The Challenge of Marginal Land: efficient utilisation of the managed natural environment
Glensaugh and three other research farms managed by the James Hutton Institute provide a valuable long term platform to meet the research needs of the Scottish Government's Strategic Research Programme.
Glensaugh is a 1000ha upland estate lying between 120 and 450 masl whose principal activity is commercial livestock farming. Production is underpinned by 30ha of grass clover leys and around 70ha of improved pasture, which fades out to an acid moorland hinterland of more than 900ha. The land supports 360ha Scottish Blackface ewes, 530 crossbred ewes, 50 Shorthorn cross suckler cows and 100 red deer breeding hinds. Glensaugh is one of eleven sites in the Environmental Change Network (ECN).
Land managers and mixed upland farmers are invited to join Glensaugh farm staff, Hutton researchers and guest speaker Michael Blanche, at a meeting to learn more about efficent management of upland systems for sheep and woodland. Hear about a number of current Glensaugh-based research projects and contribute to future research. Topics for review include:
- progressive grassland management and its role in supporting farm output
- The role of the managed natural environment as a grazing resource
- Native Scots pine woodland: biodiversity responses to climate change
- Impact of muirburn on biodiversity of grazed moorland
- Impact of tree establishment on carbon dynamics in moorland
- Improving the environment for ground nesting birds in the uplands
- Environmental benefits achievable through co-operation between landowners
This free event will include a tour of the farm, visits to research sites and show how woodland and grassland management can co-exist.
For more information about the event or to register your interest in attending, please contact Daksha Rajagopalan on 01224 395 393 or email daksha.rajagopalan@hutton.ac.uk
