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 - 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)

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