Thrill of the Hill - 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 Cole02.36 Current state of nature in Scotland07.19 How significant is agricultural land in combating biodiversity decline13.24 Biodiversity auditing19.40 Completing your habitat map23.54 Alex – level of agreement between farmers and consultants in regard to habitat identification for the Whole Farm Plan29.37 NatureScot Farm Biodiversity Scotland App34.30 Submitting your biodiversity audit36.28 Biodiversity audit – where to start40.22 The value in Biodiversity Auditing43.05 An opportunity to demonstrate the contribution agriculture is already making to nature44.15 Lorna’s take home messageResourcesState of Nature Scotland - 2023 reportNatureScot - biodiversity appWhole Farm Plan full guidanceEvents | Farm Advisory ServiceImproving Biodiversity on Your Farm | Helping farmers in ScotlandIncreasing Biodiversity to Build Resilient Farms | Helping farmers in ScotlandUsing technology to record biodiversity | Helping farmers in ScotlandLorna.Cole@sac.co.ukFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot