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

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