Farming & Water Scotland: Recent Episodes
Farming & Water Scotland
In this episode David Ross, SAC Consulting, discusses the principals of regenerative agriculture. Looking over the five principals David explains how each technique can be adapted by different land managers to reap the benefits. From the introduction of livestock, to changing your rotation, there are various options available, which farmers can use to build resilience to their soil and help improve water management on farm.
Further information
FAS: Regenerative Agriculture
Sustainable and regenerative agriculture: code of practiceBuilding resilience into Scotland’s rural sector through working with nature and technologyValuing Your Soils
PEPFAA Code: Regenerative Agriculture
Scotland's soils - risk maps
Scotland currently has 90 designated bathing waters across the country. In this podcast we are joined by Ruth Stidson, National science lead for bathing water quality in Scotland, and Jackie McColm, Senior Environmental Protection Officer for SEPA. Our bathing waters are an essential resource to all who use them, and bring multiple benefits to the surrounding area. Here we discuss what bathing waters offer Scotland, looking into the detail at how they are monitored and protected. Through this we discuss how collectively we can work together to improve and manage these areas to the benefits for all who use them.
Further resources:
Scotland's Bathing Waters SEPA home page https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk/
Scotland's bathing waters: locations and results https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk/locations-and-results/
Scotland's bathing waters: Classifications https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk/classifications/
Farming and Water Scotland https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/
FAS Agricultural Actions to improve bathing waters video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWjYby2KY7k
Our climate is changing, how this impacts the agriculture sector is going to be down to how resilient the businesses can become. But where do you start? New guidance from CREW, who are the Centre of expertise for waters, has been released on ‘Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers’. In this podcast David Haro Monteagudo from Aberdeen University and Fiona Salter, SAC Consulting, discuss current climate trends and break down the guide to focus this episode on 'How resilient is your farm business to water scarcity?'
Supporting material
Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications/planning-for-water-scarcity Drought Risk Assessment Tool
https://www2.sepa.org.uk/drought-risk-assessment-tool
SEPA Abstraction https://beta.sepa.scot/regulation/authorisations-and-compliance/easr-authorisations/water-activities/
NetRegs provides environmental guidance for Northern Ireland and Scotland. But what does this mean, and how can you use it? In this podcast we chat with Andrew Wallace and Pete Wright about how information is shared on NetRegs, what can be expected and the different resources which are available to help land managers stay compliant with environmental regulation. Highlight best practice, guidance and training opportunities.
Supporting Material
NetRegs homepage https://www.netregs.org.uk/about/
SEPA home page https://www.sepa.org.uk/
NetRegs E-learning courses https://www.netregs.org.uk/tools/
Contact NetRegs: netregs@sepa.org.uk
In 2025, all areas of Scotland were impacted by reduced water availability at some point. With projections showing that droughts will occur more frequently - what does this mean for the agricultural community? In this episode we hear from Pete Wright, SEPA, on how water shortages impact the environment and farming sector. Looking to ways that land managers can find solutions to remain viable in a changing climate.
Further information
- SEPA: Water Scarcity https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/
- Farming and Water Scotland https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/managing-water/
- FAS: Water Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
Water scarcity occurs when there is not enough water to meet the demands of humans and the ecology. Recent trends have seen an increase in the frequency of water shortage, but what are the implications of this for those who work, use and rely on water supply. In this podcast, Farming and Water Scotland are in conversation with Pete Wright from SEPA, Malcolm Smith, Agricultural Advisor at the Cairngorms National Park and Duncan Ferguson, Spey Fishery Board to discuss the impact of water scarcity throughout Scotland and what mitigation options are available.
Supporting material:
SEPA: Water Scarcity https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/
SEPA: Abstractions https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/abstractions/
Alternative Watering: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/livestock/alternative-watering/
FAS: Water Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
Cairngorns National Park https://cairngorms.co.uk/
The Spey Fishery Board https://riverspey.org/
Image copyright Craig Stephen
How can you improve pesticide management on farm? In this podcast we chat with Neal Evans, Operational Director from The Voluntary Initiative and David Bell, farmer and chairperson of The Voluntary Initiative. Throughout the podcast we discuss the management of pesticides, integrated pest management and options open to farmers.
Supporting material
Voluntary Initiative https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/
Integrated Pest Management https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/schemes/integrated-pest-management/
NRoSO The National Register or Sprayer Operators https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/schemes/nroso/
IPM Assessment Plan https://www.planthealthcentre.scot/scottish-ipm-assessment-plan
PEPFAA Code https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/resource-category/pesticides/
Pesticide Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/pesticide-management/
Think Water https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/schemes/stewardship/think-water/
National Sprayer Testing scheme https://www.nsts.org.uk/
Farming and Water Scotland website https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/
Plant Health for Scotland https://www.planthealthcentre.scot/
BeeConnected https://beeconnected.org.uk/
Riverbank stabilisation features can been a key solution to protecting riverbanks and safeguarding key agricultural land. In this podcast episode we chat with Helen Reid, Senior Hydromorphologist from SEPA and Alex Pirie from SAC Consulting about schemes throughout Scotland, the practical and technical elements land managers need to know before approaching a project and potential funding paths that are currently open.
Supporting material
- AECS capital option Restoring (Protecting) River Banks
- SEPA design guide https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/219450/bank_protection_guidance.pdf
- Videos showing the sites after installation Sustainable riverbank protection | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Farming and Water Scotland Natural Flood Management page https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/managing-water/natural-flood-management/
- Wild Trout Trust flume video showing different types of bank protection Rebalancing bank erosion rates
- Farm Advisory Service - Water Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
Image © Craig Stephen
Organic matter, why is it important, what benefits does it bring to the soil? In this podcast we discuss organic matter, from what it is, to the benefits that can be gained from improving the quantity in your soil. With Zack Reilly from Scottish Agronomy and Wull Dryburgh from SEPA the podcast discusses the technical break down of soil to the interaction with land managers who have spent years dedicated to improving their soil.
The conversation then turns to soil organic carbon and what that actually means, and what land managers need to know.
Supporting material:
Soils and nutrients
Valuing your soils
PEPFAA Code: Soils
Farm Advisory Service: Soils
Scotland's soils
James Hutton Institute: Soils maps
In this podcast we chat to David Boldrin from JHI about how magic margins can be used to help reduce diffuse pollution on farm and help maintain soil on farm.
In this podcast Jackie McColm and Robert Ramsay discuss managing water on farm. Looking at ways and methods farmers can reduce clean water entering slurry storage tanks, therefore, increasing capacity and leading to cost savings.
Additionally we discuss ways that farmers can reuse and recycle water on farm, which increases efficiency, resilience to extreme weather and can provide sustainable water management on farm.
Further resources:
Managing water around the steading
Ideas for keeping clean and dirty water separate
Treating water with SuDS
Alternative Watering
Managing Water Margins
Know The Rules
Water Management
This podcast focuses on how farmers can manage sheep scab. In particular discussing what farmers need to be aware of and the rules and regulations that need to be followed when managing sheep dip from animal welfare, to environmental regulation.
Supporting material:
Scab mites | SCOPS
Sheep Scab | Moredun
Stop the Spread (youtube.com)
Control of sheep scab fas.scot/downloads/technical-note-tn636-control-of-sheep-scab/
PEPFAA CODE: Sheep Dip https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/resource/sheep-dip/
Know the Rules Factsheet 13: Sheep dipping and handling facilities https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KTR13Sheepdipping.pdf
CAR Practical Guide https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/
Riparian Planting can offer vast benefits to improving water quality and easing land management. In this podcast we examine the benefits of these woodland, looking at funding streams available to discussing the great array of benefits that Riparian woodlands provide with SEPA, Scottish Forestry and SAC Consulting.
Supporting material
Riverwoods https://www.riverwoods.org.uk/
Forest Research https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/
Forest Grant Scheme:
https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/forestry-grants
https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/forestry-grant-scheme/
Scottish Woodlands: Woodland Carbon Code https://www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk/services/carbon/#goto-woodland-carbon-code
Rural Payments and Service: Woodland Creation https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/forestry-grant-scheme/woodland-creation/
Specialist Advice Application https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/
Scottish Forestry Map Viewer https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/scottish-forestry-map-viewer
Scottish Forestry Local offices https://forestry.gov.scot/contact?id=120
Train hugger Grant Scheme https://rfs.org.uk/grants/grants-for-resilient-woodlands/
Future Woodlands Scotland https://www.futurewoodlands.org.uk/funding/
Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
Scottish Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 https://forestry.gov.scot/forestry-strategy
Integrating Trees Network https://forestry.gov.scot/support-regulations/farm-woodlands/integrating-trees-network
Scottish Forestry: Right Tree in the Right Place: Planning for Forestry and Woodlands https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/96-the-right-tree-in-the-right-place-planning-for-forestry-and-woodlands
Farm Advisory Service:
· Farm Woodlands https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/farm-woodlands/
· Woodland creation https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/farm-woodlands/woodland-creation/
· Right Tree In the Right Place Video https://youtu.be/LJaDmC1nqBI
In this podcast we discuss with Alasdair Matheson and Graeme Henderson from SEPA, and Peter Lindsay, from SAC Consulting, how land managers can work with SEPA to manage water flow on farm. Focusing on what farmers can do with regard to ditches, drainage and dredging on farm we discuss the rules and guidelines which must be followed. Through our discussion we focus on the management actions, which can be done without involvement from SEPA, to complex licensing process.
Supporting information:
SEPA have produced a Dredging webpage where you will find all legislation and guidance: https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/engineering/dredging/
On this page you will also find a Land Managers Guide
Farming Water Scotland have many resources on managing field ditches and drains, which can be accessed here: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/managing-water-on-your-farm/field-ditches-and-drains/
All regulations and authorisation procedures for carrying our any activity which may affect Scotland’s’ water environment can be found on SEPA’ website here https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/ this page includes a link to the CAR Practical Guide mentioned in this podcast.
Please contact SEPA to discuss any water management project via their email: waterpermitting@sepa.org.uk or please call 03000 99 66 99.
For details on sniffers flood risk management conference please click here.
Farming Water Scotland have great resources on managing water on your farm using natural flood management techniques, for further information please visit here.
The Farm Advisory Service has produced a vast amount of material to help manage water on farm, a selection of materials are below:
3D Buffer Zones https://www.fas.scot/article/3d-buffer-zones/
Woodland creation https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/farm-woodlands/woodland-creation/
Water management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
Following on from extreme weather events that have been occurring throughout Scotland over the past few years, Karen Dobbie, Principal Soil Scientist from SEPA and David Ross, Principal Agricultural Consultant from SAC Consulting discuss soils on farm. The James Hutton Institute have calculated that there is more water held in Scotland’s soils when fully wet than in all our freshwater lochs. Therefore, protecting and retaining soil on farm can be a key component to mitigating against flooding and protecting farms in a changing climate.
In this podcast we discuss what ‘good’ soil health is and how farmers can enhance and protect this resource for viable businesses, retaining and improving soil on farm.
Supporting information
Valuing Your Soils - Farming and Water Scotland
PEPFAA: Soils
What can land managers do? - Farming and Water Scotland
The Farm Advisory Service as many pages offering information on soil management and groups looking at way to improve soil on farm Farm Advisory Service: Soils
Scotland’s soils Home | Scotland's soils (environment.gov.scot)
The soil risk / vulnerability maps can be found at: Risk maps | Scotland's soils (environment.gov.scot)
These can be used in conjunction with the Hutton Soil Finder App SoilFinder - The James Hutton Institute | Science connecting land and people
You can also access the soil maps of Scotland and the land capability maps on the soils website Maps | Scotland's soils (environment.gov.scot)
There is also an agricultural soils information page within Scotland’s soils website Agriculture | Scotland's soils (environment.gov.scot).
The soil heath score card can be found on AHDB website here https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/the-soil-health-scorecard
Information on Regenerative Agriculture can be found below:
https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/soils/regenerative-agriculture/
Building resilience into Scotland’s rural sector through working with nature and technology
Scotland's climate is changing and with that we are observing and experiencing changes to water availability on farm. From drought to extreme flooding this podcast discusses trends and on the ground experience farmers have faced during these events. Looking at ways farmers can prepare and help mitigate changing weather patterns so make their business more resilient.
Supporting information:* Farming Water Scotland: Managing Water on Your Farm https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/managing-water-on-your-farm/
* SEPA Water Scarcity Homepage https://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/water-scarcity/
* Farm Advisory Service: Water Management https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/
* Farm Advisory Service: Rainwater Harvesting Guidance Note https://www.fas.scot/publication/resilient-technology-options-for-water-management-on-farm/
* Farm Advisory Service: Rainwater Harvesting Video - Farmer Experience https://www.fas.scot/publication/water-management-on-your-farm-rainwater-harvesting/
* Farm Advisory Service: Right Tree in the Right Place Video https://youtu.be/LJaDmC1nqBI
* Farm Advisory Service: 3D buffer strips https://www.fas.scot/article/3d-buffer-zones/
* Farm Advisory Service: Water Margins https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/water-margins-2/
* Farm Advisory Service: Extreme Flooding-What can you do Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrEm8QmCBXg
In this episode we are discussing compliance with Stephen Field from SEPA and Alexander Pirie from SAC Consulting. We focus on general biding rules and other helpful tips to ensure that farmers can remain compliant and protect the water environment.
Supporting information mentioned throughout this podcast can be found in the links below:
Farming Water Scotland: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/
Scottish Environment Protection Agency: https://www.sepa.org.uk/
Water Regulations: https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/
Farming Water Scotland Know the Rules: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/know-the-rules/
The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) Practical Guide: https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/dw5de0kh/car-a-practical-guide.pdf
PEPFAA Code: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/pepfaa-code-of-good-practice/
Rural Payments and Services: Slurry Storage https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/slurry-storage/ Please note that the deadline for applications of 19 April 2024
Rainwater Harvesting
https://www.fas.scot/publication/resilient-technology-options-for-water-management-on-farm/
https://www.fas.scot/publication/water-management-on-your-farm-rainwater-harvesting/
Buffer Strips
https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/water-margins-2/
Farm Advisory Specialist advice service https://www.fas.scot/advice-grants/
Risk Assessment for Manure and Slurry (RAMS) Map https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/managing-water-on-your-farm/the-4-point-plan-4pp/risk-assessment-for-manure-and-slurry-rams-map/
In this episode we are discussing slurry stores with Stephen Field from SEPA and Cara Campbell from SAC Consulting. Looking at regulations and options of slurry stores available for farmers. Through discussion we focus on what farmers need to do to manage and store slurry on farm.
Supporting information mentioned throughout this podcast can be found in the links below:
PEPFAA Code: Slurry & Manure https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/pepfaa-code-of-good-practice/slurry-manure/
Slurry Based System https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/livestock-arable/livestock-slurry-based-systems/
Know the Rules https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/know-the-rules/
Rural Payments and Services: Slurry Storage https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/slurry-storage/ PLEASE NOTE THIS FUNDING OPTION CLOSES ON 19 APRIL 2024
Soil management is a key part of controlling diffuse pollution on farms, in this podcast soil scientist Joanna Cloy and Farm manager Sam Parsons from Balcaskie Estate discuss what can be done to improve soil management on farm. They touch on topics such as mob grazing, cover crops and how to improve soil structure and organic matter on farms.
Mob grazing is short duration, high density grazing with a longer than usual grass recovery period. For more information see the 'Mob grazing with beef' guide on Scotland's Farm Advisory Service webpage.
In this episode Pete wright from SEPA discusses the importance of managing water on the steading with Dr Bill Crooks, soils and drainage specialist from SAC consulting. Bill talks about the importance of having the right management and procedures in place so that you reduce the risk of pollution from the steading but also reduce the amount of unwanted water finding its way into storage systems. The financial and time benefits of a good system are discussed highlighting many actions that can be taken right away to make your business more financially sustainable and resilient to a changing climate.
In this Episode Pete Wright from SEPA introduces you to some of the people that make farming and water Scotland tick, Rebecca Audsley SAC Consulting, Wull Dryburgh SEPA and Alexander Pirie SAC Consulting. They discuss why Farming and Water Scotland came about, some of their experiences at shows all around Scotland and why it is more important than ever that the message of reducing diffuse pollution on farms continues to reach farmers in the future.
In this episode Pete Wright from SEPAs land unit speaks to his colleagues in the unit about their efforts working with farmers throughout Scotlands priority catchments to bring about positive outcomes for the the environment.
In this podcast Farmer and beef consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SEPAs Pete Wright about his new alternative watering system of solar powered pumps and water troughs. Robert speaks about the lessons he has learned and the immediate benefits he has seen and the potential to improve his farm management under the new watering system.