Environment

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has said “doing nothing is not an option” when it comes to securing the future of Scotland’s forests from the effects of climate change.

With recent examples of violent storms, increasing temperatures, droughts, wildfires and more tree pests and diseases, a new ‘routemap’  has been published by Scottish Forestry which will provide the direction needed for building resilient forests.  

Local authorities will directly receive £10 million to support new, or to enhance existing, approaches to restoring biodiversity through the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

 

Processing of Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) 2024 payments has commenced. 

The first payments are expected to start reaching the bank accounts of farmers and crofters from Friday 28 March, in line with the 2024 Payments Strategy timetable.

Over £37 million in support has been issued to 5,834 claimants which represents over 95% of those eligible to receive the funding.

Maritime Energy Transition: A Scottish Perspective

Energy Transition: A Scottish Perspective

You are invited to join the Scottish Maritime Cluster in collaboration with WISTA UK, on Tuesday 29 April, 2025 from 5pm-8pm, hosted at the Northern Lighthouse Board offices in Edinburgh.

The event will feature speakers discussing sustainable energy practices within the maritime industry, followed by a networking drinks reception.

The creation of a nature-based flood protection scheme in Fife, woodland restoration in Midlothian and support to protect sand dunes and under-threat bird species in Moray are just some of the environmental improvement projects being supported in the latest round of Environment Grants from Crown Estate Scotland.

Women in Agriculture Orkney – Soils & Seeds

This meeting will take place upstairs at William Shearer Seed Merchant. 

Are you unsure as to what seed mix might work best for your situation? In a pickle to understand the difference between diploid and tetraploid seed varieties?

What about which fields should be reseeded? And weeds? Wanting to know how to boost the clover content of your sward or maybe learn about forage crops which work well in a salt laden/exposed area?

Biodiversity Audits – Help with Habitat Mapping Webinar

As one option within the Whole Farm plan conditions for future subsidy, you can complete a Biodiversity Audit.

This involves creating a habitat map of your farm and is something that farmers, crofters and land managers can easily do themselves.

Planning for the Future - Roadshow - Spring 2025

Over the next six weeks, a series of events will take place around the country aimed at combining the serious business of advice and support to help farmers prepare for the future, with a chance to socialise over a bite to eat.

The events are being run by RSABI working in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund and will feature legal, business planning, farm accounts, mediation and succession experts who will lead some lively discussions to help farming families plan for the future.

A new programme is being launched to attract more people into the planning profession and build their skills.  

The National Planning Skills Commitment Plan will provide training and skills development through monthly themed webinars, hands-on learning and recruitment support. It is supported by more than 100 leaders across almost 60 organisations in the built and natural environment professions. The plan will cover different themes at different times, with the first one on housing.

Pages