Habitat and Landscape Management
How Land Managers can help Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are iconic of Scotland’s rivers and lochs – a keystone species whose health reflects the condition of our upland catchments. As migratory fish, salmon depend on clean, well-connected freshwater systems from spawning grounds high in the hills to feeding grounds far out at sea. Their populations face growing pressures, but land…
Policy Shift in Deer Management for Climate and Nature
Scotland’s wild deer populations have reached historically high levels – estimated at around one million animals, double the 1990 figure. These include red, roe, sika, and fallow deer. Without natural predators and with expanding ranges, deer are increasingly causing ecological and land management issues across the country. The unchecked growth of deer populations has resulted…
Tools and Resources for Identifying Habitats
Identifying habitats allows you to better understand what exists on your farm or croft and the condition of these habitats. This can help you to prioritise management actions or the creation of new habitats. Identifying habitats now can also make the completion of a biodiversity audit under the Whole Farm Plan easier. FAS have a…
Nature Restoration Fund 2025: A Call to Action for Scotland’s Land Managers
The Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) has returned for a new round of funding in 2025, bringing with it fresh opportunities for landowners, farmers, crofters, and community groups to make a lasting difference to Scotland’s natural environment. With two key funding streams – Helping Nature and Transforming Nature – the NRF is more accessible…
Thrill of the Hill – Between a Rock Rose and a Hard Place
Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Often overlooked and easily mistaken for its more common relatives, the Northern Brown Argus butterfly is a small but significant species found…
Nature Restoration Fund Returns: A Timely Opportunity for Scotland’s Dairy Sector
Scotland’s Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) officially reopened for applications in June 2025, offering fresh opportunities for land managers, including those in the dairy sector, to engage in meaningful biodiversity and habitat enhancement projects. Established to support transformative nature projects across the country, the NRF is once again inviting proposals that restore and protect habitats, improve…
Natural Capital – John Wright: Hedgerows, Ditches, and Drystane Dykes
Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they can tell…
Farm Peatland Restoration At Leadloch Farm, A Case Study and Guide
Peatland restoration projects can be complex, with many moving parts. This case study of a year-long peatland restoration project aims to give readers an overview of how farmers and landowners in Scotland are successfully managing and completing these projects. This case study was produced in partnership with The Future Forest Company (FFC): Natural capital company…
Thrill of the Hill – What’s Good for the Goose…
In this episode we sit down with Rae Mackenzie for a broad discussion on geese and goose management in Scotland. We cover their ecology and nature value, look at the international efforts being made to promote the species and the ins and outs of Scotland’s own goose management support scheme.
Land Management for Skylarks Alauda arvensis
You can support this iconic farmland bird by Retaining winter stubbles Allowing any permanent grassland to be relatively undisturbed during nesting time Providing beetlebanks or conservation headlands to protect invertebrates as a food source Applying for an Agri environment scheme to help make your farm more wildlife friendly Description The skylark was once a common…