Land

The next stage in making Scotland a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture has been launched.

People are being urged to take part in a consultation on the Scottish Government's forthcoming Agriculture Bill.

The Scottish Government climate change plan has committed to reducing agricultural emissions by 31% by 2032.

The consultation covers a range of key themes including:

Longer-term projects that aim to transform Scotland’s natural environment can apply for a share of funding in the latest round of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.

Grants of over £250,000 are available to larger-scale initiatives that restore and protect habitats and species, including freshwater and coastal and marine areas, control invasive non-native species, and reverse the loss of lowland biodiversity in urban areas.

Testing Actions for Sustainable Farming (TSF) survey now open to farmers and crofters with a £50 participation fee payable. You can complete it here.

Paths for All’s new £1.5 million Ian Findlay Path Fund for accessible communities will enable more people to walk, wheel or cycle for their everyday journeys to improve air quality, reduce CO2 emissions and improve physical health and mental wellbeing.

Are you interested in how local land is used? Would you like to engage in local land use discussions and pave the way for new ideas? 

The Scottish Government funded Self Build Loan Fund will be extended for an additional five years and will reopen in autumn 2022 following the appointment of a Fund administrator.

The Helping it Happen Awards 2022, run by Scottish Land & Estates, have announced the finalists within five of their nine categories. Each of the categories focuses on an area in which rural businesses are positively impacting Scotland’s economy and environment.

The overall focus of the Helping it Happen Awards is on recognising the role estates, farms and rural businesses play in enabling and supporting success in rural communities, rural businesses and rural landscapes.

Rewilding charity Trees for Life has finished a landmark three-year skills development project to help 15 people from diverse backgrounds pursue a career in rewilding. 

With more than 1,000 people registering their interest to take part in the ‘Skills for Rewilding’ programme across its three-year run, the pioneering project has revealed a significant demand among Scots to find practical ways to help nature and the climate.