Loch Lomond and Trossachs farmers invited to join climate initiative

The initiative will look to foster nature restoration, by focussing on farmer-led sustainability approaches that help farm businesses thrive amid climate and economic challenges, providing farmers with practical tools, support and resources.

Under the new scheme, three host farms would receive comprehensive financial, enterprise performance, environmental and biodiversity reviews, along with regular peer support through a local discussion group.

The National Park Authority has also committed to ensuring the programme remains farmer-driven.

Bosses say it will focus on peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, supported by training and advice, with local land managers leading discussions, sharing experiences, and scoping ideas for on-farm trials.

Daniel Stout, a Land Management Adviser with the National Park Authority will lead the programme. He is an experienced farm consultant with a crofting background and will help host farms make evidence-driven decisions to benefit their operations and the wider community.

Commenting on the programme, Stout said: “This is an exciting opportunity for forward-thinking farmers to lead by example, trialling new methods and refining their farming systems for the benefit of their own businesses and the wider farming community”.

“The Resilient Farm Network will bring local farmers together to find solutions that improve profitability and sustainability, building resilience to any future changes in support payments, climate, and market fluctuations.

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(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) " Within the context of upland livestock farming in the National Park, this can be achieved through practices such as focusing on forage-based sheep and beef systems, improved grassland management, and sustainable parasite control. By optimising production and reducing input costs, we can enhance profitability, which in turn can lead to improvements in farm carbon footprints and nature value.

“A key part of the programme is the continual review of financials, enterprise performance, and carbon, habitat, and biodiversity audits. This allows us to demonstrate the positive impact of changes in management practices and highlight the contribution that livestock farming brings to these areas."

The launch of the new programme comes after a recent report by Scottish Environment LINK, that highlighted Scotland’s National Parks can support more sustainable farming, contributing at a greater level to both environmental goals and rural economies.

If successful in taking part, farmers in the National Park will receive additional funding for work that supports that programme’s aims.

The project organisers say the benefits of taking part include tailored support which would include free financial analysis carbon foot printing. Practical outcomes of participation would help reduce input costs, optimise farm productivity whilst promoting nature restoration in the area.

Those interested are now encouraged to attend a free event at the National Park Authority’s headquarters in Balloch.

The event will feature a presentation from Perthshire farmer John Ritchie, who has transformed the profitability and resilience of his upland farm near Forgandenny by focusing on production from pasture.

It will take place on Monday 28 October at 7:15pm, but applications for a note of interest in the RFN programme are now open online.