Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature.  

In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recovery Manager Dr Anna Griffin and Natural Capital Officer Jonathan Olandi to explore the work of the Biosphere and introduce their new project, OPIN (On-farm Plans Integrated with Nature). This initiative will recruit 12 farms across the Biosphere in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in a five-year programme focused on whole-farm planning and farming resilience. We discuss how land managers can get involved, the benefits of participation, and the support available, including access to a robust suite of tools, data, and capital grant funding, that will help implement strategic land management actions that are good for natural capital and good for business.  

Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood 

Timestamps: 

1:04 – 9:00 Intro to speakers and Biosphere 

9:00 – 14:30 Reasons for the designation and previous projects delivered 

14:30 – 30:30 The OPIN project 

30:30 – 50:00 Benefits for land managers and how to get involved 

Related FAS resources:   

Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/  

Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/  

Other Related Resources: 

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/  

To apply or for more information: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/contact-us/  

Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal: https://www.borderlandsgrowth.com/