Representing SEFARI at UK Parliament

Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.

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SEFARI Fellowship to produce a strategic route map for optimising the potential uses of environmental DNA and other biomolecules to efficiently monitor, and better understand, Scotland’s natural environment

Report prepared by SEFARI Fellows David Cooke and Eulyn Pagaling 
The James Hutton Institute

eDNA: A Smarter Way to Track Scotland’s Environment

This research drew up a route map to show how Scotland can reach its potential of becoming leaders in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecules for environmental monitoring and assessment. Biodiversity and environmental condition can be more efficiently and comprehensively assessed using eDNA than by using many traditional methods. They offer a powerful new approach, but there is currently no fully coordinated national strategy in Scotland.

Hold It There: Optimising Nature-Based Flood Storage in Rural Catchments

Flooding is becoming more frequent as rainfall intensifies, prompting growing interest in nature-based approaches that work with the landscape to slow, store and filter water. Temporary storage areas are small features that capture and temporarily hold runoff, typically in rural upper parts of a catchment, before slowly releasing it. However, there is limited evidence on how to design these measures so they perform reliably during large storm events.

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