Rachel Muir, Natural Capital Community Partnerships Adviser, shares a blog about starting the role.

Recently I joined the Natural Capital Community Partnerships (NCCP) project, where I will be working to build cross-sector partnerships that enhance Scotland’s natural capital for communities.

When we talk about natural capital, we mean the parts of nature that provide the essential services we rely on every day. Our rivers and lochs supply fresh water, woodlands provide timber, and soils grow our food.

Scotland’s natural capital is valuable in many ways, supporting our economy, health, and wellbeing. Its famous lochs, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes attract tourism, while also offering spaces for recreation that benefit our physical and mental health. Yet, many of these landscapes are not in a healthy condition—a legacy of decades of management focusing on economic output and often overlooking true value that our natural capital holds.

Growing up on a farm, I’ve seen firsthand how working practices constantly have to change and adapt. Balancing economics, the environment, and the climate determines what is feasible at any given time. Abnormal and unpredictable weather patterns make planning and land management especially challenging. But with a commitment to sustainable practices and careful stewardship, we have the chance to protect both livelihoods and the landscapes that feed us.

Prior to stepping into this role, I worked in the third sector and with communities. This experience gave me the opportunity to see the large number of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect and enhance their local nature and biodiversity. Witnessing the wide range of organisations and communities involved, highlighted how well we can work together to achieve meaningful outcomes through accumulative effort.

As we move toward net zero, our landscapes will inevitably change. We need to store more carbon and support a greater number of species, improving biodiversity and increasing our resilience to the effects of climate change. Achieving this goal requires collaboration across all sectors and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure they are at the forefront of positive change. Working alongside organisations from the public, private, and third sectors, the Natural Capital Community Partnerships team is driving natural capital projects that deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment.