Landward episode 19 2023 – In the upcoming episode, Cammy embarks on a journey to the picturesque region of Ayrshire. Here, he delves deep to uncover how a singular crop could transform into a veritable field of dreams for the dedicated dairy farmers. Along his journey, he unravels the reasons behind why cultivating maize stands out as an exceptionally nutritious and wholesome feed option for dairy cattle, enhancing their overall health and productivity. Meanwhile, Dougie ventures to the scenic elevations on the eastern side of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. In this serene backdrop, he encounters an enthusiastic team of top-notch scientists. These experts are meticulously gauging the current condition of our invaluable peatlands, all as an integral facet of a groundbreaking and innovative project designed to safeguard these natural resources.
On another note, Arlene finds herself wandering the vast stretches of Buchan. She’s on a captivating quest: the hunt for the enchanting tales of the elusive white stag that once roamed Mormond Hill. Parallelly, Rosie takes to the fertile lands of Easter Ross, aiming to uncover the rationale behind the growing movement persuading farmers to cultivate more trees. Her journey reveals insights into both ecological balance and potential economic advantages.
Lastly, Shahbaz immerses himself in the verdant fields of Fife. Here, he stumbles upon the ancient practice of gleaning. Not just a silent observer, Shahbaz actively participates, assisting with the timely potato harvest. Local groups passionately come together, collecting crops with a noble cause in mind: ensuring their communities have enhanced access to fresh, farm-to-table produce right at their doorstep.
This collective effort serves a dual purpose – promoting healthier living and significantly reducing unnecessary food wastage.
Landward episode 19 2023 – Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Scottish Farming and Rural Life
In this episode of Landward, we traverse the breadth of Scotland to reveal the captivating mosaic that is its agricultural landscape. From lush pastures to rugged highlands, join us as we dive into the nitty gritty of growing food sustainably, preserving cherished environments, and fostering community. Experience the ardour and ingenuity that fuels today’s farmers and crofters.
Maize Matters: The Field of Dreams for Dairy Farmers
In the undulating hills of Ayrshire, dairy farmer Chris Cunningham surveys his prize crop swaying in the summer breeze. Standing tall with broad leaves unfurled, row upon row of maize forms a vibrant sea of green. This unassuming summer annual grass holds enormous potential – as an economical and nutritious feed for Chris’s 150-strong herd of Holstein dairy cows.
With milk prices down, Chris is keen to cut costs whilst maintaining top milk yields. Rather than purchasing expensive concentrates, he can grow protein-rich maize as the main energy component of his cattle’s ration. Providing both readily digestible starch and fibre, maize promotes rumen health in cows whilst boosting milk output. It can fulfil up to half of a dairy cow’s energy needs.
The digestibility of maize makes it more efficient than conventional hay or pasture. Chris explains that when he trialled maize feeding, his herd’s milk yield per cow increased by 30%. This productivity gain justifies the intensive management maize requires, including ploughing, fertilising, sowing, weed control, irrigation and harvesting. “Growing maize has been a game changer for us”, says Chris. “It gives us control over costs and nutrition compared to relying on bought-in feeds”.
With careful planning, maize can be grown successfully in Scotland’s climate. The seedlings are frost-tender, so planting is timed for late April to avoid cold snaps. Varieties flowering early in the season perform best in northern regions. Maize requires warm temperatures, so fields are sited in sheltered spots to maximise heat accumulation. Irrigation is essential, as maize has a high water requirement during summer’s peak growth phase.
Harvest comes in October before the first frosts. The entire maize plant is chopped to form silage, which ferments in a silo to retain nutrients. Chris feeds it to his herd along with grass silage and blended concentrates to form a total mixed ration. He closely monitors each cow’s intake at the feed face to boost yields. The proof is in the profits – with maize comprising over half his herd’s winter diet, Chris’s milk revenue has increased markedly.
For Ayrshire’s dairy farmers, maize silage promises a field of dreams – unlocking cost-effective milk production. As Chris says, “When every penny counts, growing maize gives us a competitive advantage”. This unpretentious miracle crop nourishes both herds and bottom lines.
Peatlands in Peril: Measuring the Carbon Cost
High on a remote hillside in the Cairngorms National Park, scientists carefully step across saturated peatland. Treading gently to avoid erosion, they move methodically between their monitoring posts. At each station, instruments are lowered into the peat to record its temperature and moisture content. These measurements will reveal the carbon storage and greenhouse gas dynamics at work in this precious moorland.
Led by Dr Rebekka Artz, the Carbon Stories project is pioneering direct assessments of carbon sequestration across varied landscapes. Historically, estimates of peatland carbon balances have relied on limited data and broad assumptions. By taking fine-grained, on-site measurements, Dr Artz’s team aim to more accurately quantify peatlands’ role in locking up, or losing, carbon. This will guide efforts to restore peatlands’ function as carbon sinks.
Dr Artz explains, “Peatlands contain over a quarter of all UK soil carbon despite covering just 12% of the land area. But many peatlands are severely degraded after decades of erosion, burning and drainage. We urgently need data showing how management affects their ability to sequester carbon.” The Carbon Stories project monitors 60 sites nationwide over two years, gathering data on carbon accumulation rates and greenhouse gas fluxes.
Initial findings from the Cairngorms highlight serious issues. Erosion is rife on steeper slopes, fuelled by grazing animals and walkers. In flatter areas, some rewetting has occurred but more intervention is required. Dr Artz concludes, “Our data will provide a scientific basis for nature restoration that maximises carbon storage benefits”.
Safeguarding peatlands preserves the vast carbon banks they hold. Beyond climate mitigation, healthy peatlands support unique biodiversity and regulate water flows. As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels climb, protecting peatlands becomes critical. We must write new stories where peatlands can thrive, locking away carbon for generations to come.
The Quest for the White Stag of Mormond Hill
Stalking through pine woods fringing Mormond Hill, Arlene peers between the lichen-draped trees for any sign of the mystical White Stag. Local legend tells of this ghostly apparition which appears sporadically in the forests around Strichen. Sightings have persisted for centuries, evoking wonder and speculation about the origins of the phantom deer.
Smoothly patterned with white spots, the White Stag seems to materialise from thin air before vanishing again for years at a time. Some say it is a messenger, portending blessings or doom. Others believe it guided early Pictish tribes who inhabited these hills. A few cynics dismiss tales of the stag as fantasy, but multitudes still hold faith in its existence.
Ranger Colin Willox has coordinated efforts to document sightings and protect deer habitats in the area. He says, “Something intriguing is at play here. It could be a rare genetic trait causing leucism, creating a white coat. Though some wonder if the White Stag has links to the mystical realm.”
Arlene wonders, “What natural explanation could account for this ephemeral white creature?” She learns of initiatives monitoring deer movements and improving woodland connectivity around Mormond Hill. Perhaps motion-sensor cameras within these expanding forests can someday capture the elusive stag on film. But for now, the White Stag remains a local legend whose rare sightings are deemed blessings from nature.
With a last hopeful glance between the gnarled trees, Arlene turns for home as dusk falls. The forest is silent save for her footsteps crunching softly on pine needles. Somewhere in these shadowy depths, the White Stag lurks – a spectre of Scottish folklore patiently biding time until its next appearance. For those fortunate few who glimpse the translucent form between the trees, it leaves an indelible mark on their collective memory.
Reforestation in Easter Ross: The Promise of Productive Woodlands
On a brisk morning in the rolling farmlands of Easter Ross, Dougie Vipond meets Roger Crofts amidst a recently planted grove of oak saplings. As part of a region-wide initiative, Roger is converting sections of his land into native woodlands. “Trees are a crop like any other,” he explains. “If integrated well, forests can be productive for farmers.”
Roger is one of many farmers responding to incentives to increase woodland planting and silvopasture in Scotland. Integrating trees with grazing or crops can boost profitability. As Roger observes, “The forest shelter helps livestock thrive. And when thinned, the maturing trees provide timber income.”
Diverse benefits also accrue beyond the farm gate. Planting native woodlands restores habitats, locks up carbon, reduces flooding downstream, filters water sources, and harbours wildlife. Through careful design, even small plots can connect into forest corridors. Roger points out ash and hazel emerging beneath the oak canopy. “We’re mimicking natural regeneration. These woods will sustain species rare in pastoral landscapes.”
Crucially, integrating trees can improve soil structure and fertility. Dougie learns how seasonal leaf fall transfers nutrients to topsoil, while tree roots break up compacted layers. There is evidence agroforestry systems enhance yields over the long term. Voles which proliferate in pastoral land are controlled once woodland establishes.
But farmers face obstacles switching to silvopasture, from regulatory burdens applying to new forests to upfront planting costs. Roger believes government incentives should expand to ease adoption, given the public benefits from agroforestry.
Looking across the swaying oaks planting this spring, Roger envisions generations of future locals enjoying this revitalised landscape. Woodlands being etched into Easter Ross today will mature to deliver a bounty of environmental, economic and social blessings for the community. As Roger puts it, “If we get this right, it’s a win for all involved – nature, producers, and the wider public.”
The Ancient Tradition of Gleaning: Reaping More from Harvests
In the fertile croplands of Fife, Shahbaz lends a hand to glean potatoes. Gleaning is the age-old practice of gathering any crops left behind after harvest. Once commonplace, it declined over the 20th century as industrialised farming advanced. But now, a volunteer-driven movement to glean surplus produce is blossoming across Scotland.
Shahbaz joins gleaners from Ecology Centre Fife who gather leftover potatoes from a biodynamic farm. Children excitedly fill baskets, while adults share stories as they work. The gleaned potato harvest will provide nutritious local food for people struggling with food insecurity. Additional gleaned produce is shared via community gardens and food banks.
Roni from Ecology Centre Fife explains gleaning helps cut food waste while making use of fields’ full bounty. “It feels wonderful knowing this produce will reach families’ plates instead of being ploughed back in.” Research suggests up to a quarter of Scotland’s vegetable harvest goes unpicked, often due to labour shortages. Gleaning rescues this overlooked bounty.
Gleaners emphasise the social benefits too, from intergenerational bonding to connecting people with local land. The work and resulting gifts in kind foster community resilience. As a regular gleaner notes, “People gain skills in the fields and make friends for life over cups of steaming tea after gleaning.”
Gleaning is undergoing a revival, but organisers stress more could be done to scale up its impact. Policy measures like incentivising growers and land access agreements can assist. But gleaning ultimately depends on grassroots action – people power to nurture community food security. As one volunteer affirms, “Everyone can contribute and there’s so much satisfaction in working alongside others.”
The Rich Tradition of Agriculture in Buchan
In the agricultural heartland of Buchan, Dougie Vipond is admiring the bountiful spuds grown by Sandy Murray. Potatoes have long been Buchan’s staple crop thanks to its fertile soil. Sandy describes the generations-old techniques locals have perfected to grow top-quality tubers. This includes using seed potatoes harvested from own crops to maintain optimal varieties.
Growing potatoes and other vegetables remains integral to Buchan, both commercially and in household plots. Cattle, sheep and pig rearing round out traditional mixed farming here. Sandy reflects, “Farming is our heritage. Most folks have always produced food alongside other trades.”
Community bonds around farming persist, from shared machinery to collective work like harvest. Knowledge passes down, along with treasured cultivars. Sandy saves seeds from his best brassica crops to plant the next season. He tells Dougie, “We pass down our hardiest, tastiest veg varieties just like our forebears did.”
But challenges face farming in Buchan. Prices remain low, while costs and regulations rise. Younger generations often gravitate towards urban careers rather than farm work. Additionally, the average farmer age is 60, so generational renewal is urgently needed.
Yet promising new pathways are emerging. Younger farmers are innovating with high-value crops, farm stores and agritourism. Collaborative farming networks are flourishing. And growing interest in local food creates fresh opportunities. As Sandy concludes, “If we support our young farmers and build strong communities, the future can be bright.” The rich soils nourishing Buchan can seed solutions to sustain its farming heritage long into the future.
The Mystique of the Cairngorms National Park
Enveloped within the remote Cairngorms National Park, Annette Gordon soaks up the awe-inspiring vistas. Sweeping moorlands, shaggy forests and craggy mountains unfurl before her. This diverse landscape has been shaped over millennia by ice, water and woodland. At its heart soars the Cairngorm mountain range – home to five of Scotland’s six tallest peaks.
The Cairngorms’ subarctic climate supports rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in the UK. Annette spots wild reindeer grazing on heather moorland, descendants of animals introduced in the Middle Ages. Herds of red deer roam forested glens. On high plateaus, hardy grasses and heathers cling to the windswept terrain. These montane habitats host unique species.
This environment imposes challenges for farmers. Estates here practice extensive hill sheep farming, with flocks grazing high summer pastures before descending to valleys over winter. Hardiness is vital, as conditions on the open mountain range can be extreme.
Annette learns of an initiative where estates are coordinating to manage deer populations sustainably across the park. Keeping numbers in balance is crucial for regeneration of natural woodlands and to maintain grazing. Such collaborative planning aids conservation across linked ecosystems.
While inhospitable in many regards, the Cairngorms’ wild beauty and biodiversity compels devotion in locals and tourists alike. Careful stewardship of its landscapes and waters benefits both nature and the economy. With eco-tourism flourishing, the Cairngorms National Park provides a model of how profitability can align with preservation when communities work together to achieve a sustainable vision.
Conclusion: The Enduring Vitality of Scotland’s Agricultural Landscapes
Our journey across Scotland’s farms and wilds reveals the remarkable passion and ingenuity of those who work the land. From adopting new crops to restoring woodlands, farmers demonstrate a willingness to evolve and experiment. Traditional practices are sustained through generations, even as emerging ideas take root.
Community endures as a core pillar nurturing agricultural and rural vitality. Whether cooperating on harvests or monitoring landscapes collaboratively, shared purpose binds people to the land. Programmes successfully mesh old and new, from gleaning’s revival to integrating trees on farms.
Challenges remain, from economic pressures to climate impacts. But the fortitude and creativity witnessed across Scotland sparks hope. The deep connection to this land persists as a guiding light. By adapting together, Scotland’s farming communities can continue crafting agricultural systems where enterprise and ecology thrive in balance.
The diverse fruits of this landscape – from healthful foods to wild beauty – make Scotland a global exemplar of sustainable farming. But more than sustenance and scenery, these farms and fields cultivate meaning, identity and community. Across sweeping pastures, rugged peatlands and managed woodlands beats Scotland’s rural heart. It is this profound sense of care for the land that can steer the path ahead toward a brighter future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maize and why is it significant for dairy farmers?
Maize is a protein-rich summer grass crop that can meet up to half of dairy cows’ energy needs when fermented into nutritious silage. Feeding maize promotes rumen health in cows and increases milk yields substantially compared to hay or grazing alone. Growing maize provides dairy farmers a cost-effective way to boost productivity.
How can protecting peatlands help mitigate climate change?
Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, storing over a quarter of all UK soil carbon. But erosion and drainage have degraded many peatlands, causing them to release greenhouse gases. Restoring peatlands through rewetting allows them to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere. On-site monitoring, like the Carbon Stories project, gives precise data to guide effective peatland restoration.
What benefits can agroforestry provide?
Integrating trees in pasture or croplands through silvopasture and other agroforestry systems confers many benefits. Trees enhance soil health, provide timber income when thinned, give shelter for livestock, and support biodiversity. Evidence suggests tree-cropping systems can increase yields over time. Agroforestry also secures public benefits like carbon sequestration, flood control and habitat connectivity.
How does gleaning help cut food waste?
Gleaning involves collecting excess produce left behind after harvest, which often goes to waste. Volunteer groups glean this overlooked bounty and redistribute it to support community food security. Gleaning rescues usable food, reduces harvest waste, and provides training plus community engagement around local agriculture.
Why is generational renewal important for Scottish farming?
Scotland’s average farmer age is 60, highlighting an urgent need for young people to enter agriculture. Providing training, mentorships and start-up support can assist new farmers. Building strong farming networks and communities also helps retain youth in rural areas. Renewing generations in agriculture is key to sustaining Scotland’s farming heritage.
