A peatland restoration project based at Knoxfauld Farm in Stirlingshire has been shortlisted in the Farming with Nature category at RSPB Scotland’s prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards.The project has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to nature recovery, demonstrating how local action can deliver significant benefits for Scotland’s wildlife, habitats and climate resilience. By dedicating more than half of the farm to nature-based solutions, Knoxfauld is helping to restore ecosystems while demonstrating that productive farming and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Working in partnership with Forth Rivers Trust, with funding from Network Rail and the EU Project MERLIN, Knoxfauld Farm restored 273 hectares of peatland, created 12 dragonfly pools, established a riparian buffer zone with 500 native trees, and reduced riverbank erosion through the installation of willow spiling. Together, these measures enhance biodiversity, store carbon, improve water management and strengthen climate resilience, while showcasing an innovative, catchment-scale approach to funding farming with nature.
The peatland restoration is forecast to store 40,603 tonnes of carbon over the next 100 years. It will also retain water within the landscape for longer before it reaches the Allan Water, helping to reduce peak flows through natural flood management and providing greater protection for downstream communities.
The benefits for biodiversity are already becoming clear. Just months after completion, seven species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded using the newly created pools. Characteristic bog species including sundew, cranberry, crowberry, cowberry, sphagnum mosses and cotton-grass sedges are thriving, helping the peatland function as a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem.
This restored habitat is more resilient to both drought and extreme weather, ensuring it can continue to support wildlife and store carbon into the future. The newly planted riparian trees and willow spiling will provide shade that helps regulate water temperatures, while leaf litter and woody material will create valuable habitat and food resources for aquatic invertebrates. Over time, fallen branches and naturally occurring woody debris will diversify river flows, creating pools, riffles and sheltered areas that support fish throughout every stage of their life cycle.
This project demonstrates how collaborative investment in nature-based solutions can deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity, climate adaptation, carbon storage and flood resilience, making Knoxfauld Farm a worthy national example of farming with nature in action.
Charlotte Neary, Project Manager at Forth Rivers Trust, is delighted that the project has been shortlisted, sharing:
“This nomination is thoroughly deserved and recognises the vision, commitment and hard work of the family behind Knoxfauld Farm. It is an inspiring example of how farming with nature can deliver multiple benefits at scale without reducing agricultural productivity. By working together, we have restored valuable habitats, strengthened climate resilience and created new opportunities for wildlife to thrive, while maintaining the farm’s productive role. We hope this project encourages others to see how nature recovery and successful farming can be achieved side by side”.
Knoxfauld Farm was announced as a finalist at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Ariane Burgess MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.
The winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a celebratory event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday 19 November, where the 55 finalists will gather. RSPB Scotland has been running the awards for over a decade, and is grateful for the support of our many supporters and sponsors including our 2026 headline sponsor NatureScot. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by award-winning presenter and wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan MBE and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart.
The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.
John Mason, Chair of the Nature of Scotland Awards judging panel and Chair of the RSPB Scotland Committee, said “The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects and partnerships making a real difference for nature across the country. The standard of entries this year has once again been incredibly inspiring and demonstrates the passion, innovation and commitment that exists in every corner of Scotland. On behalf of the judging panel, I want to thank everyone who applied and shared their stories with us. I look forward to celebrating their achievements together at the awards ceremony in November.”
Headline sponsor NatureScot’s Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith said: “We all want to live in a Scotland where people and nature flourish. With nature in a deepening global crisis, and climate change showing little sign of slowing, we need nature heroes now more than ever to tackle the impacts of climate change and to help nature recover.
“These nominees embody the remarkable, caring spirit of nature conservation, restoration and enjoyment across our country. They bring to life ideas, projects and communities that show us what a hopeful and resilient environment can look like.”
