Crofting

More than 70 farmers and Crofters across Scotland are working together in a programme to share nature-friendly farming approaches to restore biodiversity and address climate change while also strengthening their livelihoods. 

Carole Brunton and Ian Hope, who have been co-opted to the RSABI board, each bring a wealth of agricultural experience and knowledge to the charity.

In response to growing concerns in the Scottish farming sector about the suspected role of badgers in killing and eating lambs, a study was carried out by Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) in partnership with NatureScot, National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).

More than £7 million has been awarded to 517 rural businesses in 2023 from the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS). 

Overall, £27m will be paid over the lifetime of the contracts to applicants, to help support land management activities that will benefit nature and mitigate against climate change.

The Scottish National Fat Stock Club’s annual LiveScot event, held at Lanark Agricultural Centre in November, raised over £1,900 for agricultural charity RSABI, thanks to the generosity of its supporters.

A well-known farming couple are looking forward to attending The Farmers’ Choir performance this month at Perth Concert Hall for a particularly poignant reason.

Figures released this week by the Crofting Commission show a significant increase in new entrants to crofting; with over 500 joining the sector in the year to March 2023.

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), NatureScot and the Amphibian & Reptile Groups of the UK (ARGUK) are looking for support from farmers, land managers, land owners and crofters across Scotland with completion of a Scottish Adder Survey!