Land managers from across Scotland will embark on a new leadership programme to tackle climate change next week.
The Landscape Leadership programme is a collaboration between Soil Association Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
The first group of participants, who collectively manage more than 80,000 acres, will meet in Dumfries next week to learn about the potential of natural capital and how to manage large and diverse environmental projects.
“A once in a generation change is needed now,” said Soil Association Scotland’s deputy director David Michie, who will lead the programme.
“Scotland’s landscapes offer massive potential for wildlife, climate change mitigation, and carbon sequestration. This should also bring opportunities for people within these landscapes, so that we see a renaissance in the rural economy.”
SLE’s head of policy, Stephen Young, said: “We’re in a period of considerable change in our sector, with ambitious climate change targets and challenging market conditions. Now more than ever we need strong and clear-thinking leaders. That’s why we are delighted to be involved in this new initiative.”
The participants are: Thomas Bowser, owner of the Argaty Red Kite Project; Jack Campbell, estate factor at Balavil Estate near Kingussie; Grant Conchie, estate manager at Douglas and Angus Estates; Steven Dunion, head of forestry and operations at Cambusmore Estate; Antony Gifford, managing partner of Kinnordy Farms Partnerhsip and owner of Kinnordy and Balintore Estates, Kirriemuir; Nicola Hunt, programme manager at the Borders Forest Trust; Dr Jessica Lynch Maxwell, project development manager at the Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, near Lochaber; Jim Mann, founder of the Birch Syrup Company; David Sumsion, owner of Ardkinglas Estate in Argyll, and Richard Williams, land operations manager at the John Muir Trust.