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 found across a landscape, assess ecosystem health, and track biodiversity changes over time.  

We discuss the role this technology can have in biodiversity baselining with Kevin Fennelly and George Muscatt  from NatureMetrics. NatureMetrics is a global nature intelligence technology company who pioneer the use of innovative methods for biodiversity monitoring. We assess how eDNA works and the role this technology could have across diverse landscapes, including its benefits and limitations, and how it can help understand and manage biodiversity. 

Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood 

Timestamps: 

1:11 – 7:55 intros to speakers and what is eDNA 

7:56 – 25:38 what can it discover and how does it work 

21:37 – 36:18 what is driving demand and nature based risks 

36:19 – 47:46 benefits for farms, companies and food production 

Related FAS resources:   

Biodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Habitat And Landscape Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Other Related Resources: 

eDNA Biodiversity Monitoring Case Studies

eDNA & Biodiversity Monitoring for Regenerative Agriculture

Kevin Fennelly - kevin.fennelly@naturemetrics.co.uk