Environment

Technical Note (TN763): Five Actions for Nature

With approximately 80% of land in Scotland devoted to agriculture, the value of farmland habitats in connecting nature-rich habitats through our countryside is becoming increasingly recognised. Wildlife rich habitats can…

Agribusiness News October 2023 – Sector Focus: Greenhouse Gases

Science-Based Targets Links to Farming Activities The number of companies committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adhering to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has increased by 87%, with…

3D Buffer Zones

The current design of riparian buffer strips focuses on shrubby grass strips meant to capture or contain surface runoff. However, new research shows that based on soil type, slope, and…

SPOTLIGHT: Environment

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, George & Robert are joined by…

Natural Capital – Landscape Scale Collaboration

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…

Grassland Management and Water Quality

The quality of Scotland’s water is renowned worldwide. It is some of the safest drinking water in the world, critical in the marketing of high-quality agricultural products and ensuring thriving…

Land Management for Saltmarshes

Saltmarshes in Scotland Saltmarshes by definition are coastal wetlands which flood and drain again with saline sea water. The amount of flooding is therefore dependent on the tides. The ground…

Land Management for Red Billed Choughs

What are Choughs? The red billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) is a member of the crow family found in rocky places, particularly sea cliffs along the West Coast. They are shiny…

Land Management for Machair

Machair is fertile low-lying grassland dominated by grasses and herbs. It is unique to the north-west of Scotland and Ireland and is one of Europe’s rarest habitats. Found along the…

Natural Capital – Farming in a National Park

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…

Sign up to the FAS newsletters