Mapping land use support systems and access pathways

Land use transformation, and related reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, will be necessary to achieve Scotland’s ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2045, as well as biodiversity and climate change targets.

A variety of support systems for land use transformation, such as financial support and advice, are already in place.

This study aims to understand how and why land managers engage, or don’t engage, with these support systems, to inform how policy could be best deployed to accelerate the process of change.

Findings

There is substantial evidence for land manager behaviour and decision making that influences engagement with support systems. Their decisions are determined by a range of interacting internal and external factors, primarily related to financial, practical and cultural influences.

• Overall, the public sector grant-giving support network is logical and straightforward to use.
• The administrative burden associated with applying to schemes is a barrier to engagement.
• Land managers often decide whether to engage with support and advice based on confidence in its source. For example, farmers are more likely to trust advisers that have a practical farming background over those from a consulting or academic background.
• Land managers in Scotland primarily access public funding support. Some access private finance to supplement their income or achieve specific goals.
• The breadth of support sources is confusing for some land managers.
• Applicants would prefer administrative simplicity and greater flexibility.
• Improved accessibility and flexibility will not, by themselves, increase overall engagement with land use change. Other measures, such as attractive payment rates, sufficient technical advice and training and management flexibility, will also be needed.

If you require the report in an alternative format, such as a Word document, please contact info@climatexchange.org.uk or 0131 651 4783.