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 - kevin.fennelly@naturemetrics.co.uk

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)