Best NatureScot Podcasts (2025)

1
Building natural capital in Southeast Asia with Geoffrey Seeto from New Forests 42:46

12d ago42:46

42:46

Murray sits down with Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director at New Forests, to discuss the strategic side of nature-based solutions, focusing on forestry investment in Southeast Asia. Geoffrey shares how New Forests evaluates new project opportunities, why meaningful community engagement is essential, and how ecosystem services can be monetised.…

1
Galvanising Change through Natural Capital - James Hutton Institute 46:07

14d ago46:07

46:07

In this episode, we dive into how Natural Capital is reshaping land use, farming, and business decisions with our guest, Dr Kerry Waylen. She shares her insights and working examples, to explore how land managers, farmers, and policymakers measure nature’s value, access carbon markets, and plan for long-term sustainability.We discuss topics includi…

1
Zero Waste Scotland: how small changes create big wins for people and wildlife 45:24

18d ago45:24

45:24

Our everyday plastic and waste choices ripple through Scotland's entire ecosystem, affecting our landscapes and wildlife. Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland explains how rethinking waste can transform our environment and economy. Discover Scotland's circular economy – an innovative approach where products stay in high-value use for generatio…

1
NatureMetrics - eDNA 50:48

1M ago50:48

50:48

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species …

1
Scotland's Sea Eagles: Balancing Conservation and Farming 26:19

2M ago26:19

26:19

Fifty years since their reintroduction, Scotland now hosts around 200 breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles), representing both a remarkable conservation success and a challenge for some farmers and crofters. This podcast explores the relationship between these magnificent birds and farming communities through conversation…

1
John Wright - Hedgerows, Ditches, and Drystane Dykes 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they ca…

1
Beyond Hospital Walls: Green Spaces, Healing Places 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

Green Health Week spotlights NHS Ayrshire and Arran's pioneering approach to transforming hospital grounds into therapeutic spaces for patients, staff, and the wider community. Public Health Programme Lead Elaine Caldow shares the journey from a small demonstration project to a comprehensive approach that treats nature as medicine. Assistant Direct…

1
Science on the Solway - how geese are helping us better understand avian flu 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

Join us as we travel to the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway to meet staff from NatureScot's wildlife management team - Jenny Park, Rae McKenzie and Alastair MacGugan. The team talk us through their vital research into the highly pathogenic avian influenza – or avian flu as it's more commonly known – and the impact it's having on the thousands…

1
Protecting the Amazon with Laura Albuquerque from Future Climate 22:46

3M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode we chat with Laura Albuquerque, Chief Climate Officer at Future Climate. Laura brings 20 years of experience in climate change, and gives us an inside look at some of the major forest carbon projects Future Climate is working on in Brazil, including mangrove restoration and jurisdictional REDD+ across Amazonas and Maranhão, and thei…

1
Bogging Brilliant: The Power of Peatland Restoration 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

By NatureScot

1
How Gen Z is shaping Indonesia’s green future with PT SEM 26:33

4M ago26:33

26:33

In the final episode of the Indonesian series, Murray Collins and Stuart Clenaghan chat with the team from PTSEM, an environmental consulting firm in Indonesia. Young entrepreneurs Muharam Angga Pratama and Sandi Bimasena share how Gen Z in Indonesia are promoting environmental sustainability, and the opportunities they see in this sector. They als…

1
Scaling Indonesia’s carbon markets with Dr. Riza Suarga 50:08

4M ago50:08

50:08

Murray and Stuart are joined by Dr. Riza Suarga, Chairman of the Indonesian Carbon Trade Association to discuss carbon pricing, the role of the Indonesian carbon exchange and how the market can align to the international carbon standards like Verra. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, to carbon projects in Brazil and In…

1
Restoring Indonesia's mangroves with Yani Septiani and Nunuk Widarsih 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

In the first episode of our three-part Indonesia special, Murray Collins and co-host Stuart Clenaghan speak with Yani Septiani and Nunuk Widarsih about how Indonesia can restore its vast natural resources while becoming a leading carbon credit supplier under Article 6. They explore the role of mangrove restoration, Japan-Indonesia trade, and the im…

1
Biodiversity Funding on Farms 41:19

5M ago41:19

41:19

We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits. In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunitie…

1
Named by nature: exploring the Gaelic roots of Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, with Roddy Maclean 24:12

5M ago24:12

24:12

Join us as we chat with Roddy Maclean, a celebrated Gaelic journalist and educator. Together, we uncover the profound ties between the Gaelic language and Scotland's natural world. Roddy shares his unique path from lowland Scotland to Tasmania and back again, where his roots in Applecross ignited a lifelong passion for indigenous languages and thei…

1
Our shared outdoors: Ramblers Scotland on 20 years of access rights and responsibilities 37:38

6M ago37:38

37:38

Join us as we mark two decades of Scotland's pioneering access rights and responsibilities, with Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland. Brendan explains the basics of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and shares how these rights have transformed our connection with nature, boosting personal wellbeing and local economies alike. We highlight th…

1
What Article 6 means for voluntary carbon markets with prof. Ed Mitchard 25:38

6M ago25:38

25:38

Dr. Murray Collins is back hosting another season of the Nature-based Solutions Podcast! For the first episode of the year, we sit down with prof. Ed Mitchard, our Chief Scientist and Co-Founder to break down Article 6 and its potential impact on voluntary carbon markets in 2025. Ed delivers a clear and insightful overview of inter-country carbon t…

1
Combating Nature Loss - Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 48:28

6M ago48:28

48:28

The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and S…

1
Tackling the Climate and Biodiversity Crises 59:06

7M ago59:06

59:06

Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them. In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who…

1
Fungi: The forgotten kingdom? 57:17

8M ago57:17

57:17

Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight. Rhizocore T…

1
Blood-sucking marvels: Scotland's mission to save the misunderstood medicinal leech 34:33

8M ago34:33

34:33

Join Dr Helen Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Sally Morris, Conservation Officer from Buglife Scotland, as they reveal the fascinating world of medicinal leech conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking success in breeding these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures, and why prote…

1
Nature's warriors: stepping up to tackle Scotland's invasive species 33:45

9M ago33:45

33:45

Curious about how volunteers are making a massive difference in the fight against invasive species in Scotland? In the second episode of our two-part series, we speak with Jane Hamilton, Volunteer and Communications Officer for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. She shares insights into how a powerful collaboration of landowners, organisatio…

1
Helping our native wildlife thrive with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative 27:17

9M ago27:17

27:17

Hear about the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) from Project Manager Callum Sinclair of NatureScot. Learn how non-native invasive species like Japanese knotweed and American mink are not just persistent nuisances but significant threats to Scotland's ecosystems and economy. Callum delves into the challenges these species cause and explai…

1
Pivotal - Nature is Invaluable 50:28

9M ago50:28

50:28

We are joined by Jonathan Morley from Pivotal, to discuss the importance of robust, reliable and verifiable data and how digital biodiversity monitoring is part of this. Pivotal are a biodiversity monitoring and analytics company working with a range of Natural Capital managers, funds and organisations across the world, providing data from both the…

1
From machair to meadows: exploring the vital role of grasslands with Plantlife 21:35

10M ago21:35

21:35

Discover the importance of Scotland's grasslands with our guest Jo Riggle, a Grassland Advocacy Officer from Plantlife. She highlights the fascinating range of grasslands and explains how these ecosystems are paramount for biodiversity, climate resilience, agriculture, and our mental and physical well-being. You'll also gain an insight into the uni…

1
NatureScot Biodiversity Audits 29:08

10M ago29:08

29:08

In this episode we speak to Celine Delabre from NatureScot to inform listeners on the upcoming requirement to complete biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan and how NatureScot’s farm biodiversity app can help to deliver these in the future. We discuss the important details that farmers requiring the audit need to know to help them comp…

1
The Royal Highland Education Trust 51:59

11M ago51:59

51:59

The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is a charitable organisation that looks to bring farming, the working countryside, and Scotland’s Natural Capital to life for young people. The trust aims to connect Scotland’s youth to the countryside, and give insight into food, farming and countryside management in Scotland. The trust achieves this throu…

1
Loch Leven's Larder 37:26

11M ago37:26

37:26

Loch Leven’s Larder is an enterprise with the farm to fork concept at its core, with the farm providing produce to the café and shop. Since 2005, the larder has put community and sustainability at the forefront of its operations, to provide the Loch Leven area a place to enjoy locally sourced healthy food in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the l…

1
Life at Loch Leven: exploring work and wildlife on the nature reserve 24:22

12M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode we head to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve to meet with Reserve Manager Jeremy Squire and Reserve Officer Sally Reay to learn about the area's vibrant ecosystem and the huge variety of wildlife that thrives in this habitat. Discover the seasonal spectacles that make Loch Leven a critical sanctuary for numerous species. With each …

1
Transforming lives and landscapes through nature volunteering 29:52

1y ago29:52

29:52

Curious about how volunteering can change lives and communities? This episode reveals the incredible work of Volunteering Matters, as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers' Week. Robert Henderson joins us to spotlight the Volunteering Matters Action Earth project, which has empowered over 100,000 volunteers through more than 3,100 environmental initi…

1
LENs and Forth Rivers Trust 29:03

1y ago29:03

29:03

Forth Rivers Trust leads the Leven LENs, a collaborative project that aims to match investors with local activities and projects, that preserve and enhance the Leven catchment’s natural assets. This strategy for long-term investment will deliver a healthy productive landscape, while benefitting the environment, boosting biodiversity and uplifting l…

1
Plants with Purpose: discovering green solutions for urban challenges 36:37

1y ago36:37

36:37

Join us as we chat to Caitlyn Johnstone, a Nature Based Solutions Scientist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to explore how plants and ecosystems can transform our cities. Discover how integrating nature-based solutions can make monumental differences in tackling urban issues like flooding and heat. We hear about RBGE's Plants with P…

1
Trees on Farm 40:58

1y ago40:58

40:58

It’s a brand-new series of Natural Capital with a brand-new host! To kick things off Harry speaks to Scottish Forestry’s Lyn White, who is their forestry and farming development officer. Lyn promotes an integrated approach to farming and forestry, to aid understanding and explore opportunities for them to work more effectively together. We discuss …

1
Biodiversity Net Gain 34:50

1+ y ago34:50

34:50

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory; developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity following their development of 10%. In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consu…

1
Spring Clean Scotland: working together to Keep Scotland Beautiful 39:23

1+ y ago39:23

39:23

In this episode we chat to Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful, about Spring Clean Scotland, the campaign which brings together people from across Scotland to tackle the litter emergency. We hear how this initiative rallies communities, schools, business and individuals to clean up and look after their local areas. She shares invaluable…

1
Scotland’s outdoor classroom: enriching learning by heading outside 29:15

1+ y ago29:15

29:15

In this episode we chat to Professor Greg Mannion from Stirling University and Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at University of Glasgow, about the importance of outdoor learning. Recently revealed in a report commissioned by NatureScot and other partners - provision of outdoor learning in Scotland’s schools and nurseries has…

1
Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) 35:58

1+ y ago35:58

35:58

Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood…

1
Farming with nature: seven ways to boost biodiversity on farms 19:40

1+ y ago19:40

19:40

In this episode we chat with Rob Drummond, NatureScot's Farming with Nature Project Officer, who is also a farmer, and Robert Dale, who manages Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian. We discuss the importance of increasing biodiversity, nature habitats, and species on farms and crofts. Rob also takes us through seven straightforward ways to increase natu…

1
Green Finance 28:37

1+ y ago28:37

28:37

In this episode of Natural Capital, we are talking about the issue that underpins every topic we cover, and that is finance and funding! With the economic and other pressures that landowners are facing it is great to be joined today by Steve Dunkley the Regional Agriculture Director at HSBC, and Martin Hanson the Head of Agriculture for HSBC, to sh…

1
Nature's reset: using social media to get outdoors more, with digital creator Chris Lawlor 19:21

1+ y ago19:21

19:21

In this episode we chat with digital creator Chris Lawlor, who joins us to reveal the inspiration behind his social media channels and his dedication to sharing fascinating content from around Scotland. Chris explains how he's built an online community who share in the wonder of nature and the outdoors, and tells us how they contribute to his never…

1
Protecting forests globally with Dr Maren Pauly from Everland 25:26

1+ y ago25:26

25:26

Everland represents the largest portfolio of high impact REDD+ conservation projects in the world, marketing and selling the carbon credits into the voluntary carbon markets. Most of their projects are in Cambodia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a lot of work goes into determining whether they are of sufficiently high quality to jo…

1
Rothiemurchus Estate & their Christmas Trees 46:25

1+ y ago46:25

46:25

For our final episode of 2023 we are getting a bit festive and are speaking to Ollie Mackay at Rothiemurchus Estate. Rothiemurchus is a special and beautiful place in the Highlands of Scotland, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Ollie is the Head Ranger on the estate and we chat about all the estate’s natural capital assets and his role.…

1
Mapping Scotland's habitats for NatureScot 22:50

1+ y ago22:50

22:50

From shingle shore, to coniferous forest, Space Intelligence has mapped every inch of Scotland's varied habitats. Philippa Vigano, Innovative Technologies Programme Manager at NatureScot, discusses the need for such maps and the importance of measuring the country's natural capital. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes you all over the world, t…

1
Scotland's wildcats: bringing Highland tigers back from the brink 19:42

1+ y ago19:42

19:42

What if you could play a part in saving a species from the brink of extinction? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Keri Langridge, Field Manager for the Saving Wildcats partnership, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and Dr Roo Campbell from NatureScot, about one of our rarest and most threatened mammals: the wildcat. We'll …

1
Islay Geese 42:16

1+ y ago42:16

42:16

We visit the beautiful island of Islay, finding out about the unique habitats, species and important natural capital assets the island supports. The RSPB Islay reserves have internationally important populations of wintering Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted geese, and are also important for breeding Chough, Corncrake, Lapwing and a range of oth…

1
Australia: Action, not targets, with Rob Waterworth from FlintPro 39:22

1+ y ago39:22

39:22

Dr Rob Waterworth, founder of FlintPRO, talks to Murray and Kim about the need for action and not just target-setting, in the fight to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees centrigrade. With 25 years in the sector and a successful tech company to his name, Rob shares the benefit of his knowledge and experience. The Nature-Based Solutions podcast takes…

1
Carbonomics and GreenWISHING with Gordon Bennett of ICE 39:31

2y ago39:31

39:31

Gordon Bennett is the Managing Director - Utility Markets at ICE (Intercontinental Exchange). ICE is a financial data services and technology company, which owns and operates various exchanges around the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, In this week’s episode of the podcast, Murray and Kim talk to Gordon about the tools available to so…

1
Two bogs, a swamp and some islands: revealing the hidden gems of Loch Lomond and beyond 26:55

2y ago26:55

26:55

In this episode we take you on a boat trip down the River Endrick at Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, where we chat with NatureScot area staff Amee Hood, Stephen Longster and Robyn Hennessey. They guide us through the unique flora and fauna of not only Loch Lomond, but also Flanders Moss and Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserves, the three res…

1
Calpa Nàdarra – Gaelic, culture and crofting 39:01

2y ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of Natural Capital Ross Mackenzie and Janette Sutherland visit Sam Thorburn’s croft on the Isle of Skye. They discuss the natural capital on the islands, Gaelic culture, biodiversity, and crofting life. Gaelic language provides a unique insight and understanding of Scotland’s nature, helping us to understand it better. Central to al…

1
Tanzania, LiDAR and how to measure forests 17:56

2y ago17:56

17:56

How do you know how much carbon is contained in a forest? Three scientific experts from Space Intelligence share details of the technology and science used to accurately map forests both from the ground and from space. Dr Paula Nieto Quintano, Dr Thom Brade and Dr Harry Carstairs also share stories from the field and the incredible animal and human…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

NatureScot Podcasts

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