Farming & Water Scotland

The impact of invasive species on the natural environment can be extremely harmful. These species out compete natives plants, colonising river banks and leaving bare exposed soil over winter months, but what can be done? In this podcast we are joined by Struan Candlish, from the Ayrshire Rivers Trust, and Alex Pirie, from SAC Consulting, to discuss how land managers can safely help reduce inva...

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 imp...

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...

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 Fion...

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, guidanc...

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...

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 Ca...

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 Initia...

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 ...

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 (https://scottishagronomy.co.uk/) and Wull Dryburgh from SEPA (https://www.sepa.org.uk/) the podcast discusses the tech...

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 w...

Photo ©Neil Fell (https://mobilesheepdipping.co.uk/) 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 (https://www.scops.org.uk/external-parasites/scab/scab-mi...

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 h...

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, whi...

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. Th...

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 to make their business more resilient. Supporting information: Far...

In this episode we are discussing compliance with Stephen Field from SEPA and Alexander Pirie from SAC Consulting. We focus on general binding 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.farmingandwaterscot...

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 & Ma...

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 graz...

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....

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 pollu...

In this episode Pete Wright from SEPA's land unit speaks to his colleagues in the unit about their efforts working with farmers throughout Scotland's 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.