Podcast · Tech & Science

Natural Capital

by Farm Advisory Service · English · Tech & Science

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

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 44 min
Latest: 29 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

29 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Tweed Forum

We’re joined by Derek Robeson from the Tweed Forum to explore their catchment-scale action across the River Tweed and the surrounding landscape and communities. We discuss their various projects including Eddleston Water and Destination Tweed and cover topics including natural flood management, working with landowners and economic drivers, to showcase what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into practical, beneficial action on the ground. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Key Timestamps: 0:59 – 14:54 Intro to Tweed…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E4 · 28 Aug 2026 · 36 min
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands
Join us for a conversation with Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, the not-for-profit initiative is taking a proactive approach to restoring and connecting native woodland across the region. We explore the importance of woodland connectivity, the realities of creating woodland on working farms, and how the Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands and their projects are helping landowners turn good intentions into trees in the ground. Contact: McNabb Laurie - D&G Woodlands Manager Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07538 798 837 Harry Fisher - Consultant Email: [email protected] Host Harry…
S5 · E3 · 30 Jul 2026 · 40 min
Scottish Agroecological Partnership
In this episode, we're joined by Abi Mordin from Propagate and Colleen McCulloch from the Soil Association to explore the work of the Scottish Agroecological Partnership (SAP), a collaboration of organisations working to make agroecology central to farming, crofting and growing in Scotland. We discuss what agroecology means in practice, how collaboration is helping farmers, crofters and growers build more resilient businesses and their project to upscale agroecology. Through on-farm workshops, peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange, the partnership is supporting the adoption of farming…
S5 · E2 · 30 Jun 2026 · 34 min
CREW Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning
In this episode, we are joined by Lorna Cole, Louise Bond and Alistair McVittie to discuss their collaboration on the newly published CREW report; Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning, and what its findings could mean for the future of Scotland’s water environment and land use. We explore the report's recommendations, including taking a whole-catchment, natural capital approach to river basin management, to consider the wider landscape and the many benefits healthy ecosystems provide. The conversation covers the evidence behind nature-based solutions as well as the…
S5 · E1 · 26 May 2026 · 46 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…
S4 · E10 · 25 Mar 2026 · 34 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…
S4 · E9 · 26 Feb 2026 · 34 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…
S4 · E8 · 27 Jan 2026 · 48 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…
S4 · E7 · 27 Nov 2025 · 51 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…
S4 · E6 · 28 Oct 2025 · 44 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…
S4 · E5 · 25 Sep 2025 · 55 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…
S4 · E4 · 27 Aug 2025 · 51 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…
S4 · E3 · 22 Jul 2025 · 46 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…
S4 · E2 · 24 Jun 2025 · 51 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…
S4 · E1 · 27 May 2025 · 54 min
John Wright - Hedgerows, Ditches, and Drystane Dykes
Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they can tell us about our landscape. John Wright is a naturalist, fungi expert, forager and author who has written many books covering Britain's countryside, its history and value to us past and present. John shares his knowledge on the history of the…
S3 · E10 · 25 Feb 2025 · 41 min
Biodiversity Funding on Farms
We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits. In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunities for farmers in 2025 - including going over what the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) is, Nature Restoration Fund opportunities and biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan. We discuss changes and example projects farmers are…
S3 · E9 · 28 Jan 2025 · 48 min
Combating Nature Loss - Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 sets out a clear ambition - For Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045. We are joined by Professor Davy McCracken to discuss the…
S3 · E8 · 24 Dec 2024 · 59 min
Tackling the Climate and Biodiversity Crises
Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them. In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who share their valuable perspectives on topics ranging from global agreements like COP to the lived realities of farming. Together, we examine what these issues mean for agriculture and rural communities, unpacking the concept of a just transition,…
S3 · E7 · 28 Nov 2024 · 57 min
Fungi: The forgotten kingdom?
Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight. Rhizocore Technologies specialise in producing locally-adapted mycorrhizal fungi to boost tree planting success. By working with native fungi, they’re accelerating woodland regeneration, improving forest productivity, and creating sustainable solutions to…
S3 · E6 · 25 Oct 2024 · 50 min
Pivotal - Nature is Invaluable
We are joined by Jonathan Morley from Pivotal, to discuss the importance of robust, reliable and verifiable data and how digital biodiversity monitoring is part of this. Pivotal are a biodiversity monitoring and analytics company working with a range of Natural Capital managers, funds and organisations across the world, providing data from both the ground and remote sources. We discuss the range of technologies and methods available and the use cases for high-quality, verified biodiversity data, including linking nature investment to real world outcomes. Jonathan gives us valuable insight on…
S3 · E5 · 25 Sep 2024 · 29 min
NatureScot Biodiversity Audits
In this episode we speak to Celine Delabre from NatureScot to inform listeners on the upcoming requirement to complete biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan and how NatureScot’s farm biodiversity app can help to deliver these in the future. We discuss the important details that farmers requiring the audit need to know to help them complete it and find out more about the NatureScot app. From 2025 a Whole Farm Plan will be a mandatory condition for accessing future funding. This will involve all farmers and crofters undertaking a number of audits and plans relevant to their…
S3 · E4 · 29 Aug 2024 · 52 min
The Royal Highland Education Trust
The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is a charitable organisation that looks to bring farming, the working countryside, and Scotland’s Natural Capital to life for young people. The trust aims to connect Scotland’s youth to the countryside, and give insight into food, farming and countryside management in Scotland. The trust achieves this through a number of key activities, such as farm visits and providing educational resource materials for schools, along with much more. Ensuring younger generations from both rural and urban communities are aware and understand where and how food is…
S3 · E3 · 27 Aug 2024 · 37 min
Loch Leven's Larder
Loch Leven’s Larder is an enterprise with the farm to fork concept at its core, with the farm providing produce to the café and shop. Since 2005, the larder has put community and sustainability at the forefront of its operations, to provide the Loch Leven area a place to enjoy locally sourced healthy food in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the land that produced their food, and the Loch Leven landscape at large. Loch Leven’s Larder looks to utilise the natural capital in their area in a way that enhances biodiversity, stimulates local economy, provide space for local community, while…
S3 · E2 · 28 Jun 2024 · 29 min
LENs and Forth Rivers Trust
Forth Rivers Trust leads the Leven LENs, a collaborative project that aims to match investors with local activities and projects, that preserve and enhance the Leven catchment’s natural assets. This strategy for long-term investment will deliver a healthy productive landscape, while benefitting the environment, boosting biodiversity and uplifting local communities. We speak to Co-Director of Forth Rivers Trust, Amelia Heath about the Leven LENs project, the wider work of Forth Rivers Trust, their engagement within the Forth catchment and how they overcome the challenges they face. Landscape…
S3 · E1 · 28 May 2024 · 41 min
Trees on Farm
It’s a brand-new series of Natural Capital with a brand-new host! To kick things off Harry speaks to Scottish Forestry’s Lyn White, who is their forestry and farming development officer. Lyn promotes an integrated approach to farming and forestry, to aid understanding and explore opportunities for them to work more effectively together. We discuss working with farmers to maximise the benefits to farms, the farmer-led Integrating Trees Network and all things agroforestry. We discuss the multiple benefits that planting trees can bring to agriculture, including providing shelter, improving…
S2 · E12 · 29 Mar 2024 · 35 min
Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory; developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity following their development of 10%. In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consultant and future host of this podcast, Harry Fisher. We discuss his experience of BNG and how it works, including biodiversity metrics, valuing nature, opportunities for Scotland and what he is looking forward to as the future host of Natural…
S2 · E11 · 29 Feb 2024 · 36 min
Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS)
Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood risk or mitigating and adapting to climate change. We discuss what AECS has to offer with consultants Dr Paul Chapman and Alex Pirie to find out everything about AECS, how to apply and the opportunities it presents to create, restore and enhance…
S2 · E10 · 24 Jan 2024 · 29 min
Green Finance
In this episode of Natural Capital, we are talking about the issue that underpins every topic we cover, and that is finance and funding! With the economic and other pressures that landowners are facing it is great to be joined today by Steve Dunkley the Regional Agriculture Director at HSBC, and Martin Hanson the Head of Agriculture for HSBC, to share their view on ‘Green Finance’, what they are experiencing from clients and customers, and share their experience with some ‘Green Finance’ projects they have been involved with. Steve Dunkley is HSBC's Regional Agriculture Director for Business…
S2 · E9 · 26 Dec 2023 · 46 min
Rothiemurchus Estate & their Christmas Trees
For our final episode of 2023 we are getting a bit festive and are speaking to Ollie Mackay at Rothiemurchus Estate. Rothiemurchus is a special and beautiful place in the Highlands of Scotland, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Ollie is the Head Ranger on the estate and we chat about all the estate’s natural capital assets and his role. We learn about the range of activities and habitats the estate hosts including livestock, farming, beavers and tourism, alongside the pressures and opportunities this creates. Rothiemurchus is the custodian of one of the finest remnants of the…
S2 · E8 · 30 Nov 2023 · 42 min
Islay Geese
We visit the beautiful island of Islay, finding out about the unique habitats, species and important natural capital assets the island supports. The RSPB Islay reserves have internationally important populations of wintering Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted geese, and are also important for breeding Chough, Corncrake, Lapwing and a range of other wildlife. All these species depend on farming practices and the correct land management to thrive. This creates conflicts and opportunities for land managers and agriculture on the island. To discuss this and lots more, we are joined by farmer…

About Natural Capital

Natural Capital is a English tech & science podcast from Farm Advisory Service. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Farm Advisory Service
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 44 min
Latest episode: 29 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1622398721

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