Rural depopulation is a topic which seems to have slipped down the policy agenda in Scotland in recent years. The popular narrative about the Highlands and Islands has become more positive – highlighting the growth of Inverness and its immediate hinterland, opportunities for renewable energy, or tourism and leisure based on the region’s rich natural environment.
Take a look our visualization of the network of researchers in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme (SRP) as an illustration of just how complicated things can get! The image shows the complex connections between the researchers involved in the SRP (the bigger the node or circle - the bigger the level of interaction and lines represent linkages).
The work carried out by SEFARI which relates to natural capital is varied and detailed, and encompasses soil, fresh water and biodiversity, together with the ecosystem services (including cultural services such as recreation, heritage, spiritual, amenity, and health) which they support. The vision for this work, and those carrying it out, is for recognition worldwide as leading authorities in the understanding and management of natural resources, and in the sustainable use of these resources in a manner that is resilient to future pressures.
Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.
Our ongoing project at Glen Finglas has shown how sensitive biodiversity is to changing upland management. To maintain consistency, we have used the same monitoring methods since the beginning of the project. However, one of the benefits of long-term projects is that new technology emerges and can be incorporated to allow more detailed understanding to be developed.
Farmed salmon is one of Scotland’s main exports, benefitting the national economy and local communities.
The aim of this SEFARI fellowship with Food Standards Scotland was to determine the lifestyle factors which cause members of the older population to become ill with foodborne illness.
Report prepared by: Dr Ellen W. Evans ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Transforming our diets to build a more sustainable food system is paramount to achieving net zero. Here, we provide a high-resolution perspective on United Kingdom (UK) seafood supplies and nutrient flows at species level. We mapped seafood production (capture and aquaculture), trade (imports and exports), purchases (within and out-of-home), and seafood consumption, between 2009 and 2020.
Ana is a human geographer interested in regional development, migration and policy. Her research focuses on rural, remote and sparsely populated areas and communities, with particular focus on mobility drivers and outcomes within these places and communities. She has a background in economics and business management. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC she has received her PhD from Charles Darwin University (Australia) and collaborated with rural communities and stakeholders in South Australia, Northern Sweden and Croatia.
Carey is a chartered town planner interested in land governance and social equity. Her research focuses on community-led approaches, land and property governance systems, and rural/urban dynamics. She has 20 years of experience across academia, private practice, and the third sector. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC in 2024 she has received her PhD in town planning from Queen’s University Belfast, conducting research there on rural migration, town planning and social diversity.