Natural Capital

Hosted by Farm Advisory Service

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May 2026

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About the show

The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie and Harry Fisher, we will explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future. Hosted by Rachel Smillie and Harry Fisher, produced by Iain Boyd, edited by Ross Mackenzie and Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable.

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39 recent

May 26, 202645 min

NatureScot Natural Capital Tool

In the first episode of the new series, we speak with Donya Davidson and Sophie Manson from NatureScot about their Natural Capital Tool and find out what it is, the challenges it addresses, and how it supports land managers in Scotland. We have a walk through showing how the tool works in practice and how it allows decision makers to identify strategies that maximise positive outcomes. The Natural Capital Tool is a free, easy-to-use spatial decision support tool designed to enable a natural capital approach to land management. Considering the full range of benefits and ecosystem services nature provides, it helps users plan land use in ways that deliver multiple benefits for both people and the environment. Developed by NatureScot in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University and EOLAS Insight, it is tailored specifically to Scotland’s landscapes and needs. Host Harry Fisher, Producers Iain Boyd & Fiona Salter, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kirstyn Blackwood & Kerry Hammond Key Timestamps: 1:06 – 6:59 intro and background to the tool 7:00 – 18:34 the data, functions and design of the tool 18:35 – 35:30 how to use it and target audiences 35:30 – 44:19 run through of tool and next steps Resources: FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Natural Capital Tool: https://natcaptool.nature.scot/ Natural Capital Tool | NatureScot: https://www.nature.scot/doc/natural-capital-tool Biodiversity Audits for Whole Farm Plan | Helping farmers in Scotland: https://www.fas.scot/article/biodiversity-audits-for-whole-farm-plan/ Farm Biodiversity Scotland: https://biodiversity.scot/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

March 25, 202634 min

South of Scotland Natural Capital Innovation Zone

In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast we are joined by Jayne Ashley, Head of Natural Capital at SOSE to talk about the South of Scotland's Natural Capital Innovation Zone. The Natural Capital Innovation Zone (NCIZ) is a nationally recognised region in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders focused on tackling the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. It is a catalyst for innovative natural capital projects, sustainable investment, and partnerships to develop scalable solutions to deliver a wellbeing economy. It provides a collaborative environment for organisations to grow ideas and deliver impact. We discuss why the area is unique, the work, partners and projects they support and their plans for the future. This includes how they are looking to scale up investment in the area and how you can get involved. More information and links about what we have discussed can be found below. This episode was presented by Harry Fisher, produced by Iain Boyd and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Key Timestamps: 0:00 – 7:45: Intro to NCIZ, aims and guiding principles 7:45 – 13:30: What makes the area special and NCIZ as a catalyst 13:30 – 26:00: Projects and innovation NCIZ support 25:30 – end: Plans for future, scaling up investment and how to engage Resources: FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ Natural Capital Innovation Zone: www.investinsouthofscotland.com/nciz Video - We are the Natural Capital Innovation Zone for Scotland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_frjUpSAyhc Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP): https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/ Natural Capital Podcast Biosphere OPIN episode: https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-galloway-and-southern-ayrshire-unesco-biosphere-opin/ Tweed Forum: https://tweedforum.org/ Carbon Centre: https://www.carboncentre.org/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

February 26, 202634 min

The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy

In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast, Harry Fisher and Iain Boyd discuss the new report from the Scottish Government; The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – A Regional Analysis. The report estimates that Scotland’s natural capital underpins at least £40 billion of economic output (14% of the total economy) and supports 260,000 jobs. The discussion highlights the sectors of the economy heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems, and explores how reliance varies across regions, the areas most dependent and how to manage the risks. We discuss the many ecosystem services provided which are irreplaceable, the importance of valuing, looking after and investing in nature and how our natural capital assets are fundamental to economic resilience, rural livelihoods and long-term prosperity. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about what we have discussed, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Harry Fisher, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Timestamps: 1:11 – 6:36 Overview of report and our valuable assets. 6:37 – 16:30 Impact on specific sectors, the role of technology, irreplaceability and risks 16:31 – 24:30 Regional analysis and economic reliance 24:31 – 33:10 Main takeaways and the importance of valuing and protecting our natural capital FAS Resources: FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Related Other Resources:Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – Regional Analysis: https://www.gov.scot/publications/importance-natural-capital-scottish-economy-regional-analysis/ National Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

January 27, 202647 min

The History of Scotland’s Natural Capital

We are joined by environmental historian Dr Ian Maclellan as we wind the clock back through Scotland’s long history of land use change: from the ice age to the Romans, clearances, industrialisation and modern pressures. Along the way, we unpack how humans have been part of the landscape – managing it for food, livelihoods and leisure, and the consequences this has had on nature and biodiversity.Scotland’s landscapes are often seen as wild and timeless, but people and the land have shaped one another over thousands of years. We discuss this and how understanding yesterday can help us make better decisions for the future. Challenging us to have more nuanced, informed conversations about land restoration and management today - recognising complexity, positive outcomes, unintended consequences, and the realities of climate, culture and history.Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn BlackwoodTimestamps:1:25 – 13:38 Introductions and high-level walkthrough of Scotland’s natural history13:38 – 31:00 Management of land and our relationships with it31:00 – 43:55 Our perceptions and misconceptions of the land and challenges for the future43:55 – end. Final comments and where to get more infoRelated FAS resourcesNatural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/Other Related ResourcesProf T C Smout: Nature Contested Environmental History in Scotland and Northern England since 1600: https://www.nhbs.com/nature-contested-bookUniversity of Stirling Environmental History and Heritage: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/arts-humanities/history-politics/history-research/environmental-history-and-heritage/Prof R Oram: Where Men No More May Reap Or Sow: The Little Ice Age: Scotland 1400–1850: https://birlinn.co.uk/product/where-men-no-more-may-reap-or-sow/Ichnos Heritage: https://ichnosheritage.com/

November 27, 202550 min

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere OPIN

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature.  In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recovery Manager Dr Anna Griffin and Natural Capital Officer Jonathan Olandi to explore the work of the Biosphere and introduce their new project, OPIN (On-farm Plans Integrated with Nature). This initiative will recruit 12 farms across the Biosphere in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in a five-year programme focused on whole-farm planning and farming resilience. We discuss how land managers can get involved, the benefits of participation, and the support available, including access to a robust suite of tools, data, and capital grant funding, that will help implement strategic land management actions that are good for natural capital and good for business.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps: 1:04 – 9:00 Intro to speakers and Biosphere 9:00 – 14:30 Reasons for the designation and previous projects delivered 14:30 – 30:30 The OPIN project 30:30 – 50:00 Benefits for land managers and how to get involved Related FAS resources:   Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/  Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/    Other Related Resources: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/  To apply or for more information: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/contact-us/  Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal: https://www.borderlandsgrowth.com/ 

October 28, 202543 min

Reflections from the Nature Friendly Farming Summit

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland’s first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can build a resilient, nature-positive farming future. The summit addressed how nature and profitability are not opposites and showed how the path to a thriving, nature-friendly farming future is already taking shape. Harry and Alex explore the main themes from the day, from farmers as stewards of the land, how profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand and set the scene on biodiversity loss, climate pressures, and the need to de-risk nature-based solutions. The episode also looks at the future of funding, how current and new payment systems can reward environmental outcomes and discusses some of the key messages and announcements made on the day. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Related FAS resources:   FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/  NC LENs episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-landscape-enterprise-networks-leven-lens/  NC John and Louise Seed Woodend episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/arable/  Thrill of the Hill - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/   Other Related Resources: Nature Friendly Farming Network - https://www.nffn.org.uk/  Minister for Agriculture speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/minister-for-agriculture-speech-nature-friendly-farming-network-summit/  RSPB article on summit - https://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/nature-friendly-farming-summit-scotland  AECS announcement - https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/ministers-have-confirmed-the-2026-round-of-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme--aecs-.html  Alex Pirie - https://www.sruc.ac.uk/all-unearthed-posts/meet-the-consultant-alex-pirie/  Timestamps: 0:56 – 6:10 Intro to summit, nature friendly farming and setting the scene 6:11 – 25:26 Range of different farmers, organisations and messages from speakers and exhibitors  25:27 – 29:10 Policy, government messages and funding announcements 29:10 – 35:04 Landscape scale initiatives and LENs 35:05 – end. Summing up and main takeaways. 

September 25, 202554 min

The Free Company

In this episode, we sit down with Angus Buchanan-Smith, Co-Founder and Director of The Free Company, an organic farm and restaurant guided by regenerative methods, at the foot of the Pentland Hills. We explore the history of the business, the transition to organic farming and the various complimentary enterprises they operate, from their onsite restaurant, to veg boxes, pigs and engaging with their local community.  With a deep respect for the land and experimenting with what works for them to ensure a resilient future, they share their ethos, the practices they use and how they are producing food that feeds both their local community and their on-site restaurant. We explore how they create meaningful links between food and place, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic.    Whether you're a grower, eater, or someone curious about the future of food, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at how farming with nature can nourish people, planet, and community  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 0:56 – 15:29 Intro to the Free Company, transitioning to organic farming and finding out what worked for them. 15:30 – 27:06 Getting the most out of the land, a regenerative approach and benefits to biodiversity, soil and carbon.  27:07 –40:24 Local food production, customer experiences and their various enterprises.  40:25 – end. Challenges, recommendations for others and future plans.  Related FAS resources:   Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/  Organics: https://www.fas.scot/organics/    Other Related Resources: The Free Company: https://www.the-free-company.com/  Pasture for Life: https://www.pastureforlife.org/   

August 27, 202550 min

Landscape Enterprise Networks – Leven LENs

In this episode, we catch up with Amelia Heath (Co-Director, Forth Rivers Trust), Clara Schade-Poulsen (Leven LENs Project Officer), and Tom Brown (Senior Programme Manager, LENs Scotland) to explore how the Leven LENs is taking shape following its launch.  We discuss what LENs really means on the ground: how farmers and businesses are partnering to fund environmental improvements, what actions are being supported, and what’s next for this innovative approach in Scotland and beyond. This episode offers practical insight into how collaborative, place-based solutions are helping unlock environmental outcomes at scale to the mutual benefit of those living and operating in a landscape.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 0:50 – 4:56 Intro to speakers, LENs and recent developments 4:56 – 19:44 Leven LENs , who is involved, motives and drivers  19:44 –  29:25 How to get involved and farmer perspective  29:25 – 40:26 Consensus and feedback so far 40:26 – end: LENs elsewhere, sharing benefits and more info  Related FAS resources:   Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/  Landscape scale conservation: https://www.fas.scot/article/landscape-scale-conservation/  Specialist advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/    Other Related Resources: Landscape Enterprise Networks LENs: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/  LENs Impact Report: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LENs_impact_report_2024.pdf  Leven Catchment Collective: https://catchmentcollective.scot/  Leven LENs funding announcement: https://www.3keel.com/news-lens-leven-funding-july-2025/  FIRNS: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/firns-facility-investment-ready-nature-scotland  

July 22, 202546 min

Galvanising Change through Natural Capital - James Hutton Institute

In this episode, we dive into how Natural Capital is reshaping land use, farming, and business decisions with our guest, Dr Kerry Waylen. She shares her insights and working examples, to explore how land managers, farmers, and policymakers measure nature’s value, access carbon markets, and plan for long-term sustainability.We discuss topics including a just transition, the risks of greenwashing, the need for fair systems, and how supply chains—from food production to whisky—are adapting. Practical, grounded, and future-focused, this episode highlights the real opportunities and challenges in putting nature at the heart of decision-making.  Kerry Waylen is a senior social researcher in the Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) department at the James Hutton Institute, and Deputy Director of the International Land Use Study Centre (ILUSC).  She builds understanding of how to achieve more 'joined up' approaches to natural resource management and studies when and how different types of knowledge – including ideas of ‘natural capital’ get used in decision-making - and how to put abstract ideas for nature management into practice. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond.Timestamps: 0:59 – 5:52 Intro to speaker and topic background 5:53 – 18:59 Galvanising change via natural capital project 19:00 –  24:53 Ecosystem services, measuring natural capital, farming practices and easy wins 24:54 – 36:34 Paying for carbon, natural capital markets, opportunities and risks 36:35 – 44:50 Just Transition in land use and future of natural capital  Related FAS resources:   Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceStock Talk - The 5-Mile Pig! | FASWhat is the Woodland Carbon Code? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceUnderstanding Natural Capital Markets | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related Resources: Ecosystem services - nature’s benefits | NatureScotGalvanising Change via Natural Capital - James Hutton InstituteNatural Capital Protocol – Capitals CoalitionNatural Capital Market Framework - gov.scot Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper - gov.scot 

June 24, 202550 min

NatureMetrics - eDNA

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species found across a landscape, assess ecosystem health, and track biodiversity changes over time.  We discuss the role this technology can have in biodiversity baselining with Kevin Fennelly and George Muscatt  from NatureMetrics. NatureMetrics is a global nature intelligence technology company who pioneer the use of innovative methods for biodiversity monitoring. We assess how eDNA works and the role this technology could have across diverse landscapes, including its benefits and limitations, and how it can help understand and manage biodiversity. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 1:11 – 7:55 intros to speakers and what is eDNA 7:56 – 25:38 what can it discover and how does it work 21:37 – 36:18 what is driving demand and nature based risks 36:19 – 47:46 benefits for farms, companies and food production Related FAS resources:   Biodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceHabitat And Landscape Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related Resources: eDNA Biodiversity Monitoring Case StudieseDNA & Biodiversity Monitoring for Regenerative AgricultureKevin Fennelly - kevin.fennelly@naturemetrics.co.uk  

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