Land managers of all kinds play a vital role in adapting to our changing climate in Highland. Climate change adds existing pressures on the land, and we need to manage our land effectively to ensure it can continue to provide goods and services.
Ecosystems in good condition are more resilient to climate change. Adaptation is crucial to ensure we are using water more efficiently in agriculture, managing soils sustainably, restoring our peatland and woodlands and improving the condition and increasing the size of wild spaces. Check out the links below for a variety of resources to support climate-resilient land management.
Nature Networks Framework (NatureScot)
By 2030 Scotland will have evolving, flexible and resilient Nature Networks connecting nature-rich areas allowing wildlife and natural processes to move and adapt to land use and climate change pressures. The networks will help build people’s connection to nature, providing biodiversity-rich spaces that deliver local benefits, and meet the priorities of local communities for nature.
Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of neighbouring land managers, committed to a bold and ambitious 200-year vision to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes across a vast area within the Cairngorms National Park. Their work includes forest and peatland restoration, deer management, and floodplain and river restoration.
Forest Research Climate Change Hub
The Climate Change Hub brings together information and practical guidance about protecting our UK woodlands and forests from the impacts and risks due to the changing climate through adaptive practice.
The CCC commissioned this project over two phases. This is part two, which considers how diversifying land use and management beyond agricultural production could deliver a range of benefits important for climate resilience and the wider environment, in addition to reducing emissions.
Land Management Business Resilience Resources (Climate East Midlands)
The project aimed to develop support for farmers and land managers in the East Midlands in England, to help them build their business resilience to severe weather and climate change. Resources may still be of interest, including ‘Weathering the Storm – Saving and Making Money in a Changing Climate’.
Land Management Skills in the Inner Forth
To support development of a land manager and contractor training programme, Sniffer and greenspace scotland were commissioned to conduct research, scoping and recommend how to address skills requirements in the Inner Forth area in relation to land management for climate change adaptation. This report presents the findings of the research.
Project Spotlight
The Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment
Climate change is affecting the Highland region. The Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment (HCCROA) is the first regional overview of climate change risks and opportunities from the present day to the 2080s.
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Risks Scored 'High' for Present
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Risks Scored 'High' for Future (2050s/2080s)
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