Bamff Estate in Perthshire has become one of the first places in Scotland to pilot a new, globally recognised conservation approach aimed at protecting and enhancing biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas.

Located on the Highland Boundary Fault, Bamff is a patchwork of woodland, wetland, pasture and hill, and among a select group of early adopters trialling ‘Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures’ (OECMs). These internationally recognised designations are being introduced in Scotland to complement existing protected areas and account for land being managed in ways that deliver long-term benefits for nature. 

The 1,300-acre estate is a partner in SCOTLAND: The Big Picture’s Northwoods Rewilding Network, a growing chain of landholdings across the country united by a common commitment to nature recovery.

‘We’re really excited that Bamff is playing a leading role in shaping how this new tool for nature recovery will work in Scotland,’ says Sophie Ramsay, Manager at Bamff Estate. ‘Getting involved was an easy decision – I feel a strong moral obligation to play our part in nature recovery on the world stage; after all, we expect other countries with far fewer resources to do the same. For me, this is an opportunity to set an example here, and manage adaptively for nature where we see biodiversity and ecological resilience as the primary goal.

‘It’s not enough to just conserve, we have to actively restore,’ she continues. ‘We have a long-standing commitment to ecological restoration at Bamff and to the wider rewilding movement in Scotland, which is gaining traction, but there’s still much progress to be made.’

Unlike traditional designations, OECMs do not require nature conservation to be the primary purpose of the land. Instead, they recognise that biodiversity can thrive in many settings – whether the result of farming, forestry, rewilding or community stewardship – provided that ecological benefits are sustained over time.

Bamff Estate’s involvement has helped to shape how the new process will work, testing the application criteria, providing feedback on guidance and demonstrating the value of land managed for ecosystem health.

‘Bamff’s early participation in this scheme befits its status as a rewilding pioneer in Scotland,’ adds Northwoods Manager with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, James Nairne. ’Bamff is synonymous with ecological stewardship. It was one of the first sites in the UK to reintroduce biodiversity-benefiting beavers, and has since become known for its science-led approach to wetland restoration and the introduction of wild grazing herbivores. Scotland’s OECM designation will be all the richer for Bamff's involvement.’ 

The designation is being seen as a key part of Scotland’s response to the twin climate and nature crises. Alongside traditional protected areas, OECMs will contribute to the country’s ‘30X30’ target, a commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.

‘Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world,’ explains Joshua Lawton, 30X30 Project Officer with NatureScot, tasked with implementing OECMs. ‘Reversing this trend will require action across all landscapes and sectors. That’s where OECMs come in — recognising that great things for biodiversity are already happening in places that aren’t currently on the map as protected areas.’

The pilot phase for OECMs in Scotland will conclude this Spring, with the first recognised sites expected to be announced later in the year. A wide range of organisations are currently involved in piloting the designation, including community groups, private estates, public bodies and environmental NGOs.

NatureScot has signalled that this is just the beginning: ‘We’re keen to hear from other landowners, farmers, communities and managers who want to explore OECM recognition,’ continues Joshua. ‘Restoring nature is everyone’s business, and now we have a new way to recognise and support those doing it well.’

Acting  Climate Action Minister, Dr Alasdair Allan, adds: ‘We need strong partnership working across Scotland in order to meet our ambitious goal to protect 30% of our land for nature by 2030. The stewards of our land, rivers, lochs and seas have the knowledge and skills to drive the transformation that is needed to enable nature's recovery.

‘I’d like to thank Bamff Estate for being an early champion of OECMs, and their determined workers who are tirelessly striving to protect and enhance biodiversity.’