Biodiversity
What can Scottish Farmers Learn from the Norwegian Approach to Integrating Forestry, Farming and Nature Restoration?
Despite being separated by the North Sea, Norway and Scotland share many characteristics that have shaped both their rural landscapes and farming systems. Large areas of each country are dominated by upland and hill farming, where livestock production often takes place on challenging terrain and relatively marginal agricultural land. In both nations, extensive areas of…
Managing Wildfire Risk
This publication looks at risk factors for wildfires, land management options for reducing the risk of wildfire and considers different approaches for different areas and the role of controlled burning and firebreaks. Wildfires were very much in the news in 2026, with the devastating blaze in the Cairngorms burning more than 30km2 of the Abernethy…
Farm Ponds and Wetlands: Practical Benefits for Land, Water and Wildlife
Farm ponds and wetlands can offer practical benefits for farmers and crofters, supporting biodiversity while improving how water is managed on the farm. Well-designed and maintained ponds and wetlands can provide valuable habitats for wildlife, improve water quality by trapping sediments and nutrients, and help slow water movement across the landscape during periods of heavy…
Thrill of The Hill – Beyond the Hedgerow: Biodiversity Auditing in Scotland
Biodiversity auditing has become part of the Scottish Governments Whole Farm Plan and discussions around nature conservation are becoming commonplace around the farm table. In today’s episode Alex is joined by senior ecologist Dr Lorna Cole for a broad discussion on the state of Scotlands Nature and where biodiversity auditing fits into the bigger ambitions…
Thrill of the Hill – Where Waders Wander
Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. Today we’re talking about one of Scotland’s most iconic groups of farmland birds – our waders. Species such as lapwing, curlew, redshank and snipe have long been part of the Scottish farming landscape. Their calls and displays are synonymous with springtime on farms and crofts across the country,…
Thrill of the Hill – A Damming Conclusion? Part III
Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. This is the third and final episode in our series exploring beaver reintroduction in Scotland. Across the last two episodes, we’ve looked at the challenges, concerns, and practical realities beavers bring to land management. Today, we’re joined by farmer and rewilding advocate Tom Bowser from Lerrocks farm and…
Increasing Biodiversity to Build Resilient Farms
Encouraging biodiversity on your farm or croft isn’t just good for nature; it strengthens the habitats and species that keep your land productive and resilient. A diverse mix of plants, insects and wildlife supports healthier soils, improves pollination, enhances natural pest control and contributes to cleaner water. These benefits flow directly into better crop performance…
Key Learnings And Takeaways From The Natural Capital Podcast In 2025/26
The Natural Capital podcast series explores the role of natural capital in Scottish agriculture and rural economy. Natural capital refers to the soils, water, air, plants, wildlife and ecosystems that support agriculture and provide essential benefits to people and nature (Find out more here). These assets generate ecosystem services like food production, flood protection and carbon…
Biodiversity Audits for Whole Farm Plan
A biodiversity audit is applicable to all businesses under the Whole Farm Plan. For 2026, 2 out of the 5 Whole Farm plan items are required. If you are looking for information on the other items within the plan, check out our Preparing for the Future webpage. The biodiversity audit is something which farmers and…
Rural Roundup – 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm – Biodiversity (Weeds)
Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”. In this episode Calum Johnston visits Heather Close at Littleton farm where they discussed outwintering and rotational grazing. Through speaking to Heather, it was clear that on her beef farm, their unsung hero is biodiversity – many farmers would be aghast at the thought of weeds on their farm, but thistles and…