A new network of land stewards are gearing up to create landscape-scale change in Scotland.

Meeting for the first time today (Jan 27), a mix of private landowners and managers, NGO and community trust land managers - who collectively manage over 80,000 acres of land - will take part in a new Landscape Leadership programme which will look at bringing about positive environmental change in Scotland at the biggest possible scale.

The pilot programme, run jointly between Soil Association Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates, will bring ten participants together at four residential sessions in inspirational settings. Starting today at Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, part of the Buccleuch Estate, they will learn about the potential of natural capital, how to manage large and diverse environmental projects and how to work with others on a catchment scale. Other sessions will take place at Loch Lomond, Holyrood, and the Rottal Estate. All members have diverse aims for their landscapes, but are united in their desire to restore climate and nature for Scotland’s future generations.

“A once in a generation change is needed now,” said Deputy Director of Soil Association Scotland, David Michie, who will be leading the new 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.”

Those taking part in the course will also receive leadership skills coaching, learn how to influence policy and how to plan for their landscape. Ultimately, they will form a network of like-minded individuals able to lead a movement towards sustainable land management in Scotland.

Managing Partner of Kinnordy Farms Partnership and owner of Kinnordy & Balintore Estates, Antony Gifford, commented: “I manage two large areas of land, and I manage them in a multigenerational timeframe – I’ve inherited them and hope my children will have an interest in taking them on, so I’m very aware I’m making decisions now that will have an impact decades into the future.

“There’s also a sense that the decisions we make for our business have an impact on our neighbours and our community," he continued. "Do you build a windfarm on a hill that’s currently unspoiled? Do you cover a grouse moor with trees? Do you try a different farming system? These decisions are important, but you won’t know immediately whether it was the right or wrong decision, and we’re conscious these decisions will impact on things beyond our business," he stressed.

“I don’t expect to get all the answers on the Landscape Leadership programme, but I hope to gain a clearer sense of what I want our landscape to look like, learn more about where I can get help to make the right decisions, and how to bring others into that process – whether it’s expert advice, our local community, or my own family.”

Project Development Manager at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest (Woodland Trust Scotland), Dr. Jessica Lynch Maxwell, added: “It’s important to both me and my organisation to work beyond the boundaries of our ancient Caledonian pinewood at Loch Arkaig. We know that ensuring that our work contributes to positive changes within the broader landscape will require considerable leadership, collaborative vision, and coordinated action.

Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, Stephen Young concluded says: “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.”