Beyond the Hedgerow: Biodiversity Auditing in Scotland

Biodiversity auditing has become part of the Scottish Governments Whole Farm Plan and discussions around nature conservation are becoming commonplace around the farm table. In today’s episode Alex is joined by senior ecologist Dr Lorna Cole for a broad discussion on the state of Scotlands Nature and where biodiversity auditing fits into the bigger ambitions for nature restoration. Lorna also puts Alex in the hot seat to talk about levels of farmer agreement with habitat classifications. This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond. Timestamps01.48 Introducing Dr Lorna Cole 02.36 Current state of nature in Scotland 07.19 How significant is agricultural land in combating biodiversity decline 13.24 Biodiversity auditing 19.40 Completing your habitat map 23.54 Alex – level of agreement between farmers and consultants in regard to habitat identification for the Whole Farm Plan 29.37 NatureScot Farm Biodiversity Scotland App 34.30 Submitting your biodiversity audit 36.28 Biodiversity audit – where to start 40.22 The value in Biodiversity Auditing 43.05 An opportunity to demonstrate the contribution agriculture is already making to nature 44.15 Lorna’s take home message ResourcesState of Nature Scotland - 2023 report NatureScot - biodiversity app Whole Farm Plan full guidance Events | Farm Advisory Service Improving Biodiversity on Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland Increasing Biodiversity to Build Resilient Farms | Helping farmers in Scotland Using technology to record biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland [email protected] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]