LUSSG 13/04
Development of Land Use Strategy Action Plan
Stakeholder Event Analysis Report
1.
A stakeholder event was held on 18 January to gather views and ideas for
new activities for the next Land Use Strategy Action Plan and Progress Statement
due to be published in early June 2013. Stakeholders helpfully offered many
suggestions and comments. These have been analysed and key themes and priority
actions identified. Copies of all the comments made by stakeholders can be provided
on request.
2.
Annex A is an analysis of the key themes and a table containing the priority
actions for each Proposal with comments. As a next step, we suggest that the three
LUS Working Groups consider the themes and priority actions for their Proposals
and develop actions for inclusion in the next Action Plan. The LUNE Team will carry
out initial analysis on the themes and priority actions in advance of sending them to
the Working Groups to consider their practicability, the likely resource commitment
and the relationship with policy.
Timescale
3.
This development work needs to be done quickly. We suggest the following
timeline and key tasks:
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Working Groups consider the key themes and priority actions – March 2013
Working Groups agree new actions – beginning April 2013
LUSSG consider and agree new actions – mid - end April 2013
Finalise draft Action Plan and Progress Statement – early May 2013
Ministerial approval for Action Plan and Progress Statement –mid May 2013
Publication of LUS Action Plan and Progress Statement – mid June 2013 (at the
latest)
Recommendations
4.
The Land Use Strategy Steering Group is invited to
a. note the findings of the analysis report; and
b. agree that the LUS working groups should take forward the development
of new actions for the LUS Action Plan from the stakeholder key themes
and actions.
Land Use and Natural Environment Team
February 2013
1
Annex A
Land Use Strategy Action Plan Workshop 18 January 2013 Analysis
1. Introduction
1.1. This report provides an analysis of the Land Use Strategy LUS stakeholder
workshop held at Scottish Government, Victoria Quay on 18 January 2013.
Stakeholders provided a large number of suggestions for new actions for each LUS
Proposal. The information was collated and synthesied and main themes identified.
There were a significant number of cross cutting themes and these are detailed
below. Section 2 below provides the main themes for the whole workshop across all
the Proposals, Section 3 cross cutting themes, Section 4 important additional
suggestions not picked up in the cross cutting themes and Section 5 the original
actions suggested by stakeholders with our initial comments. Section 5 actions have
not been altered except where there was duplication.
1.2. Reading across all suggestions, it was clear that many stakeholders appeared
to be unaware of where to go to find information about land use, were unaware of
what was on SEWeb and many had not read the previous Progress Statement. This
meant that some suggestions were for actions that Scottish Government and SEARS
had already intiated. It was felt that actions were still government heavy and that the
LUS will only secure buy in if all stakeholders are involved. It was suggested that
SNH should publicise others who can help.
2. Workshop main themes
2.1. Stakeholder suggestions were collated and synthesised. A number of themes
emerged from the analysis as follows:

Best practice integrated land management demonstration projects to
show environmental valuation including carbon and ecosystems services, applying
an ecosystems approach, peatland management, climate change mitigation and
adaptation and handling land use conflicts.

Information resources to support decision making including GIS and
mapping of ecosystems services, user friendly mapping tool for land capability,
audience targetted guidance documents for the ecosystems approach,
environmental valuation, best practice land management, guidance on land use
issues for communities. Also GIS "opportunity maps" to identify potential for multiple
benefits and to determine suitability for SRDP funding.

Use innovative and targetted communication methods to diseminate
existing information. Language needs to be simple.
2

Peatland management and environmental markets. Raise awareness of
peatland management, development of carbon accounting methods and
environmental markets and payments for peatland management.

Promoting an ecosystems approach through demonstration projects and
targetted guidance.

Build community capacity and resilience though guidance and direct
support. Land ownership and the Community Empowerment Bill were felt to be
important factors.

Land manager advisory service and support for best practice land
mangement including demonstration farms.
3. Cross cutting themes
Demonstration projects/sites
Across nearly all Proposals, participants suggested that practical projects were
needed to show best practice land management of ecosystems services, practical
application of peatland management, integration with SRDP, and delivery of climate
change adaptation and mitigation objectives. Stakeholders suggested that an active
network of demonstration sites and pilots was needed.
Only a few particpants mentioned research and the necessity of a good evidence
base to back up the practical projects.
Carbon Markets and ecosystems services and peatlands
Carbon markets and ecosystems services activities were mentioned frequently under
Objective 1 and 2 Proposals. It was suggested that land managers need support to
provide a range of ecosystem services and an environmental valuation mechanism
which can deal with trade-offs and enhance the economy. Environmental markets,
regulations and incentives should incorporate mechanisms for peatland
management and valuation. There was a particular emphasis on establishing
carbon accounting, including peatlands for land managers. Stakeholders felt that
carbon accounting and grant funding should be linked and that incentives to
persuade farmers and other land managers to consider a broad range of ecosystems
serivces were needed.
Peatland management featured in Objectives 1 and 2 Proposals. Participants were
concerned about carbon accounting, environmental valuation and payments for the
trade-offs that land managers may have to make.
Information resources to support decision making
Many participants appeared to be unaware of existing activities and publications and
suggested that better promotion was needed. In addition, many participants
suggested that better use of existing information was important as was developing
information resources which supported decision-making such as GIS opportunity
mapping for ecosystems services. Need to publicise the land use hub more widely
and link Scottish Government LUS website with other websites.
3
Support for land use decision making was considered to be important with
stakeholders suggesting a range of advice and tools including an advisory service for
land managers,(whole farm plans were highlighted), information resources to support
land managers and enable them to understand and comply with regulations and
incentives, practical guidance on integrated land management and ecosystems
services and practical support for land based businesses to reduce GHG emission
and enable adaption to climate change.
Climate change
Stakeholders focussed on the practical aspects of climate change mitigation and
adaptation measures for land use and wanted to see practical projects which
demonstrated these.
Data/GIS
This was mentioned under Objective 2 and 3 Proposals. Stakeholders felt that
useable GIS data and national maps needed to made be available as well as
national level analysis of land use change impacts. It was suggested that SEWeb
should expand its GIS accessible environmental data. In addition an accessible user
friendly website to show what land managers are doing on the ground to deliver
ecosystems services was called for.
Incentives, regulations, LUS and CAP
Particpants felt that the CAP and SRDP needed to be aligned with the LUS and that
land managers needed support. An advisory service was suggested to help land
managers deal with the range of incentives and regulations including SRDP.
Practical guidance and demonstration projects should also cover incentives and
regulations. There was, however, concern that SEARS would not have the capacity
to deal with CAP/SRDP applications etc. More emphasis needed on helping
farmers/land managers understand regulatory requirements and what policy is trying
to achieve through advice, events etc. The monitor farm approach and whole farm
plans were suggested as good mechanisms for delivery of LUS Proposals.
4. Important additional suggstions
This section provides additional suggestions for each of the LUS objectives not
covered by the the main themes or cross-cutting themes.
Objective 1 - Proposals 3,4, 5, 6 and 7
Common Agricultural Policy CAP/incentive/regulations
Proposal 3 and 5 are related and the priorities for Proposal 5 depend on the next
CAP.
Information, advice, and tools
Stakeholders suggested a range of advice and tools including an advisory service for
land managers (whole farm plans were highlighted), a spatial mapping tool for land
use planning and management and opportunity mapping to identify the best places
for trees. Making better use of the information from Farming for a Better Climate and
Focus Farms was suggested as well as utilising the Quality Meat Scotland Monitor
Farms.
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Climate change and land management demonstration projects
Stakeholders called for initiatives to encourage innovation in land management to
contribute to climate change objectives including energy efficient planning for land
managers. Particular suggestions included - quantify carbon footprint of agricultural
products & link to marketing e.g. award status like organic to influence consumer
buying patterns. It was suggested that CAP Pillar 1 & Pillar 2 should encourage GHG
emission reduction and adaptation to climate change.
There was also concern about farm woodlands and the valuation of ecosystems
services. Monitor farms were highlighted as exemplars. Identify existing exemplar
projects and areas of research for climate change adaptation.
Crofting
Demonstrate the benefits of linking crofter’s duty to use crofts to deliver wider land
use objectives and demonstrate that regulation of residency duty for crofters is a
powerful strategic tool.
Integrated spatial land use planning
It was suggested that regional integrated spatial land use plans, facilitated and
supported by public and third sector was needed. Whole farm plans were mentioned
in this context.
Scottish Association of Farm Conservation Advisors.
The Scottish Association of Farm Conservation Advisors may be a way for farmers
to provide their views on CAP/SRDP etc.
Champions
Stakeholders suggested that ‘champions’ of best practice are needed - to act as
leaders in communities and to nurture the LUS/ecosystem approach at both the
regional scale (catchment) and within farming communities.
Objective 2 - Proposals 8, 9 and 10
Demonstration Sites/Practical Examples
Policy and research was needed to support demonstration sites and promote them.
In addition, it was felt that ecological scale strategies were needed for land
management.
Communications
More guidance and information on the practical aspects of applying an ecosystems
approach including up to date, easily available data and practical guidance with
clearer language was called for. Persuasive communication needed to raise
awareness of peatlands. Stakeholders provided examples of alternative alternative
means of communciation such as the RSA animation project.
Peatlands and carbon accounting
A strategic national-scale approach and transparent method for soil carbon
accounting and a carbon sequestration accreditation scheme to allow for equal
application across the country was called for.
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6
Objective 3 - Proposals 11, 12 and 13
Education and training
This theme cuts across Proposals 11 and 12 actions to promote better
understanding of land use/climate change in education. Suggestions included the
development of a school-based programme, outdoor learning, using the Scottish
Outdoor Access Code and engaging children at primary and secondary level.
Practical training, support, community capacity building assistance and training to
support low capacity groups/communities to help them with climate change
adaptation.
Community empowerment
Stakeholders suggested that community engagement models and mechanisms were
needed for real engagement with local communities. It was also suggested that the
LUS should integrate with the Community Empowerment Bill.
Communities
Web accessible FAQs and video were suggested so that communities may learn
from others, maybe with contact information for dialogue/advice to enable
communities to get involved in local debates. Information/communication technology
was suggested as means of staging community debates and enabling decision
making e.g. critical forums. There was a suggestion that strategic planning by
communities as core of "community planning" should be rolled out. There were also
suggestions for partnership working with agencies such as Development Trusts
Association Scotland to assist communities in understanding how they can
contribute. Finally there was felt to be a lack of communication between
farmers/landowners and the public/ communities.
Housing and demographic change
Need to consider the impact of housing and demographic change on land use. This
cuts across Proposals 11 and 12.
Additional Proposals
It was suggested that new Proposals covering the following were needed.
o 1) access
o 2) engaging communities in thinking about landscape change
o 3) education and awareness raising
o 4) land reform
Land ownership
Make critical links to land reform as ownership determines action on land use
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5. Priority Actions (identified by stakeholders at the workshop)
Proposal
3
Priority Action
Comments

Consideration of LUS
Objectives and Principles is
already an active part of CAP
reform and SRDP development

4
Stakeholder groups should be opened up to wider
elements in society
Needs consideration
Make sure NPF3 and planning policy deliver LUS
objectives
Work on the NPF3 and revised
SPP have already given full
consideration to the LUS
Needs consideration alongside
existing schemes such as
Wildlife Estates Scotland
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5
6
There is a need to ‘proof’ future policies in line
with the LUS objectives eg SRDP, NPF3
All decisions about CAP reform should be
‘proofed’ against the LUS
Introduce a recognition or award scheme to
influence change eg an accreditation scheme
Use "recognition" as a tool to influence change
e.g. award scheme, accredited assurance
scheme
Some kind of award for land managers who are
'doing good things'
Diversity is the key to adaptation. We need
multifunctional land use
Diversity is the key to adaptability e.g. no
monoculture moorland or single-species
management
Needs consideration
All decisions about CAP reform should be ‘proofed’
against the LUS
See Proposal 3
There needs to be a more tangible link between
CAP, the environment and climate change issues
eg include payments for soil management. Payment
for delivery of public goods
See Propsal 3 and Proposal 9
Priorities for next SRDP - national and regional must reflect LUS objectives
See Proposal 3

LUS pilots were announced on
6 Feb.

Develop integrated land use pilots aimed at
multiple benefits. Make sure they are not just
about climate change
Develop integrated pilots e.g. S.Uist. Define
"effectiveness" to promote a strategic approach
between sectoral interests
8
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7
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8
There needs to be more about adaptation. The
current focus is on mitigation eg there should be
more action on flood management or peatland
management
More demonstration projects/research/initiatives
on climate adaptation (current activity focused
on mitigation) e.g. flood peatland management
There should be farm plans which set out
woodland expansion plans aimed at achieving
multiple benefits. These need free advice as
part of their preparation
Bespoke farm plans for woodland expansion
that identified multiple benefits potential &
funding mechanisms delivery. Needs facilitators
& support.

Needs consideration
alongside on-going work on
natural flood management
and peatlands
 Needs consideration
alongside all the actions
which call for
demonstration sites
Needs consideration alongside
the action plan developed as a
result of the WEAG report
Agro-forestry should be better integrated into
agriculture. Develop agroforestry demonstration
projects. The regulations need to promote
agroforestry and recognise the benefits eg fuel,
biodiversity, shelterbelts
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites and in
conjunction with developing
SRDP proposals

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Needs consideration alongside
all actions which call for
guidance and information.
Next steps could include promote existing
ecosystems approach
information note more
widely.
 provide additional
ecosystems approach
guidance notes covering
and local authorities, SEA,
and other audiences as
suggested below.
 consider different formats
for information notes
Needs consideration alongside
all actions which call for
guidance and information.
Examples for people to follow
One high level (umbrella) document with
tailored guidance documents for specific
audiences
Distil existing information and synthesize good
practice ( identify gaps, lessons learned ,
relevance)
Practical guidance must (a) identify the desired
outcomes (b) provide a mechanism for showing
Local Authority policies ( etc.) do/do not "comply"
with an ecosystems approach - the ultimate
question is what would be different from business
as usual and how do we know? *
9
Needs consideration alongside
all actions which call for
guidance and information.
High level guidance on what we need to do to adopt
Strategic Environmental Assessment SEA into
ecosystems approach supported by information
notes explaining more specific elements link
between SEA and ecosystem approach. Use this to
simplify SEA. Need for rationalisation.
Needs consideration alongside
all actions which call for
guidance and information.
Develop and communicate alternative scenarios of
change in ecosystems services for desired
management strategies
Needs consideration alongside
all actions which call for
guidance and information.
Publically funded data available free/open source
Ecosystems services data and
national datasets on peatlands,
etc may be available already
but may be diffficult for
stakeholders to find or access.
This action needs exploration.
Perhaps SEWeb may provide
some of this data and also the
Scottish Government Strategic
Research proivders.
Consider with the other actions
on data gathering across all the
Proposals.
Needs consideration. Identify
existing outreach programmes
which cover the ecosystems
approach.
Organise collaborative gathering of data and
evidence for dissemination
Outreach programme to develop a community of
practice and ensure complete coverage of Scottish
environment
9
Utilise the ability of local partnerships to deliver
action
Needs consideration
Exploration of possibilities of place-based policy
making in one area ( why - because sectorally
based policy-making may actually prevent
implementation of ecosystems approach by public
bodies)
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Get on and try it at a number of scales
geographically. Identify aims and evaluate.
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Simple clear communication, use of culture, art and
poetry to communicate complexity and change
hearts and minds.(including land managers) E.g
Royal Highland show
Needs consideration. The SNH
2020 Vision project provides an
example of culture used to
communicate biodiversity etc.
Need regulations/incentives to deliver long term
management. Policy/guidance needs to be
integrated into incentives ( eg) SRDP or legally
enforced. Eg make use of Carbon calculator.
Obligatory when submitting planning application
Needs consideration.Cuts
across actions for Proposals 3
and 5.
10
Demonstration projects for community based
projects
10
Use sites to demonstrate how existing policy
conflicts have been resolved on site ( peat v
forestry v renewables)
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Carbon accounting for land managers to then be
used as a baseline for rewarding land managers
and linked to carbon taxation, but don't tax land
users only. Wider rollout through society
Needs consideration. This is
one of a group of actions on
carbon accounting for land
managers.
Use SNH money to underpin establishment of
robust mechanisms for peatland carbon
code/valuation/markets
Needs consideration. This is
one of a group of actions on
carbon accounting for land
managers.
Carbon grading system for land owners similar to a
fridge or home ( A, B, C, D, etc.)
Needs consideration.
Need pilots at various scales. Has to be practical.
Show good and bad examples
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Needs consideration alongside
all the actions which call for
demonstration sites.
Needs consideration. Crosscutting with Proposals 3 and 5.
Establish active network of demonstration sites
Incentives to persuade farmers to "farm" other
ecosystems services rather than just agriculture.
SRDP ( long term funding agreements spatially
connected) to deliver - flood risk reduction,
biodiversity, landscapes, energy, water
How can we compensate "losers" in trade-offs?
Public money vs private supply of ecosystems
services
Needs consideration.
Monitoring of SRDP outcomes
Needs consideration. Crosscutting with Proposals 3 and 5.
Needs consideration. Related
to Proposals 3 and 5.
Proper monitoring and evaluation of environmental
outcomes of the SRDP
Invest in work required to establish environmental
markets
Identify policy priority eg reduce flooding and
explore how to deliver it
National level analysis of land use change on
species.
11
Needs consideration. Related
to Proposal 9 actions on carbon
markets and environmental
markets.
Needs consideration. LUS
provides national level policy.
This action may be about local
delivery of national priorities.
Needs consideration. The SG
Strategic Research Programme
may provide evidence and
analysis.
Scenario modelling of changes in ecosystems
processes resulting from changes in landscape
management
11
12
13
Develop information about carbon footprint of
different land uses and empower communities to
press for reductions in these - thus adding
resilience
Needs consideration. The SG
Strategic Research Programme
may provide evidence and
analysis.
Needs consideration
Integrate LUS with all relevant public policy areas
and develop a hierarchy of how all the policies fit
together - could be visual like a picture
Needs consideration
Practical training, support, community capacity
building assistance
Needs consideration
Community Empowerment, developing models for
different types of engagement by communities
Needs consideration
Mapping - interactive map of land use, ownership
etc & allow for mapping survey data from citizen
science
Needs consideration. SE Web
exploring the potential for the
development of a Land Atlas,
would solve issue of land
ownership. Also SRDP data an
issue.
LUNE Team
February 2013
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