Learning and skills

Previous research by the University of Stirling and The James Hutton Institute found that planting birch and Scots pine trees in heather moorland ecosystems with carbon-rich soils was linked to soil carbon losses that were similar to the amount of carbon captured in the trees, meaning that overall, no net carbon was captured in the first few decades following tree planting.

Planning for Change: Making the most of Whole Farm Plans

From 15 May 2025, in order to receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments, every farmer and crofter in Scotland will have to demonstrate that they have started to baseline land and livestock management practices, identified opportunities for improvement and are working towards being more sustainable, efficient and resilient.

Farmer-led groups are recommending the Whole Farm Plan to support farmers and crofters in taking a holistic view of their businesses.

By establishing their current performance and activities, farmers and crofters can identify opportunities for improvement and work towards greater productivity and profitability, positioning their business to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate and nature targets.

Your farm's future: Trees an option and opportunity? Why and how they can benefit your business

Join Scottish Forestry for an insightful and interactive evening exploring how integrating trees into your farming practices can deliver significant benefits both now and in the future.

You'll hear from Davy McCracken (SRUC) who'll share his wealth of knowledge and practical experience on the vital role trees play in the sustainability and resilience of farms now and into the future.

Riparian Planting: Why and How?

Join Scottish Forestry for an engaging and insightful evening dedicated to exploring how riparian planting can offer significant benefits for your land and the environment by reducing peak flows, mitigating diffuse pollution, improving water quality and temperature, and delivering a range of ecological benefits.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has commented on publication of the land-based learning review Implementation Plan setting out how Scottish Government will respond to the 22 recommendations in the Review.

A Community Wealth Building in Scotland Survey has been launched by Rural Exchange.

Community Councils Scotland have teamed up with Place at the Table and Imagine If to offer free training to Community Councils on Local Place Plans. 

Rural and Island community councils can find out what a Local Place Plan is, what it can do and how Community Councils can create one. 

Scotland’s forestry workforce must grow by 72% between 2022 and 2027 to meet the country’s ambitious tree-planting targets. 

This skills gap presents an urgent challenge to ensure the sector is equipped with the professionals needed to meet these goals. 

The James Hutton Institute, in partnership with local hosts, has organised a series of workshops to gain a better understanding of what sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices are currently taking place in Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) around the country as part of a Scottish Government feasibility study.

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