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We are joined by environmental historian Dr Ian Maclellan as we wind the clock back through Scotland’s long history of land use change: from the ice age to the Romans, clearances, industrialisation and modern pressures. Along the way, we unpack how humans have been part of the landscape – managing it for food, livelihoods and leisure, and the consequences this has had on nature and biodiversity. Scotland’s landscapes are often seen as wild and timeless, but people and the land have shaped one another over thousands of years. We discuss this and how understanding yesterday can help us make better decisions for the future. Challenging us to have more nuanced, informed conversations about land restoration and management today - recognising complexity, positive outcomes, unintended consequences, and the realities of climate, culture and history. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 1:25 – 13:38 Introductions and high-level walkthrough of Scotland’s natural history 13:38 – 31:00 Management of land and our relationships with it 31:00 – 43:55 Our perceptions and misconceptions of the land and challenges for the future 43:55 – end. Final comments and where to get more info Related FAS resources Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/ Other Related Resources Prof T C Smout: Nature Contested Environmental History in Scotland and Northern England since 1600: https://www.nhbs.com/nature-contested-book University of Stirling Environmental History and Heritage: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/arts-humanities/history-politics/history-research/environmental-history-and-heritage/ Prof R Oram: Where Men No More May Reap Or Sow: The Little Ice Age: Scotland 1400–1850: https://birlinn.co.uk/product/where-men-no-more-may-reap-or-sow/ Ichnos Heritage: https://ichnosheritage.com/

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature.   In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recovery Manager Dr Anna Griffin and Natural Capital Officer Jonathan Olandi to explore the work of the Biosphere and introduce their new project, OPIN (On-farm Plans Integrated with Nature). This initiative will recruit 12 farms across the Biosphere in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in a five-year programme focused on whole-farm planning and farming resilience. We discuss how land managers can get involved, the benefits of participation, and the support available, including access to a robust suite of tools, data, and capital grant funding, that will help implement strategic land management actions that are good for natural capital and good for business.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood    Timestamps:  1:04 – 9:00 Intro to speakers and Biosphere  9:00 – 14:30 Reasons for the designation and previous projects delivered  14:30 – 30:30 The OPIN project  30:30 – 50:00 Benefits for land managers and how to get involved  Related FAS resources:    Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/   Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/      Other Related Resources:  Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/   To apply or for more information: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/contact-us/   Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal: https://www.borderlandsgrowth.com/ 

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland’s first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can build a resilient, nature-positive farming future. The summit addressed how nature and profitability are not opposites and showed how the path to a thriving, nature-friendly farming future is already taking shape.  Harry and Alex explore the main themes from the day, from farmers as stewards of the land, how profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand and set the scene on biodiversity loss, climate pressures, and the need to de-risk nature-based solutions. The episode also looks at the future of funding, how current and new payment systems can reward environmental outcomes and discusses some of the key messages and announcements made on the day.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Related FAS resources:    FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/   NC LENs episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-landscape-enterprise-networks-leven-lens/   NC John and Louise Seed Woodend episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/arable/   Thrill of the Hill - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/     Other Related Resources:  Nature Friendly Farming Network - https://www.nffn.org.uk/   Minister for Agriculture speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/minister-for-agriculture-speech-nature-friendly-farming-network-summit/   RSPB article on summit - https://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/nature-friendly-farming-summit-scotland   AECS announcement - https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/ministers-have-confirmed-the-2026-round-of-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme--aecs-.html   Alex Pirie - https://www.sruc.ac.uk/all-unearthed-posts/meet-the-consultant-alex-pirie/   Timestamps:  0:56 – 6:10 Intro to summit, nature friendly farming and setting the scene  6:11 – 25:26 Range of different farmers, organisations and messages from speakers and exhibitors   25:27 – 29:10 Policy, government messages and funding announcements  29:10 – 35:04 Landscape scale initiatives and LENs  35:05 – end. Summing up and main takeaways. 

In this episode, we sit down with Angus Buchanan-Smith, Co-Founder and Director of The Free Company, an organic farm and restaurant guided by regenerative methods, at the foot of the Pentland Hills. We explore the history of the business, the transition to organic farming and the various complimentary enterprises they operate, from their onsite restaurant, to veg boxes, pigs and engaging with their local community.   With a deep respect for the land and experimenting with what works for them to ensure a resilient future, they share their ethos, the practices they use and how they are producing food that feeds both their local community and their on-site restaurant. We explore how they create meaningful links between food and place, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic.     Whether you're a grower, eater, or someone curious about the future of food, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at how farming with nature can nourish people, planet, and community   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps:  0:56 – 15:29 Intro to the Free Company, transitioning to organic farming and finding out what worked for them.  15:30 – 27:06 Getting the most out of the land, a regenerative approach and benefits to biodiversity, soil and carbon.   27:07 –40:24 Local food production, customer experiences and their various enterprises.   40:25 – end. Challenges, recommendations for others and future plans.    Related FAS resources:    Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/   Organics: https://www.fas.scot/organics/      Other Related Resources:  The Free Company: https://www.the-free-company.com/   Pasture for Life: https://www.pastureforlife.org/    

In this episode, we catch up with Amelia Heath (Co-Director, Forth Rivers Trust), Clara Schade-Poulsen (Leven LENs Project Officer), and Tom Brown (Senior Programme Manager, LENs Scotland) to explore how the Leven LENs is taking shape following its launch.   We discuss what LENs really means on the ground: how farmers and businesses are partnering to fund environmental improvements, what actions are being supported, and what’s next for this innovative approach in Scotland and beyond.  This episode offers practical insight into how collaborative, place-based solutions are helping unlock environmental outcomes at scale to the mutual benefit of those living and operating in a landscape.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps:  0:50 – 4:56 Intro to speakers, LENs and recent developments  4:56 – 19:44 Leven LENs , who is involved, motives and drivers   19:44 –  29:25 How to get involved and farmer perspective   29:25 – 40:26 Consensus and feedback so far  40:26 – end: LENs elsewhere, sharing benefits and more info    Related FAS resources:    Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/   Landscape scale conservation: https://www.fas.scot/article/landscape-scale-conservation/   Specialist advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/      Other Related Resources:  Landscape Enterprise Networks LENs: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/   LENs Impact Report: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LENs_impact_report_2024.pdf   Leven Catchment Collective: https://catchmentcollective.scot/   Leven LENs funding announcement: https://www.3keel.com/news-lens-leven-funding-july-2025/   FIRNS: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/firns-facility-investment-ready-nature-scotland  

In this episode, we dive into how Natural Capital is reshaping land use, farming, and business decisions with our guest, Dr Kerry Waylen. She shares her insights and working examples, to explore how land managers, farmers, and policymakers measure nature’s value, access carbon markets, and plan for long-term sustainability.We discuss topics including a just transition, the risks of greenwashing, the need for fair systems, and how supply chains—from food production to whisky—are adapting. Practical, grounded, and future-focused, this episode highlights the real opportunities and challenges in putting nature at the heart of decision-making.   Kerry Waylen is a senior social researcher in the Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) department at the James Hutton Institute, and Deputy Director of the International Land Use Study Centre (ILUSC).  She builds understanding of how to achieve more 'joined up' approaches to natural resource management and studies when and how different types of knowledge – including ideas of ‘natural capital’ get used in decision-making - and how to put abstract ideas for nature management into practice.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond. Timestamps:  0:59 – 5:52 Intro to speaker and topic background  5:53 – 18:59 Galvanising change via natural capital project  19:00 –  24:53 Ecosystem services, measuring natural capital, farming practices and easy wins  24:54 – 36:34 Paying for carbon, natural capital markets, opportunities and risks  36:35 – 44:50 Just Transition in land use and future of natural capital    Related FAS resources:    Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Stock Talk - The 5-Mile Pig! | FAS What is the Woodland Carbon Code? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Understanding Natural Capital Markets | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources:  Ecosystem services - nature’s benefits | NatureScot Galvanising Change via Natural Capital - James Hutton Institute Natural Capital Protocol – Capitals Coalition Natural Capital Market Framework - gov.scot  Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper - gov.scot  

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species found across a landscape, assess ecosystem health, and track biodiversity changes over time.   We discuss the role this technology can have in biodiversity baselining with Kevin Fennelly and George Muscatt  from NatureMetrics. NatureMetrics is a global nature intelligence technology company who pioneer the use of innovative methods for biodiversity monitoring. We assess how eDNA works and the role this technology could have across diverse landscapes, including its benefits and limitations, and how it can help understand and manage biodiversity.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps:  1:11 – 7:55 intros to speakers and what is eDNA  7:56 – 25:38 what can it discover and how does it work  21:37 – 36:18 what is driving demand and nature based risks  36:19 – 47:46 benefits for farms, companies and food production  Related FAS resources:    Biodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Habitat And Landscape Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources:  eDNA Biodiversity Monitoring Case Studies eDNA & Biodiversity Monitoring for Regenerative Agriculture Kevin Fennelly - [email protected]  

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 us about our landscape.   John Wright is a naturalist, fungi expert, forager and author who has written many books covering Britain's countryside, its history and value to us past and present. John shares his knowledge on the history of the British countryside, why we should value and look after our linear habitats and the abundance of biodiversity they support.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps:  1:07 – 8:27 Intro to John and the early history of linear features  8:27 – 19:22 Hedgerows decline, focus on biodiversity and landscape pressures  19:23 – 33:39 Species in hedgerows and importance of different habitats  33:40 – 39:07 The biodiversity on stonewall dykes  39:07 – End Management and advice to support biodiveristy  Related FAS resources:    Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Protecting Scotland's Peatlands Woodland, and Hedgerows | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Technical Note (TN738): Hedges – Carbon, Conservation & Compliance Other Related Resources:  A Natural History of the Hedgerow - Profile Books John Wright - Profile Books Dr Rob Walton Life in a Hedge (researchgate.net)

We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits.   In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunities for farmers in 2025 - including going over what the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) is, Nature Restoration Fund opportunities and biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan. We discuss changes and example projects farmers are undertaking, and links with future tiers of agricultural support.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps:  2:39 – 16:52 AECS, what support is available and changes to previous years.   16:53 – 27:01 NRF, what it supports and updates for the year ahead.  27:02 – 33:11 Whole Farm Plan, biodiversity audits and how this links with funding.   34:51 – 40:01 Collaboration and landscape approaches, future opportunities and next steps.    AECS Deadlines  Agri-Environment Management: Applications are open from February 3, 2025, to June 12, 2025.   Organic Conversion and Maintenance (Standalone Applications): The application window is from February 3, 2025, to July 31, 2025.   Pre-Application Consultations:  Deer Management: If you're considering applying for deer management support, you must contact a NatureScot Wildlife Management Officer before applying. The deadline for requesting pre-application advice is April 30, 2025.   Peatland Management: Applicants are strongly advised to consult with NatureScot at least one month before the application deadline to discuss proposals.   Related FAS Material  Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Thrill of the Hill | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources: Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot  Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Whole Farm Plan full guidance

The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 sets out a clear ambition - For Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.   We are joined by Professor Davy McCracken to discuss the newly published Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and delivery plans to 2045 and his involvement with it. We go through what is included in the strategy and what it means for farmers and land managers in Scotland going forward.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps: 0:55 – 9:20 The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, it’s purpose and history  9:21 – 20:41 Outcomes, goals and six main objectives within the strategy  20:42 – 36:24 What it means for the rural sector going forward  36:25 – 43:39 investment in nature, who is paying for it and shifting baselines  Related FAS resources:    Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources:  Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 - gov.scot Davy McCracken | SRUC Scotland's Biodiversity | NatureScot Scotland - State of Nature

Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them.  In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who share their valuable perspectives on topics ranging from global agreements like COP to the lived realities of farming. Together, we examine what these issues mean for agriculture and rural communities, unpacking the concept of a just transition, and the adoption of nature-based solutions. We also dive into the role of markets and public-private mechanisms, offering actionable steps for farmers and land managers to make a difference.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editors Kieron Sim and Robbie Campbell, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond  Timestamps:  1:15 – 10:05 - Experiences of climate and biodiversity crisis 0:06 – 17:27 - Global agreements and COPs 17:28 – 33:05 - How to achieve targets and implications for agriculture 33:06 -46:26 - Just transition, biodiversity and nature based solutions 46:27 – end - Markets, mechanisms and next steps Related FAS resources:    Climate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources:  UN Climate Change Conference COP 29 Baku - https://unfccc.int/cop29   UN Biodiversity Conference COP 16 Columbia - https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024   Just Transition Commission - https://www.justtransition.scot/   Prof. Dave Reay - https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/davereay/   

Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight. Rhizocore Technologies specialise in producing locally-adapted mycorrhizal fungi to boost tree planting success. By working with native fungi, they’re accelerating woodland regeneration, improving forest productivity, and creating sustainable solutions to combat climate change. In this episode, we’re joined by Toby Parkes, founder and CEO, and Franziska Scott, European Business Development Manager at Rhizocore Technologies. Together, we’ll explore the untapped potential of fungi in agriculture and forestry, the opportunities for shaping the future of sustainable land management and the vital role of fungi in fostering resilient, productive ecosystems. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Robbie Campbell, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond. Related FAS resources:   FAS Sounds Natural Capital - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/ Technical note 721 – soil biodiversity and soil health https://www.fas.scot/publication/technical-note-tn721-soil-biodiversity-and-soil-health/ Farm woodlands - https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/farm-woodlands/ Other Related Resources: Rhizocore Technologies - https://www.rhizocore.com/ SPUN article - https://www.spun.earth/articles/carbon-paper Timestamps: 2:18 – 14:47 – What is fungi and what does it do? 14:48 – 27:19 – Categorising and identifying types of fungi 27:20 – 43:39 – Woodlands and Rhizopellets 43:40 – END – Biodiversity, carbon and other natural capital benefits  

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)

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)