Episoder

  • Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. This is the third and final episode in our series exploring beaver reintroduction in Scotland. Across the last two episodes, we’ve looked at the challenges, concerns, and practical realities beavers bring to land management.

    Today, we’re joined by farmer and rewilding advocate Tom Bowser from Lerrocks farm and we’ll be focusing on the other side of the story — the ecological case for beavers, the benefits they can bring, and what a future with more beavers in Scotland might look like.

    Timestamps

    02.28 Introducing Tom Bowser

    07.28 Why are beavers worth having back in Scotland?

    08.36 Beavers: ecosystem engineers and keystone species

    12.40 Beavers, the most controversial animal that we have at the moment?

    14.10 Practical benefits of beavers

    22.03 Biodiversity and hairy bottomed handstands!

    27.23 Balancing the benefits with the challenges

    32.49 NatureScot beaver team and available assistance

    37.04 Where are we likely to see beavers in the future?

    43.08 Food production and nature restoration, not always opposing forces

    FAS Resources

    Thrill of the Hill Episode 12: A Damming Conclusion?

    https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a1a41750-26db-4341-8783-2aa9443a34c3

    Thrill of the Hill Episode 2: A Damming Conclusion? Part II

    https://player.captivate.fm/episode/34096505-af92-46c9-8a66-6ee445383126

    FAS - Rewilding Beavers

    FAS Farm Wildlife Walk

    Other Related Resources

    Argaty Red Kites – Rewilding Experiences in the Heart of Scotland

    Tom Bowser – Nature Writer, Journalist, Public Speaker

    Beavers in Scotland | NatureScot

    For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

    Facebook: @FASScot

    National Advice Hub

    Phone: 0300 323 0161

    Email: [email protected]

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

    At Scotland's First Nature Friendly Farming Summit, Minister Jim Fairlie announced the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme for a 2026 funding round and a commitment to continue the scheme through to 2030. This announcement brought a degree of certainty to the policy landscape and has allowed farmers and crofters to plan for the future and how the industry continues to embed and build nature into their businesses.

    Fresh off the release of the approval lists for the 2025 funding round, in this episode we sit down with Environmental Consultant and Lead on the Ecology Knowledge Network, David Brown from SAC Consulting to discuss the successes of the scheme historically and look forward to what this new round will bring. We cover changes to eligibility criteria, spatial targeting, scoring and more – stressing the importance of getting the right advice and getting it early. David also speaks passionately about his involvement with the Farm Wildlife Walks initiative and the willingness of farmers and crofters to meet the challenge of nature decline head on.

    Want to get in touch with David? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01835 342919 or by email at [email protected].uk.

    FAS Resources

    Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) - FAS

    https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/agri-environmental-climate-scheme-aecs/

    Other Related Resources

    Agri-Environment Climate Scheme

    https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/

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  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

    Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for upland and hill farmers across Scotland. As climate targets, evolving support schemes and market expectations continue to shape the future of agriculture, farmers are being asked not only to produce food from some of the country’s most challenging landscapes, but to do so in ways that recognise and enhance their role in climate mitigation. In these extensive systems, decisions around livestock management, soils, grassland and habitats all influence a farm’s overall carbon footprint and long-term resilience.

    Upland and hill farms are often characterised by low inputs, permanent pasture and semi-natural habitats, meaning they already deliver significant environmental value. However, understanding where emissions arise — and where carbon can be stored — is key to making informed, practical changes. From improving animal efficiency and grazing management to protecting peatland and making targeted investments, there are opportunities for farmers to reduce emissions while strengthening business performance.

    In this episode, we sit down with Senior Consultant and Lead on the Carbon Dynamics Knowledge Network, James Orr from SAC Consulting to explore what carbon reduction really looks like in upland and hill farming systems. James shares his perspective on the actions farmers can take now, the investments most likely to deliver benefits, and how measuring and understanding carbon footprints can support better decision-making. He also speaks passionately about the impacts of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange and together, we discuss how hill farmers can work with their land, build resilience into their businesses, and ensure they are recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s climate solution.

    Want to get in touch with James? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01292 525010 or by email at [email protected].uk.

    Related FAS Resources

    Rural Roundup - 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds) | FAS

    Rural Roundup - 2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics) | FAS

    Rural Roundup - 3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV) | FAS

    Rural Roundup - 4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two) | FAS

    Rural Roundup - 5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator) | FAS

    Rural Roundup - 6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation | FAS

    FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

    Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a climate where winters can be long, wet and increasingly unpredictable.

    In-wintering cattle offers farmers greater control over nutrition, health management, and environmental conditions. Housing cattle can reduce exposure to harsh weather, support targeted feeding strategies, and make it easier to monitor body condition and wellbeing, particularly in youngstock or higher-value animals. For many farms, in-wintering also helps protect vulnerable soils, reducing poaching and allowing fields to rest during the wetter months.

    Out-wintering, whether on deferred grass, forage crops, or purpose-designed out-wintering pads, comes with its own advantages. Lower housing and machinery costs, reduced slurry handling, and the potential for improved cow fitness are significant attractions. Many farmers also value the labour efficiencies of out-wintering systems. When well-managed and matched to land capability, out-wintering can help reduce input costs and support more nature-friendly grazing practices — though careful attention to ground conditions, shelter and welfare is essential.

    In this episode, we sit down with Beef and Sheep Specialist, Lorna Shaw for a broad discussion on the options available to farmers and crofters while considering whether to in or out-winter cattle and how to balance key management considerations, like land capability, infrastructure and performance targets. At the same time we'll cover how best to work with the landscape, protect from environmental damage and blend practicality with innovation and sustainable land management.

    Want to get in touch with Lorna? You can get a hold of her via telephone on 01738 505069 or by email at [email protected].uk.

    Related Resources

    Stock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | FAS

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.   

    Organic farming is woven through Scotland’s landscapes, from the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire to the upland pastures of Argyll. Rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and local resilience, organic systems work with nature rather than against it—building fertility through crop rotations, clover leys and composts, and managing pests with balance instead of chemicals. The result is more than just food without synthetic inputs; it’s a way of farming that supports wildlife, protects water and strengthens rural communities. From certified producers under the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) to advisory work led by the Soil Association, organic farming in Scotland continues to evolve, combining tradition, innovation and environmental stewardship to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.   

    In this episode, we sit down with two special guest speakers, Debs Roberts joins us from SOPA and David MacKay joins us from the Soil Association to walk us through the benefits of going organic, the process and how the market is developing in Scotland and further afield - in a conversation that is more collaboration than clash of the titans. We also talk about the announced return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and David reflects on his time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit.    

    Want to get in touch with Debs or David? Contact SOPA via telephone at 0300 7729795 or email at [email protected].uk. Contact Soil Association via telephone at 0131 3708150 or email at [email protected]

    Related FAS Resources

    Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service

    Related Other Resources

    Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)

    Soil Association

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. 

    Bats are a defining—if often unseen—part of Scotland’s working landscapes. From the edges of upland pasture to lowland hedgerows, shelterbelts and farm ponds, these nocturnal insect-eaters weave through dusk and darkness, helping to regulate moths, midges and beetles while signalling the health of our wider environment.  Species like the common and soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat and Daubenton’s bat use farms for roosting, commuting and feeding, linking woodlands, water and field margins into living networks. Yet changes in building use, loss of hedgerows, brighter yard lighting and reduced insect abundance can make life harder for these protected mammals and the benefits they bring. 

    In this episode, ecologist and environmental consultant Harry Fisher from SAC Consulting Ltd walks us through practical, farm-ready actions: keeping and restoring hedgerows as flight corridors; creating or managing ponds and wetlands; planning yard lighting to reduce glare and skyglow; timing roofing and renovation work to protect roosts; and planning activities through the calendar year. We’ll also look at simple additions like bat boxes, how to spot signs of bat activity, where to find advice, and how agri-environment options and local projects can help with costs and guidance. 

    Want to get in touch with Harry? Contact him via telephone at 01292 525090 for advice on surveys, roost considerations during building works, and habitat improvements suited to your farm.

    Related FAS Resources

    Bats and Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland

    Other Related Resources

    Home - Bat Conservation Trust

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. 

    The water environment is one of the defining features of the Scottish landscape, shaping both its character and its ecological richness. Rivers, lochs, wetlands and coastal waters weave through glens and straths, carving valleys, feeding fertile soils and sustaining a remarkable variety of wildlife. They provide vital habitats for species such as salmon, trout and eels, which have long been part of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, while also supporting birds, mammals and plants that thrive in and around freshwater. But historic practices meant to improve productive activity and improve our management of water has proven detrimental some species, obstructive them from travel up and downstream, meaning that overtime, our rivers have become less dynamic and alive. In this episode Struan Candlish from the Ayrshire Rivers Trust talks us through the actions needed to restore our rivers and the benefits and incentives for farmers, crofters and land managers. 

    Want to get in touch with Struan? He can be contacted at Ayrshire Rivers Trust via email enquiries at [email protected].

    Related FAS Resources

    Scotland's Priority Catchments | Helping farmers in Scotland

    Alternative watering for field grazed livestock | Helping farmers in Scotland

    Water Margins | Helping farmers in Scotland

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. 

    Scotland’s upland farms and crofts are home to hardy cattle and sheep breeds, producing high-quality meat and supporting rural communities in some of our most challenging environments. Yet, feeding and nutrition in these landscapes can be complex, with variable forage quality, harsh weather and limited grazing options influencing livestock health, fertility and productivity. Getting nutrition right is key to maintaining body condition, improving breeding success and ensuring the long-term sustainability of hill farming systems. In this episode Dr Cara Campbell from SAC Consulting Ltd discusses the fundamentals of upland nutrition for cattle and sheep, and offers practical advice on feeding strategies around bulling and tupping to help farmers achieve the best results for their herds and flocks. 

    Want to get in touch with Cara? She can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd via email enquiries at [email protected].uk.

    Related FAS Resources

    Beef Nutrition:

    https://www.fas.scot/livestock/beef-cattle/beef-nutrition/

    Sheep Nutrition:

    https://www.fas.scot/livestock/sheep/nutrition/

     

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. 

    Often overlooked and easily mistaken for its more common relatives, the Northern Brown Argus butterfly is a small but significant species found in parts of Scotland. Closely tied to very specific habitats and entirely dependent on the rock rose plant for survival, its presence is a clear indicator of healthy, species-rich grassland. In this episode Harry Fisher, host of the Natural Capital Podcast sheds light on the efforts to protect this elusive butterfly, we explore the unique ecology of the Northern Brown Argus, why it matters, and what its story tells us about biodiversity, land use, and conservation challenges in Scotland — and why saving a single species can sometimes mean saving a landscape. 

    Want to get in touch with Harry? He can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd via email enquiries at [email protected].uk

    Related FAS Resources

    Technical Note (TN712): Land Management for Butterflies

    Monitoring Pollinators On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

    In this episode outreach adviser Charlie Owen from the Woodland Trust discusses the MOREwoods scheme set up by the Woodland Trust. The scheme is there to allow land owners to access partial funding and advice which may will lead to planting trees on their land. Set up in 2010 the MOREwoods Scheme has supported 3000 landowners achieve their goal of planting more trees. 

    Feeling inspired and want more info please visit the Woodland trust website and head to the Plant trees section to find out more. Plant Trees on Your Land with MOREwoods - Woodland Trust 

     

    Related FAS Resources

    Farm Woodland resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service

    Other Related Resources

    Plant Trees on Your Land with MOREwoods - Woodland Trust 

  • Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

    Scotland has a vibrant and dynamic farming industry, merging traditional practices with new innovations, yet barriers and challenges to entering and exiting the industry remain. Established in 2019 in response to industry concerns over the lack of new entrants across the sectors, the Scottish Land Matching Service (SLMS) offers a range of free services, providing advice and guidance, tools and signposting and a comprehensive database of individuals seeking opportunities in farming. In this episode Ian Davidson OBE gives us an overview of SLMS, what it does, who it works with and who it is looking for, highlighting some of the opportunities and successes through the initiative – across farming and crofting.

    Want to get in touch with Ian? He can be contacted at the Scottish Land Matching Service via email enquiries at [email protected].uk

    Note: This episode was recorded in March 2025

    Related FAS Resources

    New Entrants resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service

    Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

    Related External Resources

    Scottish Land Matching Service | Opportunities in Scottish Farming

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    Venison, an underappreciated meat in Scotland? Despite the abundance of deer in Scotland, farmed and wild, venison has never been a staple of the Scottish diet, certainly not in the same way as beef or lamb. Scottish Government reports that the amount of farmed venison in Scotland increased by around 4.9% on the last five year average, making up 16,000 animals. That figure might sound impressive, but the Venison Advisory Service suggests that accounts for only 3% of national production, with the remainder coming from wild venison. Scottish Government reports that around 3,500 tonnes of wild venison is produced in Scotland each year and The Times suggest that around two thirds of that is used in the domestic and wider UK markets. But with such plentiful supplies of venison on our hills, could we be making more of it? In this episode Anona Gow discusses the virtues of venison, its nutritional value, cooking options, perception of the sector and reflects on her new book, The Venison Kitchen. 

    Want to get in touch with Anona? She can be contacted at The Venison Kitchen via email enquiries at [email protected].uk

    Related FAS Resources

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/podcast-the-thrill-of-the-hill-deer-farming-management/ 

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/thinning-herds-thicken-forests/ 

    Related External Resources

    The Venison Kitchen by Anona Gow   Cook Book  

    Events — Pitscandly Farm Venison     Events and Farmers Markets 

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    We're all human, fragile and fallible, accidents can occur and mistakes can be made, people can be in danger, get hurt and when that happens, be in need of first aid. The National Farmers Union reports that despite accounting for only 1% of the working population, agriculture accounts for 20% of all deaths in the workplace. In this episode, qualified First Aid Trainer and practitioner, Sean Magee discusses the importance of first aid in the farm and rural environment, including what information to provide to emergency services and the processes of seeking help, how to assess the requirements of a casualty and top tips for dealing with agricultural related incidents when they occur.  

    If you want to get in touch with Sean, he can be contacted at CPS Activities Ltd via email at [email protected].

    Related FAS Resources

    Developing Safe Farming Practices - Lone Working

    Other Related Resources

    First Aid Training - CPS Activities Ltd

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    Technology is always progressing, and the same is true in the uplands. New innovations mean it has never been easier to collect, measure and interpret data for the benefit of farming, nature and climate change. In this episode, Environmental Consultant, Jack Zuill discusses the potential for and realities of measuring nature, using a range of technologies, from drones and LiDAR to audio capture, speculate on the future of data gathering and the importance of having specialist input in decision-making.

    Want to get in touch with Jack, he can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd on 07584 526 926 or via email at [email protected].uk.

    Related FAS Resources

    UAVs in Agriculture | Farm Advisory Service

    Natural Capital - Drones, Data and Decision Making | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    Love them or hate them, geese are a recurring feature on farms across Scotland. Views differ on the benefits of having them, some see them as a pest species, others as a necessary component of a larger biodiversity network. In this episode we sit down with Rae Mackenzie for a broad discussion on geese and goose management in Scotland. We cover their ecology and nature value, look at the international efforts being made to promote the species and the ins and outs of Scotland's own goose management support scheme.  

    Got questions on goose management, contact your local NatureScot office for advice and signposting in the first instance.

    Related FAS Resources

    Natural Capital - Islay Geese | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

    Goose Management in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

    Understanding Goose Control Law in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

    Other Related Resources

    Managing geese | NatureScot

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. 

    As climate change, biodiversity decline and food security continue to build in our collective consciousnesses the drive to find a comprehensive solution intensifies. In this episode, Chris Clark from Nethergill Associates shares his opinions and approach to Maximum Sustainable Output (MSO), a concept that revolves the ideas of natural and industrial energy, reducing artificial inputs and allowing land to revert to a natural carrying capacity, whether that is livestock or crops. Chris provides a broad introductory discussion on the concept and shares his own opinions on how sustainable land management is measured and achieved. We cover mindset change, bring energy use to the forefront and unpick to what extent it compliments existing farming approaches like regenerative farming and organics. This is a great start to the conversation around MSO.   

    Want to get in touch with Chris, he can be contacted at Nethergill Associates on 07969 018 324 or via email at [email protected].uk.

    **In January 2024 the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published the ‘Harmonisation of Carbon Accounting Tools for Agriculture’ report, which discusses the different approaches and methodologies behind measuring carbon across six of the most commonly used tools in the UK - an overview and the findings can be accessed via the link provided.

    Related Links

    Harmonisation of Carbon Accounting Tools for Agriculture - SCF0129

    Carbon Calculators - Farm Advisory Service | The Scottish Farmer

    What is the Maximum Profit Potential for your Farm? (Youtube.com)

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    With COP26 in Glasgow well in the rearview mirror and 2030 on the horizon, serious, measurable change has to be made in the fight against climate change. With Scottish Climate Week coming up, in this podcast we hear from Senior Carbon & Sustainability Consultant and returning guest to the podcast, Seamus Murphy on the progress made by Scottish farming to address climate change. We discuss changing perceptions on climate change in the industry, the reliability of carbon markets, the need for, not just individual action but a collective led campaign to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and talk candidly about the likely impacts of not doing so. 

    Want to get in touch with Seamus, he can be contacted at SAC Consulting on 01292 525 145 or via email at [email protected].uk.

    Related FAS Resources

    Climate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

  • Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.

    Life as a cow is difficult and complicated, on the one hand there is a general acceptance that their non-selective grazing, trampling and dunging can contribute to diverse grassland swards, ideal habitat for ground-nesting birds etc. and promote healthy soils. On the other hand, the production of methane and relatively high carbon footprints in comparison to other enterprises can leave cattle exposed to climate criticism. In this episode we talk with conservation consultant Helen Bibby and host of the Stock Talk podcast and returning guest Robert Ramsay for a broad discussion on cattle, cattle grazing and what makes them Scotland's preferred grazing animal. 

    Want to get in touch with Helen, she can be contacted at SAC Consulting Oban on 01631 563 093 or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact Robert at SAC Consulting Ayr on 01292 525 171 or via email at [email protected].uk

    Related Materials

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/tn686-conservation-grazing-semi-natural-habitats/ 

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/grazing-for-profit-and-biodiversity-grazing-strategies/ 

     

  • Soil is a perennial topic, something that needs to be discussed on a recurring basis, and last time we did so was with Dr Bill Crooks some years ago now.

    In this episode, we hear from agricultural consultant and soil management enthusiast Lorna Galloway and talk all manner of things, from improving the uplands, raising soil pH, integrating clover, managing drainage and highlighting the support available for soil sampling under Preparing for Sustainable Farming.

    Soil forms the foundation of just about everything we do in agriculture, we like to think of our society as being at the cutting edge, but this is not a new idea. “To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil” – Xenophon, 400 B.C. More recently, Leonardo Di Vinci is attributed as saying “We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot”.

    Want to get in touch with Lorna? She can be contacted at SAC Consulting Stranraer on

    01776 702 649 or via email at [email protected].uk.

    FAS Related Materials

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/podcast-the-thrill-of-the-hill-lime-soil-health/

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/technical-note-tn656-soils-information-texture-liming/

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/valuing-soils-practical-guidance-scottish-farmers/

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/practical-guide-soil-sampling-i-take-soil-sample/

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/farming-better-climate-practical-guide-field-drainage/

    https://www.fas.scot/downloads/practical-guide-understanding-soil-carbon/

  • THRILL OF THE HILL | A Damming Conclusion: Part II with Davy McCracken

    Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. 

    Beavers and their presence in Scotland continues to divide the agricultural community, for some they generate hope for a more nature-rich Scotland and more dynamic landscape, for others they cause damage and threaten the viability of various farm enterprises. Last year we heard a passionate take on the issue from Euan Walker-Munro who articulated the frustration felt by many in the industry. In this episode we hear from Professor Davy McCracken and cover the positives around beaver reintroduction, the ecology of the species and the opportunities brought by them. We also discuss what to do if the challenges caused by beavers are too much, what his experience was with getting a license and the need for collaboration and knowledge transfer on the issues faced.

    Want to get in touch with Davy, he can be contacted at SRUC on 01292 525 299 or via email at [email protected].uk. Those with questions for NatureScot can make contact via [email protected].

    Related FAS Resources

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/thrill-of-the-hill-a-damming-conclusion/

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/beavers-translocation-ecology-and-mitigation/ 

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/living-alongside-beavers/

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/accommodating-beaver-impacts-on-a-farm/

    https://www.fas.scot/publication/mitigating-beavers-impacts-on-a-farm/ 

    Related External Resources

    https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/protected-species-z-guide/beaver/beaver-mitigation-scheme