1. A Perspective on behalf of
Landowners / Land managers
Marsden Moor
2. Simon Thorp
• Rural Chartered Surveyor
• Chartered Environmentalist
• Director of The Heather Trust
– since May 2002
• Principal of Simon Thorp & Associates
• Director of Scotland’s Moorland Forum
– since November 2007
– Chairman of the Peatland Working Group
• Deputy Chairman England & Wales Wildfire
Forum
• Based in Dumfries
– Working throughout the UK and beyond
3. The Heather Trust
• The Heather Trust is:
– A charity
– Dedicated to moorland management
throughout the UK
– A membership organisation
• What do we do?
– seek to integrate all management
– provide an independent view
– work for & with: private landowners,
farmers, agencies & NGOs
– contribute to committees & consultations
4. The Heather Trust
Approach
• Start from a land management position
– Moorland needs management
– Much follows from management
• Often working with farming issues
– Ultimate managers of moorland go ‘baa’ or
‘moo’
• We are not scientists
– Provide a scientific bridge between
researchers and farmers & managers
6. Landowners perception
• Landowners objectives
– Why own land?
– Existing sources of income?
• Has the message about got through
about:
– The value of peat & carbon?
– Ecosystem services?
• Message about water easier
• What’s in it for me?
– Cannot assume altruistic support?
– Carrot more effective than stick
– PES / carbon trading
7. Landowner liaison
• Need to explain what is involved
– Use correct language
– Not dumbing down
• Demonstrate value
– Ensure there is substance not froth
• Demonstration events & projects
– Actions speak louder than words
– Explanation from peers – more impact
than scientific argument
• Part of the solution
– Work with landowners & managers
from the outset
– not as an afterthought
8. Shameless Plug
• Sphagnum Moss Guide
– Know your mosses
– Identify the peat forming mosses
– Available through HT website
• £3.75 incl P&P
