Find more funding
There are many other organisations who may be offering funding that will help you, and our handy funding search tool brings them all together.
New Film Highlights the Hidden Power of Dung Beetles in Nature‑Friendly Farming
Farmers share real‑world insights into how dung beetles, healthy soils and low‑input practices can transform biodiversity and build resilient, nature‑friendly farming systems.
A new short film from Soil Association Scotland is shining a spotlight on one of farming’s most overlooked allies: the humble dung beetle. The Hidden Power of Dung Beetles: Boosting Biodiversity While Working With Nature offers a grounded, real‑world look at how farmers across Scotland are embracing regenerative, low‑input systems—and the big impact that small creatures can have on soil health, biodiversity and farm resilience.
The film follows farmers who have shifted away from chemical‑heavy approaches and towards systems that work with natural processes. Through calm, honest conversations, they share the practical steps, challenges and rewards of adopting a nature‑friendly mindset. Their experiences highlight how regenerative farming is not a single technique but a whole‑farm approach that integrates animal health, welfare planning and careful observation of the land.
A central theme of the film is the vital role dung beetles play in healthy pasture ecosystems. These insects help break down manure, recycle nutrients and improve soil structure, reducing the need for artificial inputs. Their activity boosts grassland productivity, supports diverse swards and contributes to healthier livestock by reducing parasite burdens. As farmers in the film explain, once you start looking for dung beetles, you begin to see the land differently.
The feature also explores:
- Observation‑led grassland management, where farmers read the land and respond to what they see rather than relying on routine chemical treatments.
- The benefits of reducing inputs, from improved soil structure to richer biodiversity and more resilient pastures.
- How diverse plant species support healthier animals, better forage and more stable ecosystems.
- Farmers’ reflections on stewardship, long‑term soil care and the confidence that comes from understanding natural processes.
By showcasing early warning signs in soil health and the interconnected roles of insects, plants and grazing animals, the film demonstrates how small changes can help farmers step off the “chemical control treadmill.” Instead, they build systems that are productive, sustainable and better for the environment.
Whether you’re a farmer exploring new approaches, a researcher interested in soil ecology or simply curious about how nature‑based farming works, this film offers an inspiring and accessible introduction to regenerative agriculture in practice.
