Several speakers emphasised the importance of mapping and monitoring, while also acknowledging that we still lack high-quality data for many of our water systems. Tools like the NatureScot Natural Capital Tool was showcased to support better decision-making for land managers, helping to capture these less visible ecosystem services.

Throughout the day, one message was clear: we must go beyond simply informing or consulting communities. True success means making space for people to help shape and lead restoration work.

These initiatives rely on citizen science, local training, and strong social connections. They are not just delivering ecological gains and creating stronger communities, they are building long-term stewardship.

The afternoon gave us the chance to attend two different workshops, exploring specific themes in more detail.

Rachel attended the Climate Change Scenarios: Building Narratives and connecting through species workshop, which explored how storytelling can help connect people with environmental challenges. One example followed the life cycle of Atlantic salmon, a keystone species in decline. Their story helped provide the template on how to engage different audiences based on their understanding and how to engage with the climate crises. Through the decline of a salmon population, you are able to engage on the negative effects of biodiversity, economy, and community, pulling on information which may be relevant to different audiences. When salmon decline, it tells us something much bigger about our ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

Ross attended a workshop led by Kerry Waylen and Kelly Ann Dempsey focused on catchment partnerships and their role in supporting source-to-sea restoration. The session shared experiences of real-world challenges and opportunities of collaborative catchment management. It began with an introduction from Kerry and Kelly Ann, followed by structured small-group discussions where participants exchanged experiences and perspectives on partnership working.

The Source to Sea event reminded us that restoring our ecosystems is not just a technical or policy challenge. It is a social challenge. It is about relationships — between people and place, upstream and downstream, and ensuring that we are all included in the conversations.

The closing reflections from Professor Roger Crofts reinforced the need to shift our focus from symptoms to causes, advocating for nature-based solutions as a better way of working. There is a need for stronger integration between science, policy, and community, underpinned by Natural Capital approaches that view nature and people as part of one connected system. Lessons from the past must inform clear, forward-looking objectives, supported by coherent policy and regulation.

Water, as a connector of all things, demands a more joined-up approach, one that engages rights holders meaningfully and seeks multiple benefits rather than single outcomes. Only by thinking collectively, across boundaries and disciplines, can we build resilient ecosystems that truly work for both people and planet.