A new farming and rural landscape initiative has been launched for the Carse of Stirling and Upper Forth area to provide valuable support and resources for local farmers and land managers to address these challenges.
The New Upper Forth Regenerative Farming Partnership project is led by the Carse of Stirling Partnership supported by Propagate Scotland CIC and aims to share learning and support practical solutions to the challenges facing agriculture in the local area with a focus on regenerative farming.
This has been set up as a part of Propagate Scotland’s Farm Cluster Connections project, funded by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF), which aims to set up and connect Farm Clusters around the country.
Read more at – Creating a network of farmer knowledge sharing clusters across Scotland
This project complements The Resilient Landscapes: Upper Forth Partnership (RLUF) which was also announced in late 2025 which aims to increase climate resilience and optimise water resources for people and nature across the Upper Forth catchment. Led by Forth Rivers Trust in partnership with the Carse of Stirling Partnership and Glasgow Caledonian University, RLUF is designed to encourage practical collaborations on nature-based solutions across the region.
Both projects will work together to create an Upper Forth Farmer and Land manager led network focusing on important topics such as regenerative farming and sustainable water management.
The Upper Forth landscape, from Loch Ard to the Carse of Stirling, is a rich mosaic of productive farmland, woodlands, wetlands, lochs, and protected sites, supporting diverse wildlife and vital habitats. Many areas, however, are under pressure, with degraded and fragmented ecosystems and soils contributing to impacts on businesses and the environment including flooding, water shortages, and biodiversity decline.
“There is already a lot of good work happening in regenerative farming, nature friendly farming and agro-ecological farming on the Carse and Upper Forth” said Kate Sankey, Board member, Carse of Stirling Partnership. “but it can sometimes be difficult to feel part of a bigger picture. We want to bring farmers and land managers together to share learning, support each other and encourage others to get onboard.”
By bringing people together across sectors, the Upper Forth Farmer and Land Manager Network looks to help farmers and land managers share skills, local knowledge, and ideas. The network will build a shared understanding of catchment challenges and the benefits of regenerative farming and nature-based solutions for water resilience, including flood retention and mitigation, carbon sequestration, soil health improvements, improved food and water security, reduced erosion, enhanced biodiversity, and the potential for new income streams and job creation for farmers and land managers.
To celebrate the two initiatives, the Carse of Stirling Partnership is hosting a social event with lunch and an optional farm walk to bring together farmers and land managers in the Upper Forth on 6th February 2026, 12 – 2pm at West Moss-side Farm, Thornhill FK8 3QJ to talk about issues of concern for farming and land management in the Upper Forth.
If you are a farmer or land or estate manager or small holder in the Upper Forth and you would like to attend the social event please register here.
If you have ideas to share or could host a farm walk, please get in touch with Jenny MacGillivray on jenny@propagate.org.uk
About Carse of Stirling Partnership
The Carse of Stirling Partnership is a charitable, volunteer-led body which aims to bring people together to improve the natural & cultural heritage of the Carse of Stirling. It fosters community engagement with the local environment through a variety of innovative and creative projects.
A current focus is on Action for Climate Change with a community-wide initiative funded by the Climate Hub, FEL
www.thecarseofstirlingpartnership.org
About Propagate (Scotland) CIC
Propagate is a community interest company working throughout Scotland to build resilient local food systems and support the transition to regenerative agriculture. Through training, facilitation, and partnership projects, Propagate connects farmers, growers, and communities to share knowledge, strengthen local economies, and restore ecosystems.
🌐 www.propagate.org.uk
About the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF)
The Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) supports projects that promote innovation and knowledge exchange in agriculture, forestry, and rural industries. The fund aims to improve sustainability, productivity, and environmental performance by helping farmers, crofters, and land managers access new ideas and technologies.
🌐 www.gov.scot/policies/agriculture/knowledge-transfer-and-innovation-fund