Water Management
EASR Explained: Updated Rules For Farmers Drawing Water From Rivers And Burns
November 2025 saw the introduction of the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). This new regulatory framework amends or replaces several pieces of legislation governing waste management, water, industrial activities and radioactive substances. The changes were introduced to streamline how different sectors were regulated, simplifying compliance, enhancing environmental protection, and supporting sustainable resource use across all…
Working with Wet Weather
It’s predicted that our winters are going to become warmer and wetter, with an increased risk of ‘extreme weather events’. With winter upon us, now could be a good time to take a look at how prepared your farm business is for wetter conditions, and if there is anything else you could do to minimise…
Funding for Water Management – Plan Ahead and Avoid Summer Stress
Water scarcity can quickly turn into a major challenge during the summer months, affecting crops, livestock, and overall farm productivity. The good news? You can take steps now to reduce the risk and stress later. Planning ahead is key. Simple actions like reviewing your water storage capacity, checking irrigation systems, and assessing alternative water sources…
River Catchment Management at Landscape-Scale
Biodiversity conservation is often more effective when implemented across larger areas than a single farm. Collaboration within farmer clusters and with other stakeholders enables farmers to implement measures to enhance biodiversity at a landscape-scale. It can also help foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. This is particularly the case within…
Funding for Water Resilience and Climate Adaptation on Farms
As experienced by many Scottish farmers and crofters this year, climate change is driving warmer and drier summers. Ensuring reliable water access will require farmers and crofters to adopt forward-looking strategies to sustain their businesses in the years ahead. The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) provides tailored one-to-one support to help land managers plan and implement…
Reducing Surface Runoff and Erosion with ‘Magic Margins’
Surface runoff and erosion are important considerations for all farmers in Scotland. Studies have shown than within Scotland 900,000 tonnes of soil is lost annually, equating to over £50 million. This results in losses in nutrients in the field, mitigation required to improve soil condition, reduced yields and environmental damage. Finding ways and methods to…
Rural Roundup – AECS & Water Scarcity
Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk about the upcoming AECS deadline and the pressing issue of water scarcity. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Water Scarcity – Farming and Water Scotland Events | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm…
Farming in water scarcity
Historically Scotland has experienced wetter autumns and winters followed by drier spring and summers. However, we are observing changes in weather patterns year on year, with more singular extreme weather events, to longer periods of dry events over winter, and extended wetter periods throughout the summer. Predictions are showing that from now to 2049 we…
Agribusiness News November 2024: Sector Focus – Extreme Weather
Farming with Extreme Weather Events It is well known that productive farming can be heavily dependent on the weather and with more extreme weather events occurring, it can be increasingly challenging to plan ahead and build resilience. In 2017-18 alone, extreme weather events cost Scottish farmers £161 million due to livestock losses and lower crop…
Using Organic Matter to Alleviate Water Scarcity
As water scarcity becomes a more frequently occurring concern across the UK, it is important to explore methods to better manage the water you do have. In England, water scarcity is a larger issue than in Scotland, but by acting now based on findings south of the border you can ensure your business is more…