Lit reviews and farm visits too

Since starting my PhD in October it's been a bit of a whirlwind. Getting used to Stirling (which is absolutely gorgeous) whilst also starting a literature review has at times been overwhelming. My brain feels swollen from the amount of information I've processed...but I have always been a bit big headed.

Writing a literature review for a PhD feels like a very different process from doing it for a BSc and MSc. The critical aspect of it becomes so important because you're constantly thinking about where your topic relates to the wider literature. At the same time I've been looking for research gaps and novel approaches which I can apply. Overall, it has been an extremely enjoyable experience. Getting to intimately know a topic gives you a sense of confidence that I'm on the right track and can dictate my own research which is a satisfying thought.

However, all of this information is somewhat redundant if it's not applied to policy and change is seen on the ground. For that reason I went on a farm visit to Balbirnie Home Farms within the stunning area of the Lomand Hills which is part of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN). I feel like I learnt more in those three hours than an entire term at undergraduate level. The insightful comments from the farm managers really put into perspective the dramatic shift we are seeing in the Scottish Agricultural scene and what barriers there are to change.

What it came down to is money. Farmers have to make a living and businesses can't constantly be in the red. The majority of farmers understand that nature means business. Within the double challenge of a climate and biodiversity crisis it was very encouraging to see this recognition. But as our guides highlighted; the shift in opinions and land management techniques is going to be a generational change...and unfortunately we haven't got time on our side. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how farming techniques such as mob grazing, mixed arable/pasture and cover cropping was all being integrated into a farming system. Balbirnie farms really are leading from the front when it comes to changing agricultural practices and having the NFFN to spread the information is an excellent platform for knowledge exchange. At the event there was a huge range of individuals including; Land trust managers, academics, estate managers, agronomists and business owners. The diversity of opinions and backgrounds enabled an open and friendly discussion about the current farming systems utilised, what the future may hold and what barriers there are to change. Overall it was an excellent experience and it's something that will push me to translate my own work into transferable knowledge and tools that can hopefully benefit farmers.