The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/firns-facility-investment-ready-nature-scotland
MERLIN https://project-merlin.eu/
-
It’s a brand-new series of Natural Capital with a brand-new host! To kick things off Harry speaks to Scottish Forestry’s Lyn White, who is their forestry and farming development officer. Lyn promotes an integrated approach to farming and forestry, to aid understanding and explore opportunities for them to work more effectively together. We discuss working with farmers to maximise the benefits to farms, the farmer-led Integrating Trees Network and all things agroforestry. We discuss the multiple benefits that planting trees can bring to agriculture, including providing shelter, improving productivity, diversifying income, creating habitats and combating climate change.
Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie
Related FAS resources:
Natural Capital | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Farm Woodland resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Integrated Land Management Plans (ILMPs) | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Forestry Grant Scheme | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources:
Scottish Forestry - Integrating Trees Network
Integrating Trees Network Events
Forestry Grant Scheme (ruralpayments.org)
Scottish Forestry - Home
Timestamps:
0:55 – 15:05 Lyn’s role and the benefits of agroforestry and integrating trees to farmland.
15:06 – 26:05 Agroforestry, considerations, challenges, and grant options.
26:06 – 33:52 Integrating trees network and farmer led initiatives.
33:53 – 40:05 Farmer hesitancies, where to get more info and making the most of your land.
-
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a
measurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory;
developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity following
their development of 10%.
In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consultant and future host of
this podcast, Harry Fisher. We discuss his experience of BNG and how it works,
including biodiversity metrics, valuing nature, opportunities for Scotland and what
he is looking forward to as the future host of Natural Capital.
If you have an idea for future episodes, or want to provide feedback on the series, we would
love to hear from you. Visit: https://www.fas.scot/sounds-comments-and-suggestions/
Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross
Mackenzie.
Related FAS resources:
FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/
Previous Natural Capital episodes: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/
Emerging biodiversity markets in Scotland, a source of alternative funding:
https://www.fas.scot/article/emerging-biodiversity-markets-in-scotland-a-source-of-alternative-funding/
Other Related Resources:
Understanding biodiversity net gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain
Defra statutory biodiversity metric tools and guides:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-biodiversity-metric-tools-and-guides
Research into approaches to measuring biodiversity in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/research-approaches-measuring-biodiversity-scotland/
Timestamps:
Intro to episode and our new host Harry: 0:00 – 5:10
What is BNG and its use: 5:11 – 13:13
Actions to increase biodiversity: 13:14 – 19:12
Impact and use of BNG on farms: 19:13 – 25:10
Defra tool, metrics and valuing nature: 25:11 – 33:43
-
Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood risk or mitigating and adapting to climate change. We discuss what AECS has to offer with consultants Dr Paul Chapman and Alex Pirie to find out everything about AECS, how to apply and the opportunities it presents to create, restore and enhance natural capital assets.
Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie
Related FAS resources:
FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/
FAS Specialist Advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/
Thrill of the hill: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/
Other Related Resources:
Woodland Trust MOREhedges: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morehedges
Woodland Trust MOREwoods: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morewoods/
Nature restoration fund: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/scottish-government-nature-restoration-fund-nrf
Rural Payments AECS: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/
Timecodes:
What is AECS and how it has developed 2:26 – 11:16
Alternative funding and collaboration 11:17 – 15:17
The application process 15:18 – 19:20
What’s included in this year's AECS 19:21 - 26:08
Deadlines, useful info and advice for new applicants 30:28 - 35:07
-
In this episode of Natural Capital, we are talking about the issue that underpins every topic we cover, and that is finance and funding! With the economic and other pressures that landowners are facing it is great to be joined today by Steve Dunkley the Regional Agriculture Director at HSBC, and Martin Hanson the Head of Agriculture for HSBC, to share their view on ‘Green Finance’, what they are experiencing from clients and customers, and share their experience with some ‘Green Finance’ projects they have been involved with.
Steve Dunkley is HSBC's Regional Agriculture Director for Business Banking in the north.
Steve has worked in the farming sector for the last 30 years, from the family farm in the Yorkshire Dales to careers in both consultancy and government.
Martin Hanson is the Head of Agriculture for HSBC and works with farming clients helping them grow and flourish providing appropriate working capital and long-term investment support to as many Agricultural Businesses as possible - helping to support the rural communities of the UK, protect the environment and our future.
Related FAS resources:
FAS Sounds: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/
FAS Biodiversity Pages: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/
Other Related Resources:
https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/solutions/green-sme-fund
-
For our final episode of 2023 we are getting a bit festive and are speaking to Ollie Mackay at Rothiemurchus Estate. Rothiemurchus is a special and beautiful place in the Highlands of Scotland, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Ollie is the Head Ranger on the estate and we chat about all the estate’s natural capital assets and his role.
We learn about the range of activities and habitats the estate hosts including livestock, farming, beavers and tourism, alongside the pressures and opportunities this creates. Rothiemurchus is the custodian of one of the finest remnants of the Caledonian forest, a natural woodland dominated by Scots Pine that is managed sustainably for nature conservation, recreation, woodland grazing and timber production. Management of the forest has created an opportunity for environmentally friendly Christmas trees, with profits going back in to the upkeep of paths and projects on the estate.
Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie.
Related FAS resources:
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Rewilding | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Living Alongside Beavers | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources:
Home - Cairngorms National Park Authority
Welcome to Rothiemurchus — Rothiemurchus
Rothiemurchus Scots Pine Christmas Trees — Rothiemurchus
-
We visit the beautiful island of Islay, finding out about the unique habitats, species and important natural capital assets the island supports. The RSPB Islay reserves have internationally important populations of wintering Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted geese, and are also important for breeding Chough, Corncrake, Lapwing and a range of other wildlife.
All these species depend on farming practices and the correct land management to thrive. This creates conflicts and opportunities for land managers and agriculture on the island. To discuss this and lots more, we are joined by farmer Craig Archibald, RSPB Senior Farms Manager Eion Brown and Jack Fleming, Area Manager, RSPB for Argyll, Arran and Ardnamurchan.
Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie.
Related FAS resources:
Goose Management in Scotland: https://www.fas.scot/article/goose-management-in-scotland Understanding Goose Control Law: https://www.fas.scot/article/understanding-goose-control-law-in-scotland/ Farmland Birds: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/farmland-birds/ FAS Sounds: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/ FAS Biodiversity Pages: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/Other Related Resources:
Argyll Monitor Farm: www.monitorfarms.co.uk/farm/argyll-monitor-farm/ RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-gruinart RSPB The Oa Reserve: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/the-oa Payments for goose management schemes: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/managing-geese/payments-goose-management-schemes Islay Sustainable Goose Management Strategy: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/managing-geese/islay-sustainable-goose-management-strategy -
In this episode of Natural Capital Ross Mackenzie and Janette Sutherland visit Sam Thorburn’s croft on the Isle of Skye. They discuss the natural capital on the islands, Gaelic culture, biodiversity, and crofting life. Gaelic language provides a unique insight and understanding of Scotland’s nature, helping us to understand it better. Central to all Natural Capital is people; our heritage, language, and communities are all important considerations. They provide valuable lessons and traditional ways of doing things, helping to develop successful natural capital projects and effective policy.
Guest hosts Ross Mackenzie and Janette Sutherland.
Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, executive producer Kerry Hammond, editor Ross Mackenzie.
Related FAS resources:
FAS Sounds: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/
FAS Biodiversity Pages: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/
FAS Crofts & Small Farms: https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/crofts-small-farms/
Other Related Resources:
Bòrd na Gàidhlig: https://www.gaidhlig.scot/en/
Crofting Commission: https://www.crofting.scotland.gov.uk/
Gaelic within NatureScot: https://www.nature.scot/gaelic
John Muir Trust Wild Words - Reading the Land: https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/whats-new/news/39-wild-words-reading-the-land#:~:text=Meall%2C%20ubiquitous%20on%20the%20map,is%20a%20high%2C%20rocky%20hill
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority - Our Gaelic Culture: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/discover-the-park/our-heritage-culture/our-gaelic-culture/
-
In this episode of Natural Capital we are getting techy, discussing all things drones, data and technology and how this can be used by land managers to assess, monitor and improve their natural capital assets. Understanding the natural capital you have on your land, its condition and scale is essential to effective land management.
To help us understand this better we are joined by Jack Zuill, who is a consultant experienced in using technology to monitor and assess natural capital assets. This includes the use of drones and satellite-derived remote sensing data to optimise environmental monitoring and decision-making. We talk through some of his recent projects including peatlands and above-ground carbon quantification, as well as different sensors, data collection, legislation and modern advancements.
Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Kerry Hammond, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie
Timestamps
1:42 – 12:24 Introduction to drones/UAVs, sensors and data
12:25 – 19:55 Drones and satellites for monitoring and quantifying natural capital
19:55 – 30:28 Farm carbon storage network, carbon credits, peatland and Glencripesdale projects
30:29 – 37:07 Trusting data, baselining, digital twins, scale and analysis
Related FAS Resources
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
UAVs in Agriculture | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Jack Zuill - Environmental Consultant - SAC Consulting | LinkedIn
BBC Scotland - Landward, 2023, Episode 4
Dreams of recovery for Scotland’s rainforest given a boost (rspb.org.uk)
Farm Carbon Storage Network | SRUC
Video - Decision grade data at Glencripesdale
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code | UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
-
Protecting, valuing and restoring natural capital at the landscape scale requires a joined-up effort and collaboration amongst different landowners and groups. In this episode we are joined by Ross MacLeod from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust to talk about landscape scale and collaborative farming initiatives.
We discuss the importance of collaboration, GWCTs ‘Farm Clusters’ approach; what they are and why they have set them up, and their involvement in NatureScot’s Natural Capital Pilot. Natural Capital is central to wildlife management and conservation in Scotland and we discuss the importance of evidence-based best practice, nature-friendly land management and biodiversity net gain.
Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
The importance of Natural Capital for GWCT: 2:24 – 5:04
Farm clusters and landscape scale solutions: 5:04 – 8:45
How can a farmer set up a farm cluster?: 10:53 - 11:50
Public and private funding and finance: 12:32 - 16:11
Natural Capital assessments, tools and actions: 16:20 – 23:15
Related FAS Resources
Boosting Biodiversity to Build Business | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Resources
Farmer Clusters - For farmers, facilitators and advisors
Scottish Demonstration Farm - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)
The Allerton Project | Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (allertontrust.org.uk)
Sussex Study - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)
Natural Capital Advisory
Natural Capital Assessment Tool - A Whole Farm Approach | NatureScot
-
The Scottish Government is committed to establishing a new National Park by spring 2026. It has released an appraisal framework and is looking for local areas to submit expressions of interest.
The aims of National Parks are to conserve nature and the landscape, while also providing provisions for the enjoyment of the area and promote sustainable development. Restoring natural capital is embedded in National Park policy and the new form of integrated land management may result in changes for communities and rural businesses within the new National Park.
On this episode we are speaking to Freda and David Scott-Park from Portnellan, an organic farm within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park boundary, to get their views and experiences of farming within a National Park.
Timestamps
The impact of national parks on the rural landscape and farming: 2:55 – 5:21
Nature friendly farming, diversification and biodiversity: 5:22 – 13:33
Beaver reintroduction: 13:34 – 18:32
Alignments of natural parks, communities and farming aims: 18:33 – 25:32
Views on a new national park: 26:08 – 28:30
Related FAS Resources
Re-wilding Beavers | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Farm Woodland resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Thrill of the Hill - A Damming Conclusion? | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Resources
Home - Cairngorms National Park Authority
Here. Now. All of us. - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park -Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (lochlomond-trossachs.org)
Nature Friendly Farming Network - Sustainable Farming (nffn.org.uk)
New National Parks - appraisal framework - Scottish Government - Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)
Next steps for national parks in Scotland - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
-
Understanding the natural capital assets you have on your land is really important. Farm wildlife walks are a great way to map out features, habitats and biodiversity that is present in the agricultural landscape. It can help you baseline your natural capital and look for opportunities for improvement on farm. As part of The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild campaign we go for a walk with Mary-Jane Lawrie on her farm in the Lothian’s and discuss hedges, wetlands and the biodiversity we see, along with the management and tools being used. We then head back to the office and are joined by David Brown to discuss the walk he has recently undertaken on a farm in the Borders and the benefits he has seen.
We all need to be concerned about biodiversity loss and agriculture has an important part to play. Farms across Scotland are already doing a lot of great things to manage the habitats they have to the best of their ability and support wildlife. We explore some of the simple and small things that can be done on farm to further benefit nature and the farm business.
Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
How Highlands Rewilding started and defining rewilding: 1:35 – 3:39
Intro to the farm, 30 Days Wild and farm wildlife walks: 0:45 – 6:35
The farm wildlife walk, the biodiversity we see and useful tools: 6:40 – 11:48
Benefits to the farm, resources and the value of nature: 11:49 – 20:22
Back in the office, David’s walk and wildlife corridors: 21:41 – 25:53
Baselining, farm benefits and working with nature: 25:52 – 35:04
Wider work and resources: 35:05 – 39:08
Related FAS Materials
Farm Wildlife Walks - Southwest https://www.fas.scot/publication/farm-wildlife-walks-southwest/
Integrated Land Management Plans: https://www.fas.scot/integrated-land-management-plans-ilmps/
Specialist Advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/
FAS Biodiversity Pages: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/
FAS Sounds: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/
Other Related Resources
The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild
AECS: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/
Seek App: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app
Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
RSPB Farming - https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/conservation-and-sustainability/farming/
-
We talk to Dr Jeremy Leggett from Highlands Rewilding, who are aiming to rewild and repopulate the highlands through a business model focusing on enhancing and restoring natural capital. Doing this they want to support Nature Based Solutions, reduce biodiversity loss and cut UK carbon emissions. Jeremy discusses the role they play and the challenges of balancing nature, farming, traditional ways of life, jobs and a profitable business. We talk about what the term ‘Rewilding’ means, why and how they measure natural capital on their estates and the innovative technology and techniques they use. We also discuss the exciting plans they have for their newly purchased Tayvallich estate and how their plans for managing the natural capital include the local community and the potential to provide local green jobs.
The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, we explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future.
Host Rachel Smillie, producer Iain Boyd, editor Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
How Highlands Rewilding started and defining rewilding: 1:35 – 3:39
Making natural capital a profitable business and monitoring biodiversity: 3:40 – 9:41
Community engagement and involvement: 9:42 – 11:41
Tayvallich; ecology, community, jobs and opportunities: 11:42 – 17:43
Balancing economy, rural life and farming with nature and biodiversity: 17:44 – 22:56
Related FAS Resources
Natural Capital - Bees, Butterflies and Biodiversity | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Scotland's Rainforests | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Seaweed | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Natural Capital: reasons for measuring the baseline of natural capital in a landscape - YouTube
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Highlands Rewilding - Rewilding Scotland
Jeremy Leggett – Climate, energy, tech, and the future of civilisation
UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) (unep.org)
Decision grade data at Glencripesdale - a case study in thriving natural capital on Vimeo
-
We begin our second series of Natural Capital exploring Bees, Butterflies and Biodiversity with Dr Lorna Cole, an agricultural ecologist whose work addresses the challenge of feeding our growing world population whilst protecting our environment. We discuss beneficial insects, habitats and biodiversity, including the many pollinators found in Scotland. Pollinators play important roles but face multiple pressures and we discuss how agricultural practices influence these insects and the ecosystem services they deliver. We explore what you can do to protect and enhance species and habitat.
The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, we explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future.
Hosted and produced by Iain Boyd, with Rachel Smillie and Fiona Salter, editor Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
The importance and value of biodiversity: 3:30 – 15:43
Pollinators in Scotland and their roles on farm: 15:44 – 21:55
What land managers can do to boost pollinators and habitats: 21:55 – 35:33
Managed bees, beekeeping and native pollinators: 35:33 – 43:16
Benefits for other pollinators: 43:16 – 46:00
Related FAS Resources
Insect Pollinators & Pollination | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Thrill of the Hill - Natural Capital | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
The Great Yellow Bumblebee | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Welcome to the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) | PoMS (ukpoms.org.uk)
How farming with nature brings pollinators back to arable farms (soilassociation.org)
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Home page | Butterfly Conservation (butterfly-conservation.org)
Scottish pollinators | Updates on pollinators and pollinator projects from around Scotland (wordpress.com)
The soil health scorecard | AHDB
-
In our final episode of the series we are discussing the important financial topics which cover most natural capital projects, including ecosystem markets and green commerce. We discuss potential funding and revenue options for natural capital, and importantly what are the risks and future opportunities for agriculture and landowners in Scotland. Investing in nature can help to improve our environment, drive a green economy, tackle global issues such as climate change and make the world a better place for both society and biodiversity.
Professor Mark Reed is an expert in Rural Entrepreneurship and the Co-Director of the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). He is a transdisciplinary researcher specialising in environmental governance, ecosystem markets and research impact. He is a visiting professor at several universities, CEO of Fast Track Impact, Research Lead for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme where he sits on the Executive Board of the Peatland Code, and is also Co-Chair of UNEP’s Global Peatland Initiative Research Working Group.
The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie we explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future.
Hosted by Rachel Smillie, produced by Iain Boyd, editor Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
Putting a financial value on nature : 1:50 - 6:56
Requirements and controls for land and carbon markets : 6:57 – 11:13
Opportunities and risks for farmers : 11:14 – 22:50
Money for nature restoration projects : 26:18 – 38:00
Balancing science, business and farmers needs : 38:00 – 44:55
Related FAS Resources
Advice & Grants | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Farming | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Environment resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Professor Mark Reed, SRUC, UK (profmarkreed.com)
Thriving natural capital | SRUC
Scottish Nature Finance Pioneers – Grow, Restore, Prosper | NatureScot
Scottish Forum on Natural Capital – Bringing together public, private and voluntary sector organisations in order to protect and rebuild Scotland’s natural capital. (naturalcapitalscotland.com)
Home - UK...
-
This time we are focussing on Arable Natural Capital with John and Louise Seed from Woodend Farming Partnership and Agricultural Consultant Mary-Jane Lawrie, to find out what they are doing on farm and to learn from their combined experiences. Woodend Farming Partnership focusses on arable crops, free-range egg production, renewable energy and conservation, where they take a progressive, evidence-based approach to farming that enhances biodiversity, reduces the farm carbon footprint whilst maintaining or even improving profitability.
We discover what can be done to protect and enhance biodiversity on farms to benefit both the environment and the farm business; including making use of unproductive land, funding support that is available and how multiple farms doing a little can make a big difference.
The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie we will explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future.
Hosted by Rachel Smillie, produced by Iain Boyd, editor Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond.
Timestamps
Natural capital projects on farm and the wider benefits : 5:07 – 11:50
Biodiversity gain, agricultural yield and profitability : 13:35 – 19:06
Surveys and baseline data : 19:07 – 24:11
How will it look in the future? : 24:12 – 28:34
Adaptations to ensure profitability : 28:35 – 30:32
Wider context, funding and support available : 36:30 – 42:00
Related FAS Resources
Crops and soils | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
CropCast | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Environment resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Advice & Grants | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Woodend Farming Partnership - Family farming business with arable crops, free-range egg production, renewable energy and conservation
Farming with Nature | NatureScot
Scottish Forum on Natural Capital – Bringing together public, private and voluntary sector organisations in order to protect and rebuild Scotland’s natural capital. (naturalcapitalscotland.com)
Farming for a Better Climate - Farming for a Better Climate
- Laat meer zien
