A conference to promote links between land management industries and identify future skills and training needs will be held in July. 

The South West Scotland Future Landscapes Conference  is being organised by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) in collaboration with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). 

Hosted by SRUC's Wildlife and Conservation Management team, the conference will look at landscape management, future planning and integrating new technologies and research into land management, with a focus on planning skills and training to meet future needs. 

There will be workshops on regenerative agriculture, peatland and carbon management, 100-year management plans among others. 

The two organisations will also use the event to launch the Natural Capital Innovation Partnership which aims to develop an entrepreneurial campus to address training needs and provide new economic opportunities for farmers and land-based businesses. 

Davy McCracken, Head of SRUC's Integrated Land Use Department, said: "Landscapes and land management practices will need to change if we are to address the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis effectively in Scotland.  

"This conference will consider what that means for the south west of Scotland. It will also seek to understand the skills that are required to deliver that land use change and help stimulate new business opportunities." 

SOSE CEO Jane Morrison-Ross said: "Delivering a nature positive and net zero future requires strong partnership working and an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. The Scottish Government recognised the commitment of the South of Scotland to this agenda by designating us as the national Natural Capital Innovation Zone. In realising this designation, SOSE is proud to be working in partnership with SRUC to explore how we can maximise the community, economic and environmental opportunities ahead of us." 

The conference will be held at SRUC Barony, in Dumfries and Galloway, on 1 July. 

For more information, and to book tickets, visit: South West Scotland Future Landscapes Conference Tickets, Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite.

If you're interested in getting involved, please contact: eblyth@sruc.ac.uk